Ledger.com/start | Getting Started with Your Ledger …

Introduction

Welcome — this guide is written as a presentation-style HTML document to walk you through everything you need to know when you first receive your Ledger device. It’s designed for beginners and intermediate users alike. We'll cover unboxing, initializing your device, understanding recovery phrases, installing apps, sending and receiving crypto, routine maintenance, and best security practices.

Note: Ledger hardware wallets store private keys offline. That means your keys are never exposed to the internet. This guide emphasizes steps to keep those keys safe while using Ledger alongside Ledger Live or third-party wallet apps.

Why use a Ledger hardware wallet?

Hardware wallets like Ledger provide cold storage for your private keys. Compared with software wallets on phones or desktops, hardware wallets significantly reduce the attack surface for hackers, malware, and phishing. The device signs transactions locally — the private keys never leave the device.

Benefits at a glance

• High security: Private keys stored on secure chip
• Offline signing: Transactions are authorized on-device
• Recovery support: Use the recovery phrase if device is lost or damaged
• Multi-coin: Ledger supports many blockchains via apps

Unboxing and initial verification

When your Ledger arrives, verify the packaging and tamper evidence. Ledger ships in plain boxes with tamper-evident seals on official units. Only proceed if packaging appears intact.

Checklist

1. Check packaging for tamper seals and authenticity stickers.
2. Confirm you received the Ledger device, a USB cable, and recovery sheets (paper).
3. Do not accept unsolicited help via email, phone, or chat claiming they can set up your device for you.

Initial Setup — step-by-step

Follow these steps to initialize your Ledger for the first time.

Understanding and protecting your recovery phrase

The recovery phrase is the absolute key to your funds. Anyone who has your recovery phrase can restore your wallet and take your assets. Treat it like the most valuable secret you own.

Best practices for your recovery phrase

• Write it only on the physical recovery sheet. Do not store it digitally (no photos, no cloud storage, no password managers unless you know advanced encryption practices).
• Store copies in separate secure locations (e.g., safe deposit box, home safe).
• Consider metal backup solutions designed to survive fire and corrosion for long-term storage.
• Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.

If you suspect your recovery phrase was exposed, move funds to a new wallet with a new device and new phrase immediately.

Installing blockchain apps

Ledger devices support multiple blockchains through compact apps you install via Ledger Live. Each coin typically requires its own app to sign transactions.

How to install an app

1. Open Ledger Live, go to the "Manager" tab.
2. Connect and unlock your device.
3. Select the app for the coin you want (e.g., Bitcoin) and click "Install".

Troubleshooting installations

If you encounter "insufficient space" errors, uninstall unused apps (you can reinstall them later without losing accounts). Ledger devices allocate storage to apps; removing an app does not delete the accounts on the blockchain — only the local app instance.

Adding accounts in Ledger Live

After installing an app for a blockchain, add an account in Ledger Live to view balances and prepare transactions.

Steps

1. Open Ledger Live and click "Accounts" > "Add account".
2. Select the blockchain and follow on-screen instructions while your device is connected and the app is open.
3. Ledger Live will synchronize with the blockchain and display balances & transactions.

Sending and receiving crypto

Using Ledger Live or supported third-party wallets, you can receive and send funds. Always verify addresses on your device's screen before approving a transaction — this prevents host-based tampering where a computer displays a different address than the one being signed on the device.

Receiving

To receive funds, open your receiving address in Ledger Live and verify the address on your ledger device. Share that verified address with the sender.

Sending

1. Enter the recipient address in Ledger Live or your wallet app.
2. Review the transaction details and network fee.
3. Confirm and then approve the transaction on the Ledger device screen.

Security best practices

Security is layered. A hardware wallet is a powerful layer, but you still need to practice safe habits around backups, device handling, and online behavior.

Do

• Keep your recovery phrase offline and in multiple secure places.
• Use a strong PIN and change it periodically if you suspect compromise.
• Verify addresses on-device before approving.
• Keep device firmware up to date using Ledger Live's official updates.

Don't

• Don't type your recovery phrase into any computer or phone.
• Don't share your phrase or PIN with anyone.
• Avoid using unknown or untrusted third-party wallet integrations unless you understand the trade-offs.

Firmware updates

Ledger occasionally releases firmware updates to improve security and compatibility. Ledger Live will notify you when an update is available. Follow instructions carefully; verify everything using the device screen. Never install firmware from untrusted sources.

Advanced: Passphrase, Derivation paths, and Multi-account management

Advanced users may wish to add an optional passphrase (often called the 25th word) to create hidden wallets or use different derivation paths for advanced compatibility. A passphrase increases security but also increases complexity: if you forget it, funds are irrecoverable.

Passphrase caution

Only use a passphrase if you fully understand the consequences. Keep the passphrase as secure as the recovery phrase. Consider separate storage for passphrase and recovery phrase, and never store both in the same place.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not recognized

Try a different USB cable, different USB port, or another computer. Ensure the device is unlocked and screen active.

Incorrect address shown on computer

Always trust the address displayed on your Ledger device. Reject the transaction in the wallet if addresses don't match.

Lost device

If you lose the device but have your recovery phrase, buy a new compatible device and restore using the recovery phrase. If you do not have the recovery phrase, funds are lost.

Daily and monthly routines

Adopt simple routines to keep your funds safe and your device functional.

• Daily: Check balances, review unfamiliar transactions, and avoid approving unexpected requests.
• Monthly: Verify backups, check firmware updates, and review installed apps for cleanup.

Use Cases: How people commonly use Ledger

Long-term cold storage

Many users keep the majority of their holdings in Ledger as cold storage, only moving smaller amounts to hot wallets for daily use.

Active multi-asset management

With apps installed for various blockchains, users can manage multiple coins without exposing private keys.

Interaction with DeFi & staking

Ledger can be connected to web3 dapps and staking platforms through secure integrations; always verify the dapp and consider the risks of smart contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ledger be hacked?

No device is 100% immune, but Ledger's design greatly reduces remote attack vectors. The biggest risk often comes from phishing, social engineering, or exposed recovery phrases.

Do I need Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official management app and is recommended for most users. Advanced users can use third-party wallets that support Ledger devices.

Glossary

Cold wallet

A wallet that stores private keys offline.

Recovery phrase

A human-readable set of words that encodes your private keys.

Passphrase

An optional extra word/password used to create hidden wallets.

Printable quick-reference slide

This quick reference can be printed and stored with your recovery sheet.

Conclusion & further resources

Setting up your Ledger carefully protects your access to crypto assets. Follow security best practices and keep your recovery phrase offline. For official resources and support, always visit ledger.com.