Ledger.com/Start — Your Guide to Getting Started with Ledger

Welcome to Ledger

Congratulations on choosing Ledger to help secure your digital assets. Whether you're new to cryptocurrency or an experienced investor, Ledger provides industry-leading security designed to help you manage, protect, and grow your digital portfolio with confidence.

This page is your starting point for setting up your Ledger device, installing the necessary software, and learning the essential security practices that will help keep your assets safe. By following the steps outlined below, you'll be ready to securely access and manage thousands of supported cryptocurrencies and tokens.

Why Security Matters

Digital assets offer financial freedom and ownership, but they also come with responsibility. Unlike traditional banking systems, cryptocurrency transactions are generally irreversible. If someone gains access to your private keys or recovery phrase, they can gain control of your assets.

Ledger hardware wallets are designed to keep your private keys offline and protected from online threats. Instead of storing sensitive information on an internet-connected device, Ledger securely isolates your private keys inside a dedicated hardware security component.

By using a Ledger device together with Ledger Live, you can buy, sell, swap, stake, and manage your digital assets while maintaining a high level of security.

Step 1: Unbox Your Ledger Device

When you receive your Ledger device, carefully inspect the packaging. Your package should include:

• Your Ledger hardware wallet
• A USB cable
• Recovery sheets
• Documentation and quick-start instructions

Before proceeding, ensure that the device appears new and untampered. Ledger devices do not come with a pre-written recovery phrase. If your device arrives with a recovery phrase already written down, do not use it.

Step 2: Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion application that allows you to manage your digital assets, install apps, monitor balances, and perform transactions.

To get started:

1. Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website.
2. Install the application on your computer or mobile device.
3. Launch the application and select "Get Started."
4. Choose your Ledger device model.

Always download Ledger software from official sources. Be cautious of phishing websites, fake applications, or unofficial links that may attempt to steal your recovery phrase or personal information.

Step 3: Set Up Your Device

Once your device is connected, follow the on-screen instructions to initialize it.

During setup, you will:

• Create a PIN code.
• Generate a unique recovery phrase.
• Confirm your recovery phrase.
• Complete a device authenticity check.

Create a Strong PIN

Your PIN protects access to your device. Choose a PIN that is difficult to guess and avoid using common combinations such as birthdays or repeating numbers.

Never share your PIN with anyone.

Generate Your Recovery Phrase

Your Ledger device will generate a recovery phrase consisting of 24 words. This phrase is the master backup for your wallet.

Write each word down carefully in the exact order shown on your device.

Important reminders:

• Store your recovery phrase offline.
• Never take a photo of it.
• Never save it in cloud storage.
• Never share it with anyone.
• Ledger employees will never ask for it.

Your recovery phrase is the only way to recover access to your assets if your device is lost, damaged, or reset.

Step 4: Verify and Secure Your Backup

After writing down your recovery phrase, your device will ask you to verify selected words.

Take your time during this process. Accuracy is critical.

Once verification is complete:

• Store your recovery sheet in a secure location.
• Consider using multiple secure backup locations.
• Protect your backup from fire, water, theft, and unauthorized access.

Many users choose to store their recovery phrase in a secure safe or other protected environment.

Step 5: Add Cryptocurrency Accounts

After setup is complete, you can begin adding cryptocurrency accounts.

Using Ledger Live:

1. Open the Manager section.
2. Install the application for your chosen cryptocurrency.
3. Add an account.
4. Synchronize the account with your Ledger device.

Ledger supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including major assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other blockchain networks and tokens.

The process is simple and guided within Ledger Live.

Step 6: Receive Your First Crypto Transaction

To receive cryptocurrency:

1. Open Ledger Live.
2. Select the account you want to use.
3. Click "Receive."
4. Connect and unlock your Ledger device.
5. Verify the receiving address displayed on both the device and the application.
6. Share the verified address with the sender.

Always verify addresses directly on your Ledger device before accepting funds.

This additional verification step helps protect you from malware or address-replacement attacks.

Step 7: Send Cryptocurrency Securely

When sending assets:

1. Select the account containing your funds.
2. Click "Send."
3. Enter the recipient's address.
4. Review transaction details carefully.
5. Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device.

Before approving any transaction, double-check:

• Recipient address
• Amount being sent
• Network fees
• Asset type

Once confirmed on the blockchain, transactions generally cannot be reversed.

Understanding Your Security Responsibilities

Ledger provides tools designed to secure your assets, but your personal security habits are equally important.

Follow these best practices:

Never Share Your Recovery Phrase

Your recovery phrase is the key to your wallet.

Anyone who knows your recovery phrase can access your funds.

Beware of Phishing Attempts

Scammers often impersonate trusted companies through:

• Emails
• Social media messages
• Fake support requests
• Fraudulent websites

Always verify communications before taking action.

Keep Software Updated

Regular updates help improve security, compatibility, and performance.

Update:

• Ledger Live
• Device firmware
• Cryptocurrency applications

Only install updates from official Ledger channels.

Verify Every Transaction

Your Ledger device acts as a trusted verification screen.

Always review transaction details on the device before approving them.

Exploring Additional Features

Ledger Live offers more than simple storage and transfers.

Depending on your region and supported assets, you may be able to:

• Buy cryptocurrency
• Sell cryptocurrency
• Swap digital assets
• Stake eligible assets
• Track portfolio performance
• Access Web3 applications
• Connect to decentralized finance ecosystems

These features allow users to interact with the broader digital asset ecosystem while maintaining strong security practices.

Recovering Access to Your Wallet

If your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or damaged, your assets remain accessible through your recovery phrase.

To restore access:

1. Obtain a compatible Ledger device.
2. Select "Restore from Recovery Phrase."
3. Enter your 24-word phrase.
4. Reinstall required cryptocurrency applications.
5. Synchronize your accounts.

Because your assets exist on their respective blockchains, the recovery phrase allows you to regain access even if the original device is no longer available.

Need Help?

If you encounter issues during setup, consult Ledger's official support resources, help center articles, and educational materials.

When seeking assistance:

• Never share your recovery phrase.
• Never enter your recovery phrase into a website.
• Never provide your recovery phrase to support personnel.

Legitimate support teams will never request your recovery phrase.

You're Ready to Begin

Your journey into secure digital asset management starts here. By completing the setup process, securing your recovery phrase, and following recommended security practices, you've taken an important step toward protecting your cryptocurrency holdings.

Remember:

• Keep your recovery phrase offline.
• Verify transactions on your device.
• Stay alert to phishing attempts.
• Use official Ledger resources only.

With the right security habits and your Ledger device, you can confidently manage your digital assets while maintaining control over what matters most—your private keys and your financial sovereignty.