Get Started With Ledger: Your Secure Path to Crypto Ownership

Welcome to your starting point with Ledger—your gateway to secure, independent, and intuitive digital asset management. Whether you’re new to crypto or expanding your existing portfolio, this guide will walk you step-by-step through setting up your Ledger device, installing essential software, and building strong security habits from day one. With Ledger, you maintain true ownership of your crypto while benefiting from industry-leading protection.

What Is Ledger?

Ledger is a global leader in hardware wallets—physical devices designed to protect your private keys offline. Unlike mobile apps or exchanges that store your keys online, a Ledger device keeps your digital assets safe from hacks, unauthorized access, and network-based threats. By combining secure hardware with the intuitive Ledger Live app, Ledger provides one unified ecosystem for managing, buying, selling, and staking your crypto.

1. Unboxing Your Ledger Device

When you receive your Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or another Ledger model, you’ll find a compact, sealed box containing:

• Your Ledger hardware wallet
• A USB cable
• Recovery phrase sheets
• Instruction cards
• Optional accessories depending on the model

Before beginning, check that the packaging is sealed and undamaged. Ledger devices do not come pre-configured—if your device is already initialized or contains a recovery phrase, do not use it and contact Ledger support immediately.

2. Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion app that allows you to manage your cryptocurrency portfolio. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

How to Install Ledger Live

1. Visit the official Ledger download page through a trusted browser.
2. Choose your operating system.
3. Download and install the application.
4. Launch Ledger Live and select “Get Started.”

Never download Ledger Live from unofficial sources. Bookmark the official site to avoid phishing attempts.

3. Initialize Your Ledger Device

Ledger Live will guide you through the initial setup, but here’s what to expect:

Create a New Wallet

If you’re setting up for the first time:

1. Power on your device.
2. Choose “Set up as new device.”
3. Select a PIN code. This protects your device physically—the longer and more unique, the better.

Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

You will be shown a 24-word recovery phrase, also known as a seed phrase. This is the only way to regain access to your wallet if your device is lost, damaged, or stolen.

• Write each word carefully on the recovery sheets.
• Double-check the spelling.
• Never take a photo or store it digitally.
• Never share it with anyone—not even Ledger.

If someone gains access to your recovery phrase, they can control your crypto.

Confirm the Recovery Phrase

Your Ledger will prompt you to confirm the words in random order. Take your time—this step ensures you've recorded the phrase correctly.

4. Connect Ledger Live to Your Device

With your device initialized, Ledger Live will ask you to verify it through a genuine-check process. This ensures your hardware wallet is authentic and has not been tampered with.

Once verified, you can:

• Install apps for cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.)
• Create accounts
• Track your holdings
• Manage transactions

Each crypto requires its own app on your Ledger device. Ledger Live will walk you through the installation process.

5. Add Crypto Accounts

To send, receive, or manage a cryptocurrency, you need to create an account for it inside Ledger Live.

To add an account:

1. Open Ledger Live.
2. Navigate to Accounts.
3. Select Add Account.
4. Choose the cryptocurrency.
5. Follow the prompts while confirming actions on your device.

Once the account is added, you’ll be able to view balances and manage assets securely.

6. Receiving Crypto

To receive crypto into your Ledger account:

1. Open Ledger Live.
2. Select Receive.
3. Choose the account.
4. Connect and unlock your Ledger device.
5. Verify the displayed address on both Ledger Live and your device screen.

Always confirm the address on the physical device—this prevents malware or screen manipulation from changing it.

7. Sending Crypto Safely

When sending crypto:

1. Choose Send in Ledger Live.
2. Enter the recipient’s wallet address.
3. Set the amount and network fee.
4. Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device.

The device requires your physical approval, which prevents unauthorized transfers even if your computer is compromised.

8. Buy, Sell, Swap & Stake Directly in Ledger Live

Ledger Live integrates trusted partners, enabling you to expand your crypto portfolio without leaving the secure ecosystem.

You can:

• Buy crypto with credit card or bank transfer
• Sell select crypto into fiat
• Swap tokens across supported networks
• Stake assets like ETH, SOL, ADA, and more to earn rewards

All operations are verified through your hardware device, keeping your private keys offline and protected.

9. Strengthening Your Security

Ledger is designed with security at its core, but your habits matter too. Follow these essential practices:

• Store your recovery phrase securely—preferably in a fireproof, waterproof container.
• Never share your phrase, even with someone claiming to be tech support.
• Beware of phishing emails and fake websites.
• Bookmark Ledger’s official pages.
• Regularly update Ledger Live and your device firmware.
• Use strong PIN and device passcodes.

Remember: your private keys never leave the hardware wallet, and Ledger does not store them.

10. You're Ready to Take Control

By completing these steps, you’ve taken a crucial step toward digital asset sovereignty. With your Ledger device and Ledger Live working together, you now have the tools to confidently manage your crypto with unmatched security.

Explore the ecosystem, discover new crypto opportunities, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your private keys—and therefore your assets—are truly under your ownership.