Official Site®® | Ledger Wallet®

🔐 Why Use a Ledger Wallet?

Cryptocurrencies are powerful, but they come with risks if not secured properly. A Ledger wallet is a hardware device that stores your private keys offline, keeping them safe from malware, phishing, or hacking. When you use a Ledger, only your physical device can authorize transactions — nothing is stored on the internet.

On this official onboarding page, you will find verified instructions, authentic software links, and security best practices — everything you need to start with confidence.

📦 Unboxing & Device Inspection

When your Ledger package arrives, carefully inspect it:

• The box should have tamper-proof seals intact.
• Contents should include the Ledger device, USB cable, recovery phrase cards, and an instruction booklet.
• Look for any signs of wear, damage, or prior opening.

⬇️ Download Ledger Live (Official Companion App)

Ledger Live is your dashboard to manage devices, accounts, and transactions. It exists for desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android). Always download Ledger Live directly from Ledger.com/Start to avoid counterfeit apps or phishing clones.

1. Go to official site: ledger.com/start
2. Select your operating system
3. Download and run the installer
4. Launch Ledger Live after installation

🔌 Connect & Initialize Your Device

With Ledger Live opened, connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth if using Nano X). You’ll be guided step by step.

1. Select "Set up as new device" or "Restore existing wallet"
2. Choose a PIN (4–8 digits)
3. Device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase
4. Write it down on the provided cards
5. Confirm some words as part of setup verification

🛠️ Verifying Device Authenticity

Once your device is initialized, Ledger Live performs a “Genuine Check” to confirm your device is unmodified and authentic. This step protects you from using counterfeit devices or firmware that’s been tampered with.

Follow the instructions in the app. If the check fails, discontinue use immediately and reach out to Ledger support.

📥 Install Apps & Add Crypto Accounts

Ledger supports multiple blockchains, each requiring an app installed on the device. After initialization:

1. Go to the “Manager” section in Ledger Live
2. Allow the device to access the manager
3. Select and install apps for cryptocurrencies you wish to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
4. Add accounts via “Accounts → Add account”
5. Synchronize device with Ledger Live

You can install multiple apps if your device has enough memory — uninstall unused apps when needed.

📥 Receiving Crypto Safely

To receive funds:

1. Select the appropriate account in Ledger Live
2. Click “Receive”
3. Device will display the receiving address — confirm it matches the app
4. Share that address with sender

This confirmation prevents malware from tampering your address. Always verify on-device before sharing.

📤 Sending Funds & Transaction Signing

To send crypto:

1. Go to “Send” in Ledger Live
2. Enter recipient address and amount
3. Confirm transaction in the interface
4. Approve and sign on your Ledger device — every detail (address, amount, fees) is shown on-device

Because the signing happens on the device, even a compromised computer cannot force unauthorized transactions.

🔁 Firmware Updates & Keeping Your Wallet Secure

Ledger periodically releases firmware updates and app upgrades to enhance security and support new blockchains. To update safely:

1. Connect your device and open Ledger Live
2. In “Manager,” if an update is available, follow prompts
3. Confirm updates on the device when asked
4. Do **not** disconnect mid-update — it may brick your device

📊 Portfolio & Staking Features

Once setup is complete, Ledger Live becomes your personal crypto dashboard:

• Track portfolio balance in fiat and crypto units
• View historical performance, charts, gains or losses
• Stake supported assets (ETH, DOT, ATOM, etc.) and earn rewards directly through Ledger
• Swap tokens between chains within Ledger Live
• Support for NFTs and Web3 integration

Staking keeps your assets in cold custody while still earning yield — powerful and safe.

⚠️ Security Best Practices You Must Follow

• Never reveal your 24-word recovery phrase to anyone or type it on any device
• Always download Ledger Live from official site: ledger.com/start
• Confirm transaction details on your device’s screen before approving
• Use a strong, unique PIN and keep it private
• Enable additional layers (e.g. passphrase if supported)
• Store your recovery phrase offline in multiple safe places
• Avoid public or untrusted computers when accessing your ledger

🔧 Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you run into problems:

• Device not recognized: Try another cable or USB port; reinstall Ledger Live
• Genuine check fails: Don’t proceed — contact support
• Firmware update interrupted: Retry carefully or reach support
• Recovery phrase errors: Check word spelling and order carefully when restoring

Refer to the official Ledger Help Center for detailed guides and support resources.

🧾 Backup & Recovery: Restoring Your Ledger Wallet

If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can restore access using your recovery phrase:

1. Get a new Ledger device (or reset existing one)
2. Download and open Ledger Live
3. Select “Restore wallet” during setup
4. Enter your 24-word recovery phrase in the correct order on the device
5. After confirmation, your accounts, addresses, and balances reappear

Because the restoration happens offline, it remains secure even on compromised computers — as long as your recovery phrase was stored safely.

✅ Final Checks & Your First Transaction

Before making your first transaction, double-check everything:

• Your device shows the correct receiving address
• You verify the transaction details (amount, fees) on-device
• Your firmware and apps are up to date
• Your recovery phrase is safely stored offline

Once confident, send a small test amount first to confirm the setup is working properly.