Welcome
Why a hardware wallet? A hardware wallet like Ledger stores private keys offline so they can't be easily accessed by attackers on the internet. It gives you strong control over your funds while remaining user-friendly.
Pro tip: keep your recovery phrase physically secure — write it down on the recovery sheet, store it separately from the device, and never share it online.
In this guide you'll find: setup steps, account and app management, transaction signing, firmware updates, and a glossary of terms to make the whole process clearer.
Unboxing & First Steps
When you unbox your Ledger device, check for tamper-evidence. Ledger ships in sealed packaging — if the seal appears opened or broken, contact support before powering on.
- Power on the device and choose "Set up as new device" unless you're restoring from a recovery phrase.
- Choose a PIN (4–8 digits) and keep it secret. This PIN protects the device locally.
- Write down the 24-word recovery phrase carefully on the supplied recovery sheet.
Important: Ledger will never ask you to enter your 24-word phrase online. If prompted, it's a scam.
Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the companion app for your Ledger device. Use it to install apps, manage accounts, and check balances. Always download Ledger Live from the official site (ledger.com/start) to avoid fake software.
Install the app for your OS, open Ledger Live, and follow the walkthrough to add your device. Connect your Ledger when prompted, unlock with your PIN, and approve actions on the device itself.
Apps & Accounts
Ledger devices use small apps for each cryptocurrency. Install the apps you need from Ledger Live.
- Install Bitcoin app for BTC
- Install Ethereum app for ETH and EVM tokens
- Use community guides for niche coins when necessary
After installing an app, add the account in Ledger Live and generate receive addresses from the device to accept funds.
Receiving and Sending Funds
Always verify the receiving address on the hardware device screen. Malware on your computer can show a different address in Ledger Live — the device display is the source of truth.
To send funds: create a transaction in Ledger Live, confirm amount and fees, then validate and sign the transaction on the device.
Tip: for large transfers, send a small test amount first to confirm everything looks correct.
Security Best Practices
Protect your device and recovery phrase like valuable property. A few key rules:
- Never share your 24-word phrase
- Only use official Ledger Live and official firmware updates
- Keep firmware up to date — updates include security patches
- Consider multiple recovery backups stored in different secure locations
Remember: physical loss of the recovery phrase means loss of funds. Theft of the device is recoverable using the phrase if the thief doesn't have it.
Troubleshooting & Recovery
If your device resets or is lost, you can restore using the 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger or compatible hardware wallet.
If Ledger Live can't connect, try these steps: replug device, try a different cable or USB port, restart Ledger Live, and ensure the device is unlocked.
If you suspect compromise, move funds to a new wallet with a new recovery phrase after resetting your device.
Glossary — New Words & Terms
Private key: a secret number used to sign transactions. Stored in your hardware device.
Recovery phrase (24 words): human-readable representation of your wallet’s private keys. Secure it.
Seed: another term for the recovery phrase; the master source of all keys.
Hardware wallet: a device designed to store private keys offline.
Firmware: low-level software running on the device that can be updated to add features or security fixes.
Derivation path: a scheme that determines how addresses and keys are derived from the seed.
Cold storage: keeping keys offline to protect from network attackers.
Air-gapped: a device that is never connected to the internet directly.
New word: cryptoguard — coined here to mean a layered approach combining hardware, secure backups, and routine checks to guard crypto assets.
Advanced Tips & Workflows
For power users: consider using multiple accounts to separate funds, multisig setups for shared custody, and third-party integrations (like dedicated signing tools) for complex flows.
Use a passphrase (25th word) only if you understand the risks and backups. A passphrase creates a hidden wallet but losing the passphrase is equivalent to losing funds.
You're Ready
Congratulations — you now know how to set up, secure, and use your Ledger device. Keep learning, and consult official docs for coin-specific instructions.
Action steps: complete setup, install only needed apps, create a tested backup, and schedule regular firmware checks.
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