Get started with Ledger — Ledger.com/start
Secure your crypto, simply and confidently
Quick overview & handling guide
A concise, colorful 10-slide presentation (≈1,500 words) with clear headings (H1–H5), helpful links, and practical steps to set up and handle your Ledger hardware wallet.
Why choose Ledger for your crypto security?
Hardware wallets protect private keys
Ledger devices store private keys offline inside a secure chip — isolated from your computer or phone. Using Ledger dramatically reduces risks from malware, phishing, and remote hacks because transactions are confirmed physically on the device before signing.
Key benefits
Offline key storage
Private keys never leave the device.Verified transactions
All transactions require physical approval on the Ledger screen.Wide coin support
Supports hundreds of coins and tokens via Ledger Live or third-party apps.
Unboxing — What to expect
When you receive a Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.), inspect the sealed packaging. Inside you'll typically find the device, a USB cable, recovery seed card, and quick start guide. Do not accept a device with tampered seals.
First checks
Check the box seal, confirm the device boots with Ledger branding, and only follow instructions from Ledger’s official site: ledger.com/start.
Handling tip
Never share your recovery seed with anyone or enter it into a website or app. Ledger will never ask for your full recovery phrase.
Initial setup — Step by step
Prepare and connect
Connect your Ledger to a computer or mobile device using the supplied cable or Bluetooth (on supported models). Open Ledger Live or visit the official start page and follow the on-screen setup steps.
Core steps
Choose “Initialize as new device”
Create a PIN code
Pick a PIN you can remember but isn’t obvious.Write down your recovery phrase
Store it offline on the provided card—never in a screenshot or cloud service.
Ledger Live — Your control center
Ledger Live is the official app to manage accounts, check balances, and install apps on your device. It’s available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. Use Ledger Live to keep software updated and to interact with your Ledger securely.
Main features
Account management
Add and view multiple cryptocurrency accounts.Manager
Install coin apps to the device securely.Portfolio
Track portfolio value across assets.
Pro tip
Always download Ledger Live from the official site and verify signatures when instructed. Avoid third-party package downloads from unknown sources.
Receiving and sending — Practical handling
Receiving funds
To receive funds, generate a receiving address from Ledger Live (or the device) and double-check the address on the Ledger screen before sharing it. Address verification prevents address-replacement attacks.
Sending funds
When sending, review amount and recipient on your computer and verify the transaction details displayed on the Ledger device before approving. Never approve if anything looks suspicious.
Safety checks
Confirm the address checksum and the amount. If a dApp prompts you to sign arbitrary messages, understand why it needs the signature before approving.
Recovery, backup & emergencies
Recovery phrase handling
Your recovery phrase (24 words on many models) restores access to funds if the device is lost or damaged. Store this phrase offline, in multiple secure physical locations if possible (safe, safety deposit box).
Do not
- Share the phrase with anyone.
- Type the phrase into web forms or store it digitally (cloud, photos, note apps).
Emergency plan
Consider a trusted person with clear instructions to access the recovery only under pre-agreed conditions or use a multisig setup for shared custody of high-value assets.
Common mistakes and quick fixes
Top mistakes
Sharing recovery phrase
Never reveal it.Using unofficial firmware/software
Only update through Ledger Live or official instructions.Ignoring device prompts
Always verify on device screen before confirming.
How to avoid them
Adopt a checklist: verify site URL, confirm device prompts, keep backups, and regularly update your device firmware through Ledger Live.
Advanced handling: multisig, passphrase, and integrations
Passphrase (advanced users)
A passphrase is an optional extra word that creates an additional wallet (plausible deniability). Use it cautiously — losing the passphrase means losing access to the associated funds.
Multisig and third-party wallets
For extra security, combine Ledger with multisig setups (e.g., using Electrum, Gnosis Safe). Third-party integrations extend Ledger’s usability but always verify the external app’s authenticity.
When to get help
If you manage large holdings or complex setups, consult security-focused professionals and review official Ledger documentation for best practices.
Summary and where to go next
Key takeaways
Ledger protects private keys by keeping them offline and requiring physical confirmation on the device. Set a strong PIN, secure your recovery phrase, use Ledger Live from the official site, and verify every transaction on the device screen.
Useful links
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