Welcome to the official Ledger Getting Started Hub, your comprehensive 1500-word onboarding guide for setting up and using your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you’ve purchased a Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Stax, this article will walk you through every essential step to secure your digital assets with confidence.
Ledger is a hardware wallet that stores your private keys — the cryptographic keys required to access and move your cryptocurrencies — inside a secure, offline chip. Unlike software wallets or exchanges, Ledger devices never expose your keys to the internet, providing an unmatched layer of protection against hacks, malware, or phishing attempts.
Each transaction you approve must be confirmed directly on the device’s physical buttons, preventing unauthorized transfers. The Ledger ecosystem includes the Ledger Live App, your secure portal to send, receive, buy, and stake crypto, all connected safely to your Ledger hardware wallet.
When your new Ledger wallet arrives, carefully unbox it and check that the contents are complete and untampered. The box should include:
Always purchase directly from Ledger.com or authorized resellers to ensure authenticity. Never use second-hand hardware wallets.
To interact with your Ledger device, you’ll need the official Ledger Live software. This app connects your device securely to your computer or smartphone, enabling you to manage crypto, install apps, and check balances.
Avoid downloading Ledger Live from ads or unofficial sites. The legitimate version is only available on ledger.com/start.
After installing Ledger Live, connect your device using the provided USB or Bluetooth connection. You’ll be prompted to set up your wallet:
This 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to all your crypto. If your device is lost or damaged, this phrase restores access. Never take a photo or store it digitally.
The recovery phrase is critical to your crypto’s safety. Treat it with the same care you would your most valuable possession. To secure it:
Many users create duplicate copies in separate secure places, such as a safe deposit box or trusted family vault, ensuring recovery in emergencies.
Your Ledger device can manage multiple cryptocurrencies by installing apps directly through Ledger Live. To add a crypto app:
Each app corresponds to a blockchain and allows Ledger Live to communicate securely with that network.
Once you’ve installed apps, add accounts in Ledger Live to track balances and transactions. Select “Add account,” choose the currency, and follow the prompts while your device is connected.
Ledger Live supports a wide range of digital assets, from Bitcoin and Ethereum to Polygon, Solana, and even NFTs on Ethereum or Polygon networks.
To receive crypto, open Ledger Live, click “Receive,” and verify the address shown on both your device screen and computer. Only trust addresses verified on your Ledger device.
When sending funds, input the recipient’s address and amount in Ledger Live. The transaction details will appear on your device screen — confirm only if the address and amount match exactly.
Always check your device’s display — it’s the only screen that malware cannot manipulate.
Ledger periodically releases firmware updates that enhance security and performance. You can safely update without losing funds, as your assets are tied to your recovery phrase, not the firmware version.
Always verify you are connected to the official Ledger Live app before updating.
Following these best practices significantly reduces the risk of theft or scams.
In case your device is lost or damaged, simply purchase a new Ledger wallet and choose “Restore from recovery phrase.” Enter your 24 words in the correct order, and your crypto accounts will reappear once connected to Ledger Live.
You can restore the same wallet on multiple devices, providing redundancy and accessibility across secure environments.
Should you experience connectivity or firmware issues, consult the Ledger Support Center. Common fixes include using different USB cables, restarting Ledger Live, or reinstalling apps.
Official support agents will never ask for your recovery phrase. If anyone requests it, it’s a scam — end communication immediately.