Ledger.com/Start | Starting Up Your Device® - Ledger®

Welcome to Ledger.com/Start, the official guide to safely starting up your Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger is the leading provider of secure cryptocurrency storage solutions. Whether you’re new to crypto or an experienced user, Ledger devices protect your digital assets by keeping your private keys offline while allowing safe interaction with the decentralized ecosystem, including NFTs, DeFi platforms, staking, and Web3 applications. This guide will take you through every step of setting up your Ledger device and using Ledger Live securely.

1. What is Ledger?

Ledger provides hardware wallets designed to store private keys offline. These devices safeguard your crypto assets against hacking, phishing, malware, and other online threats. Unlike online wallets or exchange wallets, Ledger ensures that your private keys never leave the hardware device.

Ledger products include:

• Ledger Nano S Plus: Compact, beginner-friendly wallet.
• Ledger Nano X: Bluetooth-enabled advanced device supporting multiple cryptocurrencies.
• Ledger Live: Official software for managing wallets, staking, NFTs, DeFi interactions, and portfolio tracking.

2. Why Secure Storage Matters

Cryptocurrency ownership is determined by private keys. If someone gains access to your private keys, they can steal your assets. Ledger hardware wallets store these keys offline, making them inaccessible to hackers or malicious software. Benefits include:

• Private keys stored in secure, offline environment.
• Physical confirmation required for transactions.
• Multi-asset and multi-chain support.
• Recovery through a 24-word backup phrase.

3. Unboxing Your Ledger Device

When you receive your Ledger device, verify that all components are included and intact:

• Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
• USB cable or Bluetooth connectivity
• Instruction booklet
• Recovery sheets for your 24-word phrase

Ensure the packaging is sealed and untampered with. Ledger devices purchased from official channels guarantee authenticity and security.

4. Installing Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion software that allows you to set up your device, manage multiple accounts, and interact with crypto ecosystems securely. To install:

1. Download Ledger Live from the official website: Ledger.com
2. Install the application on your computer or mobile device.
3. Follow the installation prompts to complete setup.

Ledger Live is a critical tool for device initialization, asset management, and connecting to decentralized applications safely.

5. Initializing Your Ledger Device

To start your device:

1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile device.
2. Power it on and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Create a secure PIN code to prevent unauthorized access.
4. Write down the 24-word recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet.

Your recovery phrase is your ultimate backup. Never store it digitally or share it with anyone. This phrase allows recovery of all assets if your device is lost or damaged.

6. Adding Crypto Accounts

Once your device is initialized, you can add accounts for supported cryptocurrencies through Ledger Live:

• Open Ledger Live and navigate to “Add Account.”
• Select the cryptocurrency you want to manage.
• Follow prompts to install the relevant blockchain app on your Ledger device.
• Verify the account address on your device before confirming.

7. Sending and Receiving Crypto

Ledger Live enables secure sending and receiving of crypto:

1. For receiving, copy your account address from Ledger Live and share it with the sender.
2. For sending, enter the recipient’s address, the amount, and confirm details on your Ledger device.
3. Always double-check addresses on your device screen to avoid errors or phishing attacks.

8. Using Ledger for Secure Crypto Exchange

Ledger integrates with trusted exchange partners via Ledger Live:

• Buy crypto using fiat directly through Ledger Live.
• Swap cryptocurrencies securely without exposing private keys online.
• Track all transactions and portfolio changes in one secure interface.

9. Multi-Blockchain Support

Ledger wallets support a wide range of blockchain networks including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Solana, Polygon, Cardano, and more. Benefits include:

• Create and manage multiple wallets across blockchains.
• Send and receive assets securely across networks.
• Participate in staking, liquidity pools, and DeFi programs safely.

10. NFTs and Digital Collectibles

Ledger devices allow you to manage Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) securely:

• View NFT collections on supported platforms.
• Sign NFT transactions on your device to ensure security.
• Keep private keys offline during all NFT interactions.

11. Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

Ledger Live enables secure interaction with DeFi applications for lending, borrowing, yield farming, and liquidity mining:

1. Connect your Ledger device to a DeFi platform using Ledger Live or WalletConnect.
2. Authorize all transactions directly on your hardware wallet.
3. Monitor balances, staking positions, and rewards within Ledger Live.

Private keys remain offline during all DeFi interactions, providing maximum security.

12. Staking and Earning Rewards

Ledger Live allows staking supported cryptocurrencies securely:

• Select a blockchain and validator.
• Confirm staking transactions on your Ledger device.
• Earn rewards while keeping full control over your assets.

Supported staking networks include Ethereum, Tezos, Cardano, Solana, and others.

13. Security Best Practices

Ledger emphasizes security through hardware features and user practices:

• Purchase devices only from official Ledger sources.
• Never share your 24-word recovery phrase or PIN.
• Verify all transactions on the device screen before confirming.
• Keep Ledger Live and firmware updated.
• Use a passphrase for additional security.
• Disconnect from dApps or exchanges when not in use.

14. Wallet Backup and Recovery

In the event your Ledger device is lost or damaged, the 24-word recovery phrase is essential:

1. Obtain a new Ledger device.
2. Select “Restore device from recovery phrase.”
3. Enter the 24-word phrase correctly.
4. Set a new PIN for security.

Always store recovery phrases offline in multiple secure locations.

15. Web3 Integration

Ledger devices integrate securely with Web3 applications via browser extensions and WalletConnect:

• Interact safely with decentralized applications.
• Sign blockchain transactions on your Ledger device.
• Access DeFi, NFTs, and staking while keeping private keys offline.

16. Troubleshooting and Support

Common issues include:

• Device not recognized: