Overview
What is Ledger?
Ledger is a hardware wallet company built to help you securely store and manage cryptocurrency private keys offline.
This short presentation explains how to get started at Ledger.com/start, set up your device, and use it safely for daily management, backups, and routine maintenance.
Who this guide is for
New users who just bought a Ledger device or those evaluating Ledger for secure key management.
Goals
- Complete device setup and initial backup
- Understand basic security best practices
- Install apps and use Ledger with common wallets
Unboxing & first steps
What you’ll find in the box
A typical Ledger package contains the hardware device (Nano S or Nano X depending on model), a USB cable or Bluetooth-capable battery, a recovery sheet, and documentation.
Verify the package seal before opening and only use the Ledger.com/start instructions to avoid social-engineering traps.
Initial connection
Connect the Ledger to your computer or phone as instructed. Navigate to Ledger.com/start for model-specific onboarding.
Safety tip
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase over email or phone. Treat the recovery phrase as the single most sensitive piece of information.
Device setup & recovery
Creating your PIN and recovery phrase
During setup you will choose a PIN and be shown a 24-word recovery phrase (or sometimes 12 or 18 depending on model/configuration). Write the words exactly in the order shown on the official recovery sheet.
Do not store the recovery phrase digitally, photograph it, or share it.
Backup best practices
Keep multiple physical backups in separate secure locations. If someone obtains your recovery phrase they can fully control your assets.
Recovery exercise
Practice a restore on a secondary Ledger or emulator to confirm you recorded the phrase correctly — but only after confirming official instructions from Ledger.com/start.
Installing apps & connecting wallets
Ledger Live and third-party wallet apps
Ledger Live is Ledger’s official desktop and mobile manager. Use it to install coin-specific apps, check balances, and initiate transactions.
Third-party wallets (like MetaMask, Exodus, or others) can connect to your Ledger for signing, offering extra flexibility.
How to install an app
Open Ledger Live, go to Manager, connect your device, and install the currency-specific app you need. Don’t install apps from untrusted sources.
Using with a browser wallet
When connecting to browser wallets, always verify the site domain and the transaction details before signing on your Ledger device.
Sending and receiving
Receiving funds
Always verify the receiving address on your Ledger device screen itself — not only in the app window. This guards against malware that can tamper with on-screen addresses.
Sending funds
Build the transaction inside your wallet, then physically confirm the amount and destination on your Ledger device. Only after you approve on-device will the transaction be broadcast.
Confirm every detail
If the amount or destination does not match what you expect, cancel and verify from scratch.
Maintenance & ongoing security
Firmware updates
Keep device firmware and Ledger Live up to date. Firmware updates can include important security patches. Only apply updates from Ledger Live or instructions on Ledger.com/start.
Device loss or theft
If your Ledger is lost or stolen, your assets remain safe as long as your recovery phrase is secret. Purchase a new Ledger and restore from your recovery phrase to regain control.
Long-term safety
Consider using multi-party solutions or splitting backups across trusted custodians for larger holdings.
Resources & next steps
Official resources
Primary onboarding and troubleshooting: Ledger.com/start.
Use official Ledger documentation and support channels for critical steps.
Community & learning
Read reputable guides, watch walkthroughs from trusted creators, and join community spaces where advanced topics are discussed.
Summary
Secure your recovery phrase, verify addresses on-device, keep software up to date, and follow Ledger’s official steps at Ledger.com/start.
Start setup at Ledger.com/start