Ledger.com Start Guide: Secure Your Crypto

Ledger provides one of the most secure ways to manage and protect your cryptocurrencies. This comprehensive guide walks you through setup, account management, and best practices for keeping your assets safe.

Step 1: Unboxing Your Ledger Device

Open your Ledger package carefully. Inside, you will find the hardware wallet, USB cable, recovery card, and quick-start guide. Confirm that the packaging is secure and intact, as Ledger devices are shipped uninitialized.

Step 2: Connecting and Initial Setup

Connect your Ledger device via USB. Choose to create a new wallet or restore an existing one using your 24-word recovery phrase.

  • Create a new wallet: Set a PIN and carefully write down your recovery phrase.
  • Restore an existing wallet: Enter your recovery phrase to access your crypto funds.

Step 3: Setting a Strong PIN

Choose a strong, unique PIN. Avoid simple sequences or repeated numbers. Multiple failed attempts will lock your device temporarily to protect against unauthorized access.

Step 4: Safeguarding Your Recovery Phrase

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your wallet. Follow these guidelines:

  • Write each word in exact order on your recovery card.
  • Never store it digitally or online.
  • Create multiple secure, offline backups.
  • Do not share it with anyone under any circumstances.

Step 5: Installing Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the management application for your wallet. Install it to track balances, install cryptocurrency apps, send and receive funds, and update your device securely.

  • Install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage.
  • Track transactions and portfolio performance.
  • Ensure firmware and apps are up to date for maximum security.

Step 6: Adding Cryptocurrency Accounts

Install apps for each cryptocurrency on your Ledger device. Create accounts in Ledger Live to manage multiple assets and keep track of all transactions in one secure place.

Step 7: Receiving and Sending Cryptocurrencies

Always verify wallet addresses directly on the Ledger device. Use Ledger Live to send and receive cryptocurrencies safely. Double-check addresses before confirming transactions to prevent mistakes or phishing attacks.

Step 8: Updating Firmware and Apps

Keep your device firmware and cryptocurrency apps updated via Ledger Live. Updates improve security, add new features, and ensure compatibility with new blockchain protocols.

Step 9: Advanced Security Practices

  • Maintain multiple offline backups of your recovery phrase.
  • Always verify transaction addresses on your device.
  • Stay alert for phishing attempts or malware.
  • Keep Ledger Live and firmware updated.
  • Store backups in geographically separate secure locations.

Your Ledger Wallet is Ready!

With your Ledger wallet fully set up, you now have a secure foundation to manage, send, and receive cryptocurrencies. Protecting your PIN and recovery phrase, regularly updating your device, and following these security practices will ensure your digital assets remain safe in the evolving crypto ecosystem.