Ledger.com Start Guide: Your Crypto Security Companion

Ledger hardware wallets are designed to protect your digital assets with unmatched security. This guide takes you step-by-step from unboxing to advanced security practices, helping beginners and crypto enthusiasts securely manage their portfolios.

Step 1: Unboxing Your Ledger Device

Open your Ledger package carefully. Inside, you will find the hardware wallet, USB cable, recovery sheet, and quick-start guide. Check for tampering; Ledger devices are shipped sealed and uninitialized.

Step 2: Connecting Your Device and Initial Setup

Connect your Ledger device to a computer or smartphone. Choose to either create a new wallet or restore an existing one using your recovery phrase.

  • Create a new wallet: Set a secure PIN and write down your 24-word recovery phrase carefully.
  • Restore a wallet: Input your existing recovery phrase to regain access to your crypto funds.

Step 3: Setting a Strong PIN

Choose a PIN that is unique and difficult to guess. Avoid obvious patterns like “1234” or repeated digits. Multiple failed attempts will temporarily lock the device to prevent unauthorized access.

Step 4: Securing Your Recovery Phrase

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the ultimate key to your crypto wallet. Keep it secure:

  • Write down all words in the correct order on the recovery sheet.
  • Never store it digitally or online.
  • Make multiple offline backups in safe locations.
  • Do not share it with anyone or type it into websites or apps.

Step 5: Installing Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official management app for your wallet. With Ledger Live, you can monitor balances, send and receive crypto, install apps for specific currencies, and update your device firmware securely.

  • Install the apps corresponding to the cryptocurrencies you want to manage.
  • Monitor transaction history and portfolio performance.
  • Keep Ledger Live and firmware updated to maintain security.

Step 6: Adding and Managing Accounts

After installing the cryptocurrency apps, add accounts in Ledger Live. Each account tracks balances, transactions, and provides a secure interface to manage your assets.

Step 7: Sending and Receiving Cryptocurrency

Always verify wallet addresses on the Ledger device itself. Use Ledger Live to safely send and receive crypto, confirming each transaction carefully to prevent errors and phishing attacks.

Step 8: Firmware and App Updates

Regularly update your device firmware and apps via Ledger Live. Updates improve device security, add new features, and ensure compatibility with new cryptocurrencies and blockchain networks.

Step 9: Advanced Security Tips

  • Maintain multiple offline backups of your recovery phrase.
  • Always verify transaction addresses on your Ledger device.
  • Be alert to phishing attempts, malware, and suspicious emails.
  • Keep Ledger Live and firmware regularly updated.
  • Consider storing backups in secure locations separated geographically.

Your Ledger Wallet is Fully Ready!

Your Ledger wallet setup is now complete. By following best security practices, updating firmware, and safeguarding your recovery phrase, your crypto assets are well-protected. Ledger provides a reliable foundation for securely managing and growing your cryptocurrency portfolio.