Getting Started with Ledger.com

Ledger provides secure cryptocurrency wallets, allowing you to safely manage your digital assets. This guide walks you through starting with Ledger, configuring Ledger Live, securing your funds, and maximizing your crypto portfolio management with best practices.

Step 1: Purchase and Unbox Your Ledger Device

Always buy Ledger hardware wallets from official sources. Ledger devices are available as Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X. Upon unboxing, verify the packaging is intact and includes the device, USB cable, recovery sheet, and instructions.

Step 2: Power On and Initialize the Device

Turn on your Ledger device by holding the button(s) as instructed. You will be prompted to set a PIN. Choose a secure PIN code that you can remember but is not easily guessable.

Step 3: Secure Your Recovery Phrase

Ledger devices generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet. This phrase is your ultimate backup. Never store it digitally or share it with anyone.

Step 4: Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live. Ledger Live is the official app for managing cryptocurrencies, updating firmware, and adding wallets.

Step 5: Add Accounts and Cryptocurrencies

Within Ledger Live, navigate to the “Accounts” section and add your desired cryptocurrency accounts. Ledger supports BTC, ETH, ADA, and hundreds of other coins. Each account links directly to your Ledger device for signing transactions securely.

Step 6: Sending and Receiving Funds

To receive funds, generate a wallet address from Ledger Live. To send funds, confirm transactions on your Ledger device. Always verify recipient addresses and transaction details to avoid mistakes.

Step 7: Enable Two-Factor Authentication

While Ledger device security is robust, enable 2FA for linked exchange accounts and email. This adds an extra layer of protection when managing your funds outside of the hardware wallet.

Step 8: Firmware Updates and Device Maintenance

Regularly update your Ledger device firmware via Ledger Live. Updates ensure new features, compatibility, and critical security patches are applied.

Step 9: Mobile Access with Ledger Live Mobile

Ledger Live Mobile allows secure management on the go. Sync your device with the mobile app using Bluetooth (Ledger Nano X) or USB (Nano S Plus). Transactions must always be confirmed on the device itself.

Step 10: Security Best Practices

Step 11: Managing Your Crypto Portfolio

Ledger Live provides analytics to track asset performance. Set alerts for price changes, monitor transaction history, and diversify your holdings safely. Use accounts for each cryptocurrency to segregate funds for security and management.

Step 12: Recovery and Backup Strategies

If your Ledger device is lost or stolen, your 24-word recovery phrase allows you to restore your funds on a new Ledger device. Always keep backups in multiple secure physical locations.