Get Started with Your Ledger Device

Welcome to Ledger. This page is your official starting point for setting up a Ledger hardware wallet and learning how to securely manage digital assets. Whether you are new to crypto or moving from another wallet solution, this guide will walk you through the essential steps, best practices, and security principles you need to know before getting started.

Ledger devices are designed to give you control over your digital assets by keeping your private keys offline and protected. Taking the time to follow each step carefully is critical to ensuring the safety of your accounts.

Why Use a Ledger Hardware Wallet

A Ledger hardware wallet is a physical device that stores your private keys securely offline. Unlike software wallets or exchanges, a hardware wallet reduces exposure to online threats such as malware, phishing attacks, and unauthorized access.

With Ledger, you:

  • Own and control your private keys

  • Secure assets offline using certified hardware

  • Verify transactions on a trusted screen

  • Manage multiple cryptocurrencies from one interface

Security is not just a feature—it is the foundation of Ledger products.

Before You Begin

Before setting up your Ledger device, make sure you are prepared:

  • Use a trusted computer or smartphone

  • Ensure your internet connection is secure

  • Have a pen and paper ready to write down your recovery phrase

  • Set aside uninterrupted time to complete setup

Do not take photos of your recovery phrase, store it digitally, or share it with anyone. Ledger will never ask you for this information.

Step 1: Check Your Ledger Device

Unbox your Ledger device and inspect the packaging. Ledger devices are not preconfigured, and no recovery phrase should ever be included in the box.

If you see:

  • A recovery phrase already written down

  • A device that appears used

  • Packaging that looks tampered with

Do not use the device and contact Ledger Support.

Step 2: Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official application that allows you to manage your Ledger device and digital assets.

Ledger Live enables you to:

  • Initialize your device

  • Install cryptocurrency apps

  • Add and manage accounts

  • Send and receive assets

  • Verify transactions securely

Only download Ledger Live from official Ledger sources. Avoid third-party websites, advertisements, or links sent by email or social media.

Once installed, open Ledger Live and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 3: Initialize Your Device

When you power on your Ledger device for the first time, you will be prompted to choose between:

  • Set up as new device

  • Restore from recovery phrase

If this is your first Ledger, select Set up as new device.

Create a PIN Code

Choose a PIN code directly on the device. This PIN protects your Ledger if it is lost or accessed by someone else.

  • Use a PIN you can remember

  • Do not share it

  • Avoid easily guessable numbers

The PIN is required every time the device is unlocked.

Step 4: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

Your Ledger will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the most important part of your wallet.

The recovery phrase:

  • Is the backup of your wallet

  • Restores access if your device is lost, damaged, or replaced

  • Gives full control over your assets

Important Rules

  • Write the words down in exact order

  • Use paper or another offline method

  • Never store it digitally

  • Never share it with anyone

Ledger does not store your recovery phrase. If it is lost, access to your assets cannot be recovered.

Step 5: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase

After writing down all 24 words, your Ledger device will ask you to confirm them by selecting the correct words in order.

This step ensures:

  • You copied the phrase correctly

  • Your backup is valid

  • You understand its importance

Do not rush this step. Accuracy matters.

Step 6: Genuine Check

Ledger Live will perform a genuine check to confirm that your device is authentic.

This process:

  • Verifies secure hardware components

  • Confirms Ledger firmware integrity

  • Ensures the device has not been altered

If the device passes the genuine check, you can safely continue.

Step 7: Install Cryptocurrency Apps

Ledger devices support many cryptocurrencies. To manage them, you install apps directly onto the device using Ledger Live.

Examples include:

  • Bitcoin

  • Ethereum

  • Litecoin

  • Many other supported assets

Installing an app does not expose your private keys. Each app works within the secure environment of your Ledger device.

Step 8: Add Accounts

After installing apps, you can add accounts in Ledger Live. Accounts allow you to view balances and transaction history for each asset.

Each account:

  • Is derived securely from your recovery phrase

  • Can be re-created if needed

  • Remains protected by your Ledger

You can add multiple accounts for the same asset if desired.

Sending and Receiving Assets

Receiving

To receive assets:

  1. Open Ledger Live

  2. Select the account

  3. Verify the receiving address on your Ledger device

  4. Share the verified address

Always confirm addresses on the device screen, not just on your computer or phone.

Sending

To send assets:

  1. Enter the recipient address

  2. Review transaction details

  3. Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device

Every transaction must be physically approved on the device, adding an extra layer of protection.

Understanding Ledger Security

Ledger devices use a Secure Element chip similar to those used in passports and payment cards. Private keys never leave the device.

Key security principles:

  • Ledger does not have access to your funds

  • Ledger cannot recover your recovery phrase

  • You remain in full control at all times

Security also depends on user behavior. Staying informed and cautious is essential.

Avoiding Scams and Phishing

Scammers often target crypto users by impersonating companies or support teams.

Remember:

  • Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase

  • Ledger will never ask you to “verify” your wallet

  • Emails claiming urgency are often scams

Always access Ledger services by typing the official address directly into your browser.

Firmware Updates

Ledger periodically releases firmware updates to improve performance and security.

Updates:

  • Are optional but recommended

  • Do not affect your assets

  • Require your recovery phrase as a backup precaution

Before updating, ensure your recovery phrase is safely stored.

Backups and Long-Term Safety

Consider creating additional offline backups of your recovery phrase and storing them in secure, separate locations.

Good practices include:

  • Protecting against fire or water damage

  • Limiting access to trusted individuals

  • Reviewing storage methods periodically

Your recovery phrase is your responsibility.

If Your Device Is Lost or Damaged

If your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or stops working:

  • Your assets remain safe

  • You can restore access using your recovery phrase on a new Ledger device

  • Anyone without the recovery phrase cannot access your funds

This is why secure backup is essential.

Taking the Next Steps

Once setup is complete, you can explore Ledger Live features such as:

  • Portfolio tracking

  • Account management

  • Supported third-party services

Take time to learn, move carefully, and prioritize security over speed.

Final Reminder

Owning digital assets comes with responsibility. Ledger provides tools to help you stay secure, but only you control your keys.

  • Keep your recovery phrase private

  • Verify all transactions on your device

  • Stay informed and cautious

You are now ready to begin your journey with Ledger—securely and confidently.

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