Get started with Ledger — Ledger.com/start

Secure your crypto with Ledger hardware wallets

Welcome! This short presentation will take you from zero to confidently using a Ledger device. We'll cover what Ledger is, why hardware wallets matter, step-by-step setup, daily use tips, backup and recovery best practices, and a few advanced features you can explore.

Why this matters

Your private keys are the single most important piece of data in crypto. Storing them on a secure, offline device significantly reduces the risk of theft.

Quick links

Official setup guide: Ledger.com/start
Open in Office: PowerPoint Online

What you'll need

Checklist before setup

  • Ledger hardware device (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X) — always buy from official channels.
  • Computer or smartphone with internet to install Ledger Live.
  • USB-C or Lightning cable (depending on model) and a safe place to write down recovery words.
  • A quiet, private space for initializing the device and writing your recovery phrase offline.

Safety first

Never enter your recovery phrase on a website or take a photo. Treat it like cash — physical, private, and critical.

First-time setup

Step-by-step overview

  1. Unbox the Ledger device and inspect the tamper-evident packaging.
  2. Plug it into your computer or pair via Bluetooth (Nano X) and open Ledger Live.
  3. Choose "Initialize as new device" (do not restore from a seed from unknown sources).
  4. Set a PIN on the device. This protects access to the device itself.
  5. Write down the 24-word recovery phrase on the provided card — offline, legibly, and in order.

Key points

The device generates private keys on-device; Ledger never knows your recovery phrase or PIN.

Adding accounts in Ledger Live

Connect, manage, and monitor

Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile companion. Add crypto accounts (BTC, ETH, ERC-20 tokens, Solana, and many more), check balances, and manage transactions. Ledger Live acts as the interface while signing always happens on the device.

Steps

  • Open Ledger Live → Accounts → Add account.
  • Choose the crypto and follow the prompts to connect your device and install the app on the device if needed.
  • Confirm the address on your device screen before receiving funds.

Sending & receiving crypto

Confirm on-device — always

When sending, you create the transaction in Ledger Live and must confirm it physically on your Ledger device. Confirming addresses on-device ensures the receiving address hasn't been tampered with by malware.

Receiving safely

Always display the receiving address on your Ledger device and compare it to the one shown on Ledger Live before sharing.

Backup & recovery

24-word recovery phrase explained

The 24-word phrase is the ultimate backup. If your device is lost, broken, or stolen, anyone with this phrase can control your funds. Keep it offline, and consider a fireproof storage option.

Recovery process

To recover, use a new Ledger device (or compatible BIP39 device) and choose "Restore from recovery phrase" during initialization. Follow the exact word order — mistakes will prevent recovery.

Maintenance & firmware updates

Keep your device up to date

Firmware updates add features and security fixes. Only update firmware from Ledger Live and never from third-party sources. Ledger Live will prompt you when an official update is available.

Do's & Don'ts

  • Do update through Ledger Live.
  • Don't trust unsolicited messages asking for your recovery phrase.
  • Do verify firmware prompts on-device before accepting.

Using dApps & staking

Connect safely

Ledger can interact with decentralized applications via Ledger Live or through integrations (e.g., MetaMask with Ledger). Always confirm transactions on-device and understand the permissions a dApp requests.

Staking

Many networks support staking via Ledger; Ledger Live often provides built-in staking flows. Review fees and lock-up periods before staking.

Troubleshooting & support

Where to go for help

Ledger's official support resources, community forums, and knowledge base handle most issues. For device faults, contact Ledger support through the official site. Avoid unsolicited help that asks for your recovery phrase or PIN.

Common fixes

  • Device not recognized — try a different cable or USB port and ensure Ledger Live is up to date.
  • App install issues — free up space on the device by removing unused apps.
  • Lost device — restore using your recovery phrase on a new Ledger or compatible device.

Summary & next steps

You're ready

Congratulations — you now know the essentials: why hardware wallets matter, how to set up and back up a Ledger device, how to use Ledger Live for accounts and transactions, and how to maintain device security over time.

Next steps

  1. Visit Ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live.
  2. Initialize your device in a private space and write your recovery phrase offline.
  3. Practice small transfers first to confirm addresses and flows.
  4. Explore advanced features like staking or dApp integrations once comfortable.

Stay safe: never share your recovery phrase or PIN with anyone. Ledger support and guides are available at the official site.