Introduction — What is Ledger® and why it matters
Hardware wallets and self-custody
Ledger® hardware wallets are physical devices that store cryptographic keys offline. Unlike custodial services, Ledger puts you in control of your private keys. This guide helps beginners understand the essentials: initial setup, safe storage, and basic operations using Ledger Live® and official Ledger resources.
Step 1: Unbox and verify
Check the device and packaging
When you receive a Ledger® device, inspect the packaging for tamper evidence. Official purchases (see links above) minimize the risk of receiving a compromised device.
Quick checklist:
- Box sealed and untampered
- Accessories present (cable, recovery sheet, quick start guide)
- Model matches your order (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X)
Step 2: Install Ledger Live®
Download from the official site
Always download Ledger Live® from the official Ledger website (link in header). Install the application on your desktop or mobile device before connecting your hardware wallet.
Important
Do not trust third-party apps that claim to be Ledger Live. Validate URLs and use browser bookmarks for repeat visits.
Step 3: Initialize your device
Create a new wallet or restore
Power on the device and follow on-screen prompts. You will choose to create a new wallet or restore an existing one from a recovery phrase. Creating a new wallet generates a unique seed phrase — a sequence of words that recover access to your funds.
Seed phrase safety
Write the recovery phrase on the official recovery sheet provided; never store it digitally. Ledger and official partners will never ask for your seed phrase. If anyone asks for it, treat this as a phishing attempt and stop immediately.
Step 4: Use Ledger Live to manage assets
Add accounts and install apps
Within Ledger Live you can install app packages for supported blockchains (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and add accounts. The device confirms every transaction on its own secure screen; Ledger Live acts as an interface only.
Sending and receiving
To receive funds, share your public address — verified on the Ledger device. To send funds, create the transaction in Ledger Live and confirm it on the device.
Security best practices
Never share your recovery phrase
Your recovery phrase is the single most critical secret. Treat it like cash in a safe. Consider engraving, steel backup plates, or split-storage techniques (e.g., geographically separated copies) for long-term security.
Protect devices and firmware
Keep firmware up to date via Ledger Live. Only approve actions you initiated and verify addresses on the device screen. Be cautious with computer security — malware can manipulate host software but cannot extract keys from the Ledger device if it’s functioning correctly.
Common pitfalls and recovery
Phishing and fake support
There are many scams impersonating Ledger support. Ledger will never request your recovery phrase. Use the official support link and community pages for verified help.
Lost device, have recovery phrase
If you lose your Ledger but still have your recovery phrase, you can restore funds onto a new compatible device. If both are lost, funds are likely unrecoverable.
Advanced tips
Use passphrases for extra privacy
Ledger allows an optional passphrase that acts as a 25th word for the seed. This adds plausible deniability and extra security but must be managed carefully — forgetting it means permanent loss of access to that derived wallet.
Multiple accounts and multisig
For larger holdings, consider multisig setups or splitting assets across devices/accounts to reduce single-point-of-failure risk. Use official guides to implement multisig securely.