Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started

Why a hardware wallet matters

If you're holding cryptocurrency or digital assets, a hardware wallet like Ledger helps you keep your private keys offline and out of reach from theft, malware, and phishing. Unlike exchanges or software wallets, hardware wallets keep the signing process isolated — your keys never leave the device.

Security basics — the elevator pitch

Think of your Ledger as a secure vault. When you sign a transaction, only the vault signs it — your private key stays inside. Even if your computer is compromised, the attacker can't access the key directly. That's why many experts recommend using hardware wallets for long-term storage or high-value holdings.

Core benefits

• Private keys stay offline.
• Transactions must be physically approved on the device.
• Backup and recoverability via recovery phrase.
• Compatibility with many blockchains and apps.

Quick tip

Always buy from the Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® to avoid tampered or counterfeit devices.

Getting started — unboxing and first steps

Unboxing a Ledger device is a simple but important ritual. The device is compact, metal-sheathed, and purposely minimal. Here are the steps you’ll follow from unboxing to receiving your first transaction.

What you'll need

• A Ledger device (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X) purchased from the Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®.
• A desktop or mobile device with internet for installing Ledger Live.
• A calm, private space to write down your recovery phrase.

Step-by-step installation

1. Go to https://www.ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live for your OS.
2. Open Ledger Live and follow the setup wizard to initialize a new device.
3. Create a PIN on the device — choose something memorable but not trivial.
4. Write down the 24-word recovery phrase (seed) on the supplied card. This is the single backup to your crypto — store it offline and never share it.
5. Install the apps you need in Ledger Live (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
6. Receive a small test transaction to confirm everything works.

Why the recovery phrase matters

The 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your funds. If your device is lost or damaged, that phrase allows you to recover your wallet on another device. Never store it digitally, never share it, and never type it into a website.

Safety checklist

• Buy from the Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®.
• Set a PIN; never reveal it.
• Keep the recovery phrase offline and in a secure place.
• Confirm app interactions on the device screen, not just on your computer.

Using Ledger Live: day-to-day management

Ledger Live is the companion app where you manage accounts, install apps, and check balances. It connects to your Ledger device to display account details, but the private keys remain on the device.

Adding accounts

Inside Ledger Live you can add multiple blockchain accounts. Each account corresponds to an address or set of addresses generated from your recovery phrase. You can add a Bitcoin account, an Ethereum account, and many others.

Sending and receiving crypto

To receive funds, create an account in Ledger Live and copy the receive address. Always verify the receive address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it. To send funds, create a transaction in Ledger Live and confirm the details directly on the Ledger device.

Staking and DeFi

Ledger supports staking for certain assets and integrates with Web3 apps. When interacting with DeFi apps, make sure you’re connecting to legitimate platforms and verify transactions on the device. Ledger acts as the signer — never sign anything you don’t understand.

Pro tip

Use the Manager section of Ledger Live to keep the device firmware and apps up to date — firmware updates include important security patches and new features.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Even with a hardware wallet, users sometimes fall prey to scams. Awareness is your best defense.

Phishing

Phishing sites often mimic official platforms and emails. Always verify URLs and only start setup or download Ledger Live from the Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®. Never enter your recovery phrase into a website or app.

Social engineering

Scammers may pretend to be support agents. Ledger’s official support will never ask for your recovery phrase or PIN. If someone asks, stop immediately.

Unsafe backups

Digital backups (photos, cloud storage) are dangerous. Use industry-standard options like steel seed storage if you want maximum durability — but still keep it physically secure and private.

What to do if something goes wrong

• Device not recognized: check cable, USB port, and Ledger Live version.
• Forgot PIN: use your recovery phrase to restore the wallet on another Ledger device or compatible wallet.
• Suspected compromise: move funds (if you can) to new addresses derived from a new recovery phrase generated on a secure, trusted device.

Advanced tips for power users

Once you're comfortable, here are a few advanced techniques to maximize security and usability.

Use multiple accounts and passphrase (for advanced users)

Ledger supports an optional passphrase feature that creates additional hidden wallets derived from the same recovery phrase. This can increase security but adds complexity — document your approach carefully and never forget the passphrase.

Cold storage best practices

• Keep the device in a secure, offline location when not in use.
• Use tamper-evident packaging and record serial numbers if you’re storing devices long-term.
• Consider splitting recovery phrase backups into multiple geographically separated locations.

Interoperability and wallets

Ledger devices are compatible with many third-party wallets and Web3 services — MetaMask, Solflare, and others. When connecting, always confirm the origin and URL of the service and validate transaction details on the device.

Reminder

Prefer downloads and setup from the Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® to avoid counterfeit or fraudulent software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where do I download Ledger Live?

A: From the Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®. Always confirm the domain and avoid third-party downloads.

Q: Can Ledger be hacked?

A: No device is absolutely immune to risk, but Ledger's design places private keys in a secure element and requires physical confirmation on signing. Most breaches happen via social engineering or compromised backup practices, not via the hardware itself.

Q: What if I lose my device?

A: Use your 24-word recovery phrase to restore accounts on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. That phrase is the real key — keep it safe.

Q: Is Ledger compatible with my coin?

A: Ledger supports hundreds of assets. Use Ledger Live or the Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® documentation to verify support for specific tokens.

Final thoughts — secure your future

Adopting a hardware wallet is a meaningful step toward securing your digital wealth. It removes a single point of weakness — leaving your private keys in the hands of hardware and cryptography rather than passwords and custodial platforms.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced holder, prioritize buying from the Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®, follow best practices for backups, and treat your recovery phrase like the most valuable thing you own.