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the official Ledger® setup guide! This step-by-step walkthrough will help you get started with your Ledger hardware wallet and Ledger Live™ application, ensuring that your digital assets are securely managed. Whether you’re new to cryptocurrencies or an experienced user, this guide will provide clear instructions to help you set up your device and begin your journey toward self-custody with confidence.
Ledger is a leading provider of hardware wallets, known for its industry-leading security protocols and commitment to self-custody. With a Ledger device, you have complete control over your private keys, and your cryptocurrency holdings are kept safe from online threats such as hacking, phishing, and malware.
The Ledger hardware wallet works in combination with the Ledger Live™ software, allowing you to securely manage your digital assets from one centralized interface. Ledger is trusted by millions of users worldwide for its robust security measures and user-friendly setup process.
When you receive your Ledger hardware wallet, it will come with the following items:
• Ledger Device (Nano S or Nano X, depending on your model) • USB Cable (for connecting the device to your computer or mobile device) • Recovery Sheet (used to record your 24-word recovery phrase) • Quick Start Guide (instructions for setting up your device)
Before proceeding with the setup, make sure you have all the items and check that the packaging is sealed. If anything appears tampered with or damaged, contact Ledger support immediately.
Ledger Live™ is the official application you’ll use to manage your Ledger hardware wallet. It is available for desktop (Windows, macOS, and Linux) and mobile (iOS and Android) devices.
To start, follow these steps:
Now that you have Ledger Live installed, you’ll need to initialize your Ledger hardware wallet.
Power On Your Device Plug your Ledger device into your computer (or mobile device) using the included USB cable. Your Ledger device should automatically power on, and the Ledger logo will appear on the screen.
Choose Your Language Once the device powers up, it will prompt you to choose your preferred language. Use the buttons on the device to navigate through the menu and select your language.
Initialize as a New Device On the screen of your Ledger device, you will see the option to "Set Up as New Device". Select this option to start the initialization process.
Create a PIN Code You will be prompted to set up a PIN code. The PIN code is a 4 to 8 digit code that is required to access your Ledger device. Choose a PIN that is unique and not easily guessable. Enter your PIN on the device’s screen, and confirm it when prompted.
This is one of the most crucial steps in the setup process. The recovery phrase is a 24-word sequence that is generated during initialization. It is the key to restoring your device in case it is lost or damaged. Do not skip this step!
Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase Once you’ve set your PIN, your Ledger device will display a 24-word recovery phrase. Write these words down on the recovery sheet provided in the box. The order in which the words appear is important, so make sure you write them down correctly.
Store Your Recovery Phrase Securely Store your recovery phrase in a safe place, such as a fireproof and waterproof storage box, or a secure location that only you can access. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone, and never store it digitally (e.g., on your computer or phone). If anyone gains access to your recovery phrase, they can steal your digital assets.
Confirm Your Recovery Phrase After writing down your recovery phrase, you will be asked to confirm the phrase on the Ledger device by selecting the words in the correct order. This ensures that you’ve correctly recorded your recovery phrase.
Once your Ledger hardware wallet is initialized, it’s time to connect it to Ledger Live to manage your digital assets.
Open Ledger Live on Your Computer or Mobile Device Launch the Ledger Live application that you installed earlier.
Select "Initialize New Device" On the Ledger Live home screen, choose the option to Initialize New Device. This will prompt you to connect your Ledger hardware wallet to the application.
Enter Your PIN To proceed, enter the PIN code you created during the initialization of your Ledger device.
Install the Blockchain Apps Ledger Live allows you to manage various cryptocurrencies and tokens. To do so, you’ll need to install the corresponding blockchain apps for the cryptocurrencies you wish to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
You can install apps directly from the Ledger Live app by going to the "Manager" section and choosing the apps you want to add to your device.
Create Accounts in Ledger Live Once the apps are installed on your device, you can create accounts for each supported cryptocurrency. For example, you can create a Bitcoin account, an Ethereum account, and more. Ledger Live will display your accounts in the application, where you can track balances, view transaction history, and send or receive cryptocurrencies.
Your Ledger hardware wallet is now ready to use, but to ensure maximum security, follow these best practices:
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Enable 2FA for any exchanges or services where you store digital assets. This adds an additional layer of security by requiring a code from your mobile device to access your account.
Keep Your Recovery Phrase Offline Never store your 24-word recovery phrase digitally. Instead, keep it in a secure physical location (such as a safety deposit box) away from your device.
Use a Secure Backup Consider using a cryptosteel or metal backup to record your recovery phrase. This ensures it will survive natural disasters like fire or water damage.
With Ledger Live and your Ledger device properly set up, you can now send, receive, and manage your cryptocurrency holdings directly from the Ledger Live application.
• Never share your recovery phrase: Your recovery phrase is the key to your crypto assets. Anyone who has access to it can control your assets. • Do not trust phishing emails or websites: Always ensure that you are on the official Ledger website or using the official Ledger Live app. Ledger will never ask for your PIN or recovery phrase. • Update your firmware: Regularly check for firmware updates in Ledger Live. Keeping your device up to date ensures that you benefit from the latest security features.
Ledger hardware wallets and Ledger Live software are designed to give users control over their private keys and digital assets. However, it is important to understand that cryptocurrency investments are inherently risky. The value of digital assets can fluctuate widely, and there is a possibility of losing your investment. Always conduct thorough research and consult financial professionals before making investment decisions.
Ledger is not responsible for any loss of assets due to user error, loss of recovery phrase, or other security breaches. Your recovery phrase is your responsibility. Keep it safe and never share it with anyone.