Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started
Secure Your Crypto Assets with Ledger – Your First Step to Safety
Welcome to Ledger: Start Your Secure Crypto Journey
Congratulations on choosing Ledger, one of the leading brands in cryptocurrency security. By selecting Ledger hardware wallets, you are choosing the most advanced way to store and protect your crypto assets. This guide will help you get started with setting up your Ledger device securely, and ensure you are ready to manage your cryptocurrencies with confidence.
Unboxing Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Let’s begin by unboxing your Ledger device. Inside the box, you will find the following items:
Your Ledger hardware wallet (Ledger Nano S, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Nano S Plus depending on your model)
A USB cable for connecting your device to your computer or mobile device (depending on the model)
A recovery sheet to record your 24-word recovery phrase (very important!)
Instruction manual to guide you through the setup process
Optional: A Ledger sticker for your laptop or device
Before we begin setting up, ensure you have a secure, quiet environment to perform the setup. This ensures you can safely record your recovery phrase without distractions.
Step 1: Connect Your Ledger Device
Now that you have unboxed your Ledger device, it’s time to connect it to your computer or mobile device. Follow these simple steps:
Take the USB cable included in the package and connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile device (depending on which model you have). The device will power up automatically.
If you are using a Ledger Nano X, you can also connect it via Bluetooth, but for this guide, we will focus on the USB connection method.
Once connected, open a browser window and visit Ledger.com/start to begin the setup process.
Step 2: Installing Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official software for managing your Ledger device and your cryptocurrencies. It will allow you to interact with your wallet, view your portfolio, send and receive funds, and more. Here’s how to install it:
Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and download the Ledger Live application.
Once downloaded, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the Ledger Live application.
Once the installation is complete, launch Ledger Live on your computer.
Step 3: Initializing Your Ledger Wallet
With Ledger Live installed, it’s time to initialize your Ledger device. Follow these steps to begin the setup process:
When you open Ledger Live for the first time, you will be prompted to either initialize a new Ledger device or restore a previous device using your recovery phrase. Choose “Initialize as new device” to begin the setup process.
Next, you will be asked to select your preferred language for the device interface. Choose your language and proceed.
The device will display a security warning, reminding you to never share your recovery phrase with anyone. This is a critical step in keeping your funds secure.
Step 4: Setting Your PIN
The next step in setting up your Ledger wallet is configuring your PIN code. Your PIN is the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your funds. Here’s how to set it:
Your Ledger device will prompt you to create a 4-8 digit PIN code. This PIN will be required each time you use the device to access your cryptocurrencies.
Choose a PIN that is unique and not easily guessable. It’s important to use a PIN that’s difficult for others to figure out.
Once you’ve chosen a PIN, the device will ask you to confirm it by entering it again.
Step 5: Recording Your Recovery Phrase
Your recovery phrase is the key to restoring your wallet if your device is lost or stolen. This 24-word phrase is generated randomly and displayed on your Ledger device. It’s extremely important to record it correctly and store it in a safe location. Do not store it digitally, as this could lead to your recovery phrase being compromised.
Here’s how to record your recovery phrase:
Ledger will display 24 words in order on the screen of your device. Write these down on the recovery sheet provided in the box. Be sure to write the words in the exact order they appear on the screen.
Once you have written down the recovery phrase, double-check to ensure each word is written correctly.
When prompted, confirm that you have recorded the recovery phrase correctly by selecting the words in the correct order.
Store your recovery phrase in a secure, offline location. Do not share it with anyone, and avoid storing it digitally, as it could be stolen.
Step 6: Adding Cryptocurrencies to Your Ledger Wallet
Now that your Ledger device is set up, you can add cryptocurrencies to your wallet. Here’s how to get started:
Open Ledger Live and go to the “Accounts” tab.
Click on “Add Account” and select the cryptocurrency you want to add (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
Follow the on-screen instructions to create your account. Once the account is created, you can start receiving funds.
To receive cryptocurrency, select the account you just created, click on “Receive,” and your Ledger device will display a receiving address that you can share with the sender.
Step 7: Sending Cryptocurrencies
Sending cryptocurrencies from your Ledger wallet is easy and secure. Follow these steps:
In Ledger Live, go to the “Accounts” tab and select the account you wish to send cryptocurrency from.
Click on “Send” and enter the recipient’s address and the amount you wish to send.
Ledger Live will ask you to confirm the transaction on your Ledger device. This step ensures that only you can authorize transactions from your wallet.
Once confirmed, the transaction will be sent to the network, and you will be able to monitor its status in Ledger Live.
Conclusion: Enjoy Secure Crypto Management
Congratulations! You’ve now successfully set up your Ledger device and are ready to securely manage your cryptocurrencies. With Ledger Live, you can monitor your portfolio, send and receive crypto, and stay safe from online threats.
For ongoing security, remember to:
Always keep your recovery phrase private and secure.
Use a strong, unique PIN for added protection.
Regularly check for firmware updates in Ledger Live to ensure your device remains up-to-date with the latest security features.