Ledger — Quick start guide (Ledger.com/Start®)

What is Ledger and why use a hardware wallet?

Ledger provides hardware wallets (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X) that store your private keys offline in a secure element. Unlike custodial services or hot wallets, a hardware wallet keeps your keys off internet-connected devices, dramatically reducing the attack surface. Using Ledger with the Ledger Live companion app gives you a secure, user-friendly way to manage multiple cryptocurrencies, sign transactions, and interact with DeFi or NFTs while keeping full control of your keys.

Unboxing & initial inspection

1. Confirm you purchased from the official store: ledger.com. Check tamper-evident packaging and seal labels.
2. Inside the box you should find the Ledger device, USB cable, lanyard, recovery sheets, and quick start guide. Do not trust any unsolicited accessories sent separately.
3. Do not power on or connect the device until you’re ready to set it up in a secure environment.

Set up your Ledger securely

1. Go to ledger.com/start for step-by-step installers for Ledger Live (desktop & mobile).
2. Install Ledger Live from the official site and follow the on-screen setup.
   • On the device, choose to create a new wallet or restore an existing one.
   • Write down the recovery phrase exactly as shown on the device. Ledger displays the seed on the device screen — never on your computer or phone. Store the recovery sheet offline in a safe place.
   • Set a strong PIN code on the Ledger device. This PIN is required to unlock the device locally.
3. After confirming the seed phrase and PIN, connect Ledger Live to your device to add accounts and install apps for specific blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).

Recovery phrase — the single most critical element

Your recovery phrase (24 words by default for Ledger) is the master key to your funds. If your device is lost or damaged, the recovery phrase can restore your wallets on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. Never share your seed phrase. Ledger will never ask you for it. Keep it offline and consider a fireproof/metal backup for long-term protection.

Installing Ledger Live & managing accounts

Ledger Live is the official companion application that lets you add accounts, receive and send assets, and view portfolio balances. Use Ledger Live to install blockchain-specific apps on your device — each app enables Ledger to sign transactions for that chain. Always download Ledger Live from the official page: ledger.com/ledger-live.

Sending and receiving crypto

1. To receive funds, open the account in Ledger Live, click Receive, select the correct account and verify the address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it.
2. To send funds, create a transaction in Ledger Live, then confirm the details on the Ledger device. The physical confirmation prevents malicious software on your computer from altering transactions without your knowledge.

Security best practices and common scams

• Only download software from ledger.com. Beware of phishing domains and copycat sites.
• Never enter your recovery phrase on a website, app, or in response to a support request — Ledger support will never ask for it.
• Be cautious of unsolicited messages asking you to connect your Ledger or sign transactions. Scammers often use social engineering to trick users into authorizing transfers.
• Enable firmware updates: Ledger periodically releases device firmware updates that patch vulnerabilities—apply them via Ledger Live after verifying release notes on the official site.

Advanced features — mobile, Bluetooth, and integrations

Ledger Nano X supports Bluetooth to work with Ledger Live mobile, offering secure management on the go. For DeFi and NFTs, you can use Ledger with third‑party apps via the Ledger Live Integrations page or by connecting to trusted dApps and services that support hardware wallet signing. Always verify the dApp URLs and permissions before connecting.

Backup & restore process

1. If you need to restore a wallet, select Restore from the Ledger device menu and enter your recovery phrase when prompted by the device. Restoring should be done in a secure, offline environment.
2. After restoration, connect to Ledger Live and re-add your accounts. Transactions remain on-chain; Ledger Live will rebroadcast and rescan the blockchain to retrieve your balances.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not recognized? Ensure USB cables and ports are functioning. Use official Ledger cables. Try a different computer or USB port and confirm Ledger Live is up-to-date. If Bluetooth pairing fails on Nano X, remove previous pairings and retry.

Seed phrase concerns? If you suspect your recovery phrase was exposed, move funds immediately to a new wallet with a newly generated seed and transfer funds using a secure environment.

10 official links (quick access)

1. Ledger Start
2. Ledger Live
3. Ledger Support
4. Ledger Official Store
5. Security Center
6. FAQ
7. Firmware & Releases
8. Integrations
9. Ledger Blog
10. Contact & Legal

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