ok | Getting Started — Discover our step-by-step guide to set up Ledger Desktop safely.
Welcome to Ledger Desktop. This centralized guide walks you through installation, secure initialization, backup best practices, transaction flow, and ongoing device hygiene. Whether you are new to hardware wallets or migrating from another solution, this guide is written to reduce common setup errors and help you keep your crypto assets secure.
Step-by-step initialization flow with recommended entropy checks and PIN selection advice. Use a clean desktop environment and keep recovery words offline.
Best practices for storing the recovery phrase, using durable backups, and creating multiple secure copies. Avoid digital copies and screenshots.
How transactions are constructed and verified locally on the device before broadcasting. Understand what the device displays and why it matters.
Why firmware updates are important and how to apply them safely. Validate update prompts shown on your device screen.
Minimize metadata exposure with best practices for wallet addresses, transaction batching, and network hygiene.
How to use the built-in apps and compatible wallets while keeping private keys secure. Understand tradeoffs when using third-party integrations.
Inspect the device packaging for tamper evidence. Confirm you have the recovery materials and the device serial.
Power on the device and choose a unique PIN. Avoid obvious sequences and never store the PIN alongside the recovery phrase.
Write down the recovery phrase on the supplied recovery sheet or a durable physical medium. Double-check each word while offline.
Follow the device prompts to confirm a subset of the recovery phrase words. This verifies you copied them correctly.
Open Ledger Desktop on your computer, follow on-screen steps to pair the device, and grant local permission where required.
Create or import cryptocurrency accounts in Ledger Desktop and review address derivation details before receiving funds.
Send a minimal test transaction to confirm the setup is fully functional before transferring large amounts.
Enable automatic firmware integrity checks in the app settings and review prompts on the device when updates are available.
Consider using multiple secure physical backups stored in separate locations (safe, trusted deposit box) to reduce single-point failure risk.
Periodically verify backups and confirm the device boots correctly. Keep software up to date and remove unused account entries.
Use this internal checklist as a reminder during setup. Each item below is action-oriented and focused on minimizing risk during onboarding.
Your recovery phrase is the ultimate key to your assets. Keep it physically secure, never type it into devices connected to the internet, and consider a fireproof/waterproof storage option.
If you lose the hardware, your funds remain recoverable with the recovery phrase on a different compatible device. If you lose both the device and recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.
Ledger Desktop supports building and signing transactions locally. Final broadcasting requires network connectivity; however, you may use an air-gapped workflow where the signed transaction is transferred to a separate online machine for broadcast.
Follow on-device prompts during firmware updates and confirm the update origin presented by the device. The desktop app helps orchestrate updates, but the final verification should be visible on the device screen.
Below is a more comprehensive list of security best practices that cover everyday use, travel, and legacy planning. These statements are intentionally thorough to improve on-page SEO and provide clear guidance to readers at different knowledge levels.
Treat the device and recovery materials like high-value personal property. Keep them in secure, separate locations and avoid leaving both in a single accessible place.
Use separate machines for high-value operations when possible. Avoid public Wi-Fi for wallet operations and consider using a trusted VPN on untrusted networks.
A robust backup strategy involves multiple physical backups stored in geographically separate locations. Test recovery procedures periodically.
Plan for inheritance by documenting recovery procedures in a secure, legally appropriate way. Consider a trusted executor and discuss your intentions with relevant parties.
This checklist is designed as a short summary for quick reference during setup and routine checks:
Below are very detailed, practical steps for users who want an exhaustive reference. These are written to be clear and actionable while avoiding external references.
Clean desk, stable power, offline if possible. Keep recovery materials nearby but out of sight. Disable screen recording tools and close unrelated browser tabs during sensitive steps.
Use the supplied cable and a trusted USB port. Avoid public charging stations. Confirm device startup sequence and review on-screen prompts carefully.
Choose a PIN length that balances convenience and entropy. Avoid sequential numbers and birthdates. Memorize the PIN and never store it with your recovery phrase.
Write each word slowly and verify spelling. If a word is unclear, consult the device’s built-in dictionary prompt rather than guessing.
Use the device’s verification flow to confirm selected words. This reduces transcription errors and ensures recoverability.
Open Ledger Desktop, choose the local pairing option, and follow prompts. Carefully check addresses before receiving funds.
Send a test transaction and confirm every detail on the device screen: amount, recipient address, and fees.
Schedule quarterly checks to ensure firmware is up-to-date and backups remain accessible. Rotate physical backup locations if needed.