Welcome to Ledger — Start Securely

Welcome. This guided presentation helps you set up your Ledger device, create and secure your account, and understand the essentials of private key management. The keyword throughout this guide is Ledger — we use it to anchor the content and help you search for related material at Ledger.com/start.

Why choose Ledger?

Ledger focuses on putting control of your cryptocurrency into your hands. By storing private keys on a dedicated hardware device, Ledger reduces the attack surface that software-only wallets face. The following points highlight core advantages:

Hardware-level protection

Private keys stay on the device and never leave it. Signing occurs inside the secure element.

Compatibility

Ledger works with many coins and services and integrates with popular wallet applications when needed.

Backup & Recovery

Standardized recovery phrases allow you to restore your wallet securely if a device is lost.

User control

Ledger emphasizes user sovereignty — you own the keys and the responsibility that comes with it.

Quick start checklist

Use this compact checklist to prepare. Each item is important in setting up your Ledger device and account securely.

1. Unbox your Ledger and verify the seal.
2. Charge/connect your device and follow on-screen prompts.
3. Create a strong PIN and write down your recovery phrase safely offline.
4. Install Ledger Live and verify device firmware updates.
5. Transfer a small test amount before large transfers to confirm everything works.

Understanding the recovery phrase

A recovery phrase (also called seed phrase) is the human-readable representation of your wallet's private keys. It is vital that you keep this phrase secure and offline. Ledger devices follow industry standards (BIP39/BIP44) to ensure compatibility and robust recovery.

Best practices include writing the phrase on a durable material and storing it in a physically secure place (e.g., a safe). Never share your recovery phrase with anyone — no legitimate support team will ask for it.

Managing accounts and apps with Ledger

Ledger Live is the companion app used to manage accounts, install coin-specific apps on your device, and monitor balances. The device itself stores the keys; Ledger Live interacts with the device to present a user-friendly interface.

Security checklist

Security is multi-layered. Follow these practical steps to keep your assets safe:

Keep your PIN secret.
Choose a PIN that is not easily guessable and never write it down where others can find it.
Protect the recovery phrase.
Store the recovery phrase offline and away from fire and water risks.
Beware of phishing.
Only visit official Ledger sites (look for exact domain names) and avoid unsolicited links or messages.
Use firmware updates.
Keep the device firmware up to date through official Ledger Live prompts.

Common workflows

Typical actions you will perform with Ledger include receiving funds, sending funds, staking, and using decentralized applications. For each action, Ledger will prompt you on-device to confirm transactions, ensuring you always have the final say.

Advanced topics

Advanced users may explore passphrase-protected accounts, multi-account recovery strategies, and integrations with third-party wallets. The passphrase feature adds an extra word to your recovery phrase and effectively creates more than one root wallet from the same seed.

Troubleshooting & support

If you face an issue, first consult the official knowledge base on the verified Ledger website. Common fixes include restarting the device, re-installing Ledger Live, or verifying USB cables and drivers. Contact official support channels if needed — but never provide your recovery phrase.

You're ready

By following this guided presentation and using secure practices, you'll be able to use Ledger confidently. Remember: ownership means responsibility — but with the right habits, Ledger helps make ownership resilient.

Frequently Asked Questions (preview)

Scroll to the FAQ panel on the right for answers to common questions, or use the contact form to reach out.