Get started with Ledger^ | Ledger.com/start**

A step-by-step presentation to set up, secure, and use your Ledger hardware wallet

Welcome

This presentation guides you through everything you need to know to start using your Ledger hardware wallet safely and confidently. Colors, headings, and structure are included for clarity.

What you'll learn

  • Unboxing and first-time setup
  • Creating and securing your PIN and recovery phrase
  • Installing apps and managing accounts
  • Sending and receiving crypto securely
  • Best practices and troubleshooting

Why a hardware wallet?

Hardware wallets like Ledger keep your private keys offline, protected from malware and online attacks. That means you — and only you — control your funds.

Unboxing your Ledger

Ensure the package is sealed and genuine. Ledger ships with tamper-evident packaging and includes the device, USB cable, recovery sheets, and quick start guide.

Checklist

  • Device matches the model purchased
  • No visible damage
  • Recovery sheets included
  • Only official Ledger documentation in the box

First steps

  1. Do not connect to untrusted computers
  2. Visit Ledger.com/start on your own device
  3. Download Ledger Live from the official site

Initial setup

Power on the Ledger and follow the on-device instructions. You will be prompted to create a PIN and write down your recovery phrase — this is the most critical step.

Creating a PIN

Choose a PIN that's easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. Use numbers only. If you forget it, you'll need your recovery phrase to restore access.

Recovery phrase (seed)

Ledger will display a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down in order on the recovery sheet and store it securely, offline. Do not photograph, store digitally, or share it with anyone.

Safety and threat model

Understanding risks helps you take the right precautions. Ledger protects private keys, but social engineering, phishing, and physical theft remain real threats.

Common threats

  • Phishing websites or emails
  • Malware on your computer
  • Fake Ledger apps or clones
  • Someone observing your PIN or recovery phrase

Defenses

  • Only download Ledger Live from Ledger.com
  • Verify firmware updates on-device
  • Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or phone
  • Keep recovery phrase offline in multiple secure locations

Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion app for managing accounts, installing apps, and sending/receiving crypto. Install it on a trusted computer or phone.

Steps to install

  1. Go to Ledger.com/start
  2. Select your device model
  3. Download Ledger Live for your OS
  4. Install and open Ledger Live

Pairing device

Connect your Ledger, open the Ledger Live "Manager" and follow the on-screen pairing instructions. Confirm actions on-device whenever prompted.

Ledger Manager and apps

Ledger uses app-based architecture — each coin or token family has an app that runs on the device. Install only apps you need to conserve space.

Installing apps

  • Open Ledger Live -> Manager
  • Allow the Manager on your device when prompted
  • Search for the coin app (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and click install

App limitations

The device has limited storage. Uninstalling an app does not remove accounts — your private keys remain safe. Reinstall to access the account again.

Creating accounts

After installing apps, add accounts in Ledger Live for each currency you want to use. Ledger Live will derive addresses from your recovery phrase.

Steps

  1. Open Ledger Live -> Accounts
  2. Click "Add account" and choose the currency
  3. Follow on-screen instructions and confirm on-device

Receiving crypto

Always verify the receive address on the Ledger device screen — never rely solely on the computer display.

Procedure

  1. In Ledger Live, select the account and click "Receive"
  2. Connect your device and open the corresponding app on-device
  3. Verify the address exactly matches what is shown in Ledger Live

Best practices

  • Always confirm on-device
  • Test with a small amount first
  • Use different addresses for privacy where supported

Sending crypto

Transactions must be approved on your Ledger device. Review recipient addresses and amounts carefully on-device before confirming.

Steps to send

  1. Open Ledger Live -> Accounts -> Send
  2. Enter recipient address and amount
  3. Review fees, then connect and approve on-device

Firmware updates

Keep device firmware up to date. Firmware updates add features and security patches. Only update via Ledger Live and confirm on-device.

Before updating

  • Ensure you have your recovery phrase backed up
  • Use a trusted computer and stable connection
  • Follow on-screen instructions in Ledger Live precisely

Backup strategies

Your recovery phrase is the single point of recovery. Consider robust physical backups and a plan for inheritance or emergency access.

Options

  • Write the phrase on multiple recovery sheets and store in separate secure locations
  • Use fireproof/waterproof storage
  • Consider a steel backup product for disaster resilience

Do not

  • Take photos of your recovery phrase
  • Store the phrase on cloud storage or email
  • Tell anyone your phrase — Ledger support will never ask for it

Troubleshooting

If something goes wrong, stay calm and follow official guidance. Don't share your recovery phrase with anyone claiming they can help remotely.

Common issues

  • Ledger Live can't detect device — try reconnecting, different cable, or USB port
  • App won't install — free up space by uninstalling unused apps
  • Device stuck in update — follow Ledger Live's recovery instructions

When to contact support

Contact Ledger support only via the official website. Never share your recovery phrase — support will never ask for it.

Advanced workflows

Use Ledger with third-party wallets and dApps (e.g., MetaMask) for advanced DeFi interactions. Always verify transactions on-device.

Connecting to dApps

  1. Install the relevant app on Ledger
  2. Use a supported browser extension or bridge (e.g., MetaMask, WalletConnect)
  3. Approve connection and transactions on-device

Security checklist

A concise checklist to keep your funds safe.

  • Only buy devices from official vendors
  • Back up your recovery phrase in multiple secure locations
  • Verify every transaction on the device screen
  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date
  • Use separate devices/accounts for high-value and everyday funds

Glossary

Key terms you'll see throughout the crypto ecosystem.

Private key

A secret number that allows you to spend crypto. Ledger stores private keys on the device and never exposes them.

Recovery phrase

A human-readable representation of your wallet's seed — typically 24 words. This restores access to your funds.

Frequently asked questions

Can Ledger recover my funds if I lose my device?

Yes, with the recovery phrase. Anyone with the phrase can access funds, so protect it carefully.

What if my recovery phrase is stolen?

If you suspect compromise, move funds to a new wallet immediately and secure a new recovery phrase.

Legal & compliance

Ledger provides hardware and software; tax and legal obligations depend on your jurisdiction. Keep records of transactions for reporting.

Design & branding notes

This presentation uses a modern, accessible color palette with high contrast and clear typographic hierarchy to aid readability in dark environments.

Resources

  • Ledger.com/start — Official setup guide
  • Ledger Live documentation and tutorials
  • Community forums and knowledge base

Closing & next steps

You should now be able to unbox, set up, and use your Ledger device safely. Take time to secure backups and practice small transactions first.

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