Ledger Official Getting Started Guide

Step-by-step instructions to securely set up your Ledger hardware wallet and manage your cryptocurrency safely.

Introduction

Welcome to Ledger! In this guide, you will learn how to securely set up your Ledger hardware wallet, understand its features, and safely manage your digital assets. Ledger devices provide industry-leading security for cryptocurrencies, combining robust hardware protection with intuitive software management.

This guide covers everything from unboxing your device to performing your first transactions.

Unboxing Your Ledger Device

When you receive your Ledger device, ensure that the packaging is sealed and untampered. Ledger devices come with the following items:

Always verify the authenticity of your device through the Ledger official website before using it.

Setting Up Your Device

Follow these steps to initialize your Ledger device:

  1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer or smartphone using the supplied USB cable.
  2. Follow on-screen prompts to select a PIN code. Choose a secure 4–8 digit code that you can remember.
  3. Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet. This phrase is crucial for wallet recovery.
  4. Confirm your recovery phrase by following the device prompts.

Never share your PIN or recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger staff will never ask for this information.

Installing Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official application to manage your wallet. To install it:

Ledger Live allows you to install apps for different cryptocurrencies, check your balances, and securely send/receive funds.

Adding Accounts and Apps

Once Ledger Live is installed, you can add accounts and cryptocurrency apps:

  1. Open Ledger Live and connect your device.
  2. Navigate to "Manager" in Ledger Live to install supported apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage.
  3. After installation, add accounts corresponding to each cryptocurrency.

This modular system ensures your private keys never leave your Ledger device.

Sending and Receiving Cryptocurrency

Ledger Live allows you to safely send and receive digital assets:

Always verify addresses on your Ledger device screen to prevent phishing attacks.

Security Best Practices

Keeping your crypto safe requires diligence:

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Ledger device:

Recovering Your Wallet

If your Ledger device is lost or damaged, you can recover your wallet using the 24-word recovery phrase:

  1. Obtain a new Ledger device.
  2. Choose the "Restore from recovery phrase" option on setup.
  3. Carefully input your 24 words in the correct order.
  4. Set a new PIN code and access your accounts.

Conclusion

Following this guide ensures your Ledger wallet is set up securely and ready to manage your cryptocurrency safely. Remember to maintain security practices, backup your recovery phrase, and stay updated with Ledger announcements. Your Ledger device is your first line of defense against digital threats.

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