Official® | Lédger.com/Start® | Getting Started

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— 5 min read

Ledger, the leader in hardware wallets designed to help you secure and manage your cryptocurrency assets safely. Whether you're just starting your crypto journey or you're an experienced user looking to upgrade your security, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through the essential steps of setting up your Ledger hardware wallet, installing Ledger Live, and securing your digital assets with ease.

Let’s get started on your journey to securing your crypto!

Step 1: Choose the Right Ledger Device for You

The first step in securing your crypto is choosing the right Ledger hardware wallet. We offer two primary models, both engineered to offer the highest levels of security for your digital assets.

Ledger Nano S Plus

The Ledger Nano S Plus is an affordable and secure hardware wallet designed for users who want simplicity and security in one compact device. Perfect for beginners, the Nano S Plus offers secure storage for over 5,500 cryptocurrencies. It’s the ideal choice if you're looking for a straightforward way to protect your assets without unnecessary complexity.

Ledger Nano X

The Ledger Nano X is our premium model, perfect for users who need advanced features. With Bluetooth support for mobile devices, a larger screen, and support for up to 100 apps, it’s ideal for crypto enthusiasts who want to manage their assets on the go. If you value flexibility and mobility while maintaining top-tier security, the Nano X is the right choice for you.

Why Choose Ledger?

Both models allow you to store your cryptocurrencies offline, protecting them from hackers, malware, and online vulnerabilities. Ledger’s hardware wallets keep your private keys safe and secure, meaning only you can access your funds.

Step 2: Set Up Your Ledger Device

Once you’ve selected your Ledger device, the next step is setting it up. Don’t worry, the setup process is easy to follow.

Unbox Your Ledger Device

When you receive your Ledger hardware wallet, you’ll find the device, a USB cable (for the Nano S Plus), and a recovery sheet (for backup). Be sure to keep the recovery sheet safe—this will be essential if you ever need to restore your wallet.

Download Ledger Live

Next, download Ledger Live, the official application to manage your Ledger wallet. Ledger Live is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. To download it:

  1. Go to the official Ledger Live Download Page.
  2. Select the appropriate version based on your operating system.
  3. Install the app on your device.

Initialize Your Ledger Device

With Ledger Live installed, it’s time to set up your hardware wallet. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Turn on Your Ledger Device: Press the button on your Ledger device to power it on.
  2. Select Your Language: Choose your preferred language using the device’s navigation buttons.
  3. Create a PIN Code: You’ll be prompted to create a 4-8 digit PIN. Make sure to choose a secure and memorable PIN, as this will protect your device from unauthorized access.
  4. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase: Your device will generate a 12 or 24-word recovery phrase. This is one of the most important steps in the setup process, as this phrase will be used to recover your wallet if it is lost or stolen. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet and store it in a safe place. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone.

Step 3: Add Your Cryptocurrency Accounts

After setting up your Ledger wallet, you can now start adding the cryptocurrencies you want to store. Ledger supports over 5,500 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and XRP, to name a few.

Add Accounts in Ledger Live

To add a new cryptocurrency account:

  1. Open Ledger Live and click on the Accounts tab.
  2. Click “Add Account” and choose the cryptocurrency you want to add.
  3. Follow the Prompts: Ledger Live will guide you through the process of adding your cryptocurrency account to your Ledger device.

For example, if you’re adding a Bitcoin account, Ledger Live will display your Bitcoin address, and you’ll need to verify this on your Ledger device screen. This ensures that the address you’re adding is correct and secure.

Manage Multiple Accounts

You can add multiple accounts for different cryptocurrencies to your Ledger wallet. This allows you to keep your assets organized and separate, whether you want to manage different coins or tokens in their own individual accounts.

Step 4: Secure Your Cryptocurrency Transactions

With your Ledger wallet and cryptocurrency accounts set up, you’re ready to start using it to send and receive crypto. Ledger provides a secure environment to perform transactions, ensuring that your assets are protected every step of the way.

Receive Cryptocurrency

To receive cryptocurrency:

  1. Open Ledger Live and select the account you want to receive crypto to.
  2. Click Receive.
  3. Verify Your Address: Ledger Live will generate a unique address for your cryptocurrency. Double-check that the address displayed on your Ledger Live app matches the one on your Ledger device screen.
  4. Copy the address and share it with the sender.

Send Cryptocurrency

To send cryptocurrency from your Ledger device:

  1. Open Ledger Live and select the account from which you want to send crypto.
  2. Click Send and enter the recipient’s address, the amount you wish to send, and any additional details.
  3. Confirm and Sign: After entering the transaction details, Ledger Live will ask you to verify the transaction on your Ledger device. Simply approve the transaction on the device by pressing the button.

Ledger devices offer unparalleled security for transactions. With private keys stored offline and physical confirmation required on your device to approve transactions, the risk of online threats is minimized.

Step 5: Maximize Security for Your Crypto Assets

Security is at the core of Ledger’s design. Here are additional steps you can take to enhance your crypto security:

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Adding 2FA to services like exchanges or crypto wallets adds an additional layer of security. You’ll need a second form of authentication (like an app or code sent via SMS) in addition to your Ledger device PIN to access your accounts.

Use Passphrase Protection

A passphrase is an optional security feature that adds an extra layer of protection to your recovery phrase. By enabling a passphrase, you make it even harder for anyone to access your crypto, even if they have your recovery phrase. You’ll be prompted to enter your passphrase when restoring your wallet.

Regular Firmware Updates

Keep your Ledger device’s firmware up to date. Ledger frequently releases firmware updates to patch vulnerabilities and improve device performance. To update your firmware, simply follow the prompts in Ledger Live.

Need Help?

If you encounter any issues during setup or have questions about using your Ledger hardware wallet, we’ve got you covered:

  • Visit the Ledger Help Center: Our comprehensive Help Center includes step-by-step guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting articles.
  • Contact Ledger Support: If you need personalized assistance, our support team is available 24/7. You can reach us directly via the Ledger website.

Why Choose Ledger?

At Ledger, we believe that security is the foundation of a successful cryptocurrency journey. That’s why millions of users around the world trust Ledger hardware wallets to keep their assets safe. By combining cutting-edge technology, robust security features, and an easy-to-use interface, Ledger ensures that your cryptocurrency is protected from threats while you retain full control.

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