Get Started with Ledger: Secure Your Crypto Journey
Welcome to Ledger. This page will guide you through the essential steps to securely set up your Ledger hardware wallet and start managing your cryptocurrency with confidence. Ledger wallets are designed to give you full control over your digital assets by keeping your private keys offline and safe from online threats.
Whether you are new to crypto or transitioning from an exchange, Ledger makes it easy to manage your assets securely while maintaining complete ownership. By following this guide, you will set up your device correctly and learn essential best practices to protect your crypto.
Why Choose a Ledger Hardware Wallet?
Owning cryptocurrency comes with responsibility. Unlike online wallets or exchange accounts, Ledger hardware wallets store your private keys offline in a secure chip. This greatly reduces the risk of hacking, phishing, or malware attacks.
Benefits of using Ledger include:
Full control of your private keys
Offline security for peace of mind
Verification of all transactions directly on the device
Support for thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens
Easy recovery of assets if your device is lost or damaged
Ledger wallets protect the keys that access your funds, but your crypto remains on the blockchain. This means only you can authorize transactions.
What You Need Before You Begin
Before setting up your Ledger device, make sure you have:
A new Ledger wallet with intact packaging
A computer or smartphone with internet access
A quiet, private environment for setup
Pen and paper to write down your recovery phrase
Important: Never attempt to set up your wallet in public or while sharing screens. Security starts with keeping your information private.
Step 1: Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official app for setting up and managing your Ledger device. It allows you to install cryptocurrency apps, add accounts, track balances, send and receive crypto, and monitor your portfolio.
Steps to download Ledger Live:
Visit the official Ledger website or verified app stores.
Download Ledger Live for desktop or mobile.
Install the app and select “Get Started.”
⚠️ Only download Ledger Live from official sources to avoid fake apps and phishing attempts.
Step 2: Set Up Your Ledger Device
Connect your Ledger wallet to your computer or smartphone. Ledger Live and the device will guide you through setup.
During setup, you will:
Choose a PIN code to protect your device
Generate a recovery phrase as a backup
Confirm the recovery phrase to ensure it’s recorded correctly
PIN code tip: Choose a code that is hard to guess and never share it with anyone. Memorize it and do not store it digitally.
Step 3: Secure Your Recovery Phrase
Your recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase) consists of 24 words generated by your Ledger device. This phrase is the only way to restore access if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Security rules for your recovery phrase:
Write the words down in the exact order
Store them offline in a safe location
Never photograph or store your seed digitally
Never share it with anyone
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase online. Anyone with access to it can control your crypto, so safeguarding it is crucial.
Step 4: Install Cryptocurrency Apps and Add Accounts
Once your device is set up, Ledger Live lets you install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.
Key points:
Installing an app does not move crypto onto your device; it remains on the blockchain.
The Ledger device secures the private keys needed to access your assets.
After installing apps, you can add accounts in Ledger Live to view balances, track transactions, and manage multiple wallets in one interface.
Step 5: Send and Receive Crypto
To receive crypto:
Open the relevant account in Ledger Live
Click Receive and verify the address on your Ledger device
Share the verified address with the sender
To send crypto:
Click Send in Ledger Live
Enter the recipient address and amount
Verify transaction details on your Ledger device
Confirm the transaction
Always verify addresses and amounts directly on the device to prevent malware from altering transaction details.
Security Best Practices
Using a hardware wallet is one part of protecting your crypto. Follow these best practices to stay safe:
Keep your recovery phrase private and offline
Avoid phishing emails and fake support messages
Only trust official Ledger communication channels
Never enter your recovery phrase on websites or apps
Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date
Security is a continuous habit. Following these guidelines ensures your funds remain safe.
Take Control of Your Crypto
You are now ready to use Ledger securely. Take time to explore Ledger Live, learn about supported assets, and understand blockchain transactions. True ownership means responsibility, and Ledger gives you the tools to manage your crypto safely and confidently.
Start smart, stay cautious, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with secure crypto management. Ledger is your trusted partner on your journey to full control of your digital assets.