Why use a Ledger hardware wallet? 🛡️

Storing crypto on exchanges or hot wallets exposes keys to potential online threats. Ledger devices keep your private keys inside a secured chip — isolated and inaccessible to malware. This means you control your assets, not third parties. Think of Ledger as an encrypted vault for your digital wealth. 🔐

Before you start — checklist ✅

  • Confirm you purchased from an official source and the packaging seal is intact. 📦
  • Use the official link: ledger.com/start to download Ledger Live and follow the guided setup. 🌐
  • Allocate a quiet, private space to write your recovery phrase — never photograph it or store it digitally. ✍️🚫
  • Have a small test amount ready when you receive your first incoming transaction. 💸

Step-by-step setup (presentation-style) 🎯

1
Unbox & Inspect

Carefully unbox your Ledger device and check the tamper-evident seal. If anything seems off, contact support before proceeding. ✅

2
Connect & Power

Connect via USB or Bluetooth (Nano X). Follow on-screen prompts to pick a language and begin. The device will display each step — always read it directly from the device screen. 🖥️📱

3
Create a PIN

Choose a secure PIN for on-device access. This is not a replacement for your recovery phrase — just an additional layer. Never share it. 🔑

4
Write your recovery phrase

Ledger will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down on the provided card (or other durable offline medium). Store it securely — this is the only way to recover funds if the device is lost. ✍️🔒

5
Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start. Use it to install blockchain apps, add accounts, and manage transactions. Ledger Live will guide you through firmware updates and app installs. 📥

6
Test with a small transaction

Generate an address and send a small test amount. Only after confirming receipt should you transfer larger balances. Always verify addresses on the device screen before confirming. ✅📩

Pro tip: Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated. Use the device's screen to verify every action — it's your most reliable source of truth. 🔁🛡️

Common pitfalls & how to avoid them ⚠️

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone — no support agent will ever ask for it. 🚫
  • Avoid downloading Ledger Live from third-party mirrors — always use ledger.com/start. 🌐
  • Keep multiple secure backups of your recovery phrase in separate physical locations if possible. 🗄️