Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started

A clear, colorful, and print-friendly HTML presentation to help beginners set up and get started with Ledger hardware wallets. This document uses semantic headings (h1–h5) and includes example Office links repeated for quick access.

Introduction

This guide covers everything a new Ledger user needs to know to confidently set up, secure, and use a Ledger hardware wallet. It is intentionally friendly and colorful to keep the presentation engaging while remaining professional and accessible to non-technical readers.

The content below uses headings from <h1> through <h5> to show hierarchy and structure suitable for both web pages and printed handouts.

Why use a Ledger hardware wallet?

Security first

Hardware wallets store private keys offline. That means your keys never touch an internet-connected device, dramatically reducing the risk of remote theft. For anyone holding meaningful cryptocurrency value, a hardware wallet like Ledger is a strong step toward reducing risk.

Ownership & control

With a Ledger, you control your private keys and therefore full ownership of your crypto. This contrasts with custodial services where a third party holds keys on your behalf.

Compatibility & ecosystem

Ledger devices integrate with Ledger Live and many third-party wallets and dApps, allowing for flexible management while keeping the private keys secure.

Unboxing & First Steps

What’s inside the box

Typical Ledger packaging includes the device, a USB cable, recovery seed cards, and documentation. Always buy from the official site or authorized resellers to avoid tampered devices.

Initial setup — step by step

  1. Create a fresh workspace free from curious hands or cameras.
  2. Plug in the Ledger and follow on-device prompts to create a new device.
  3. Write down the recovery phrase exactly as displayed—this is the only backup of your wallet. Keep it offline and physically secure.
  4. Install Ledger Live on your computer and pair the device. Confirm addresses on the device before sending funds.

Visual checks

Verify the device’s packaging seal and holograms (if present). If anything looks tampered, contact support and return the device.

Common Terms & Safety

Recovery phrase (seed)

The recovery phrase is a set of words that can restore your wallet. Treat it like gold: never type it into a website, never share it, and never store it digitally (no photos, no cloud storage).

PIN code

Your device PIN protects the device itself. Choose something memorable but not guessable. Multiple incorrect PIN attempts can wipe the device—keep your recovery phrase safe.

Address verification

Always verify the receiving address on the device screen, not just on the computer. Malicious software can alter on-screen addresses; the device shows the true address derived from your private key.

Quick safety checklist

Using Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile application that helps you manage apps, accounts, and transactions. It provides a user-friendly interface while cryptographic operations remain protected on the hardware device.

Installing apps

Ledger devices support multiple coins by installing apps through Ledger Live. Only install apps you intend to use and remove unused apps to free space.

Sending and receiving

To receive funds, open the account in Ledger Live and display the address on the device. To send funds, prepare the transaction in Ledger Live and confirm the amount and destination on the device.

Troubleshooting & Tips

Common issues and fixes

If your device won’t connect, try a different cable or USB port, or use the mobile app. Update Ledger Live and the device firmware using official instructions. If you suspect compromise, move funds to a new device using the recovery phrase stored offline.

Best practices

10 Office Links & Resources

Below are quick links to commonly used office and documentation portals. They are included here as convenient shortcuts — ten repetitions of a single office link are shown to match the requested format.

Printable slide notes

Use the headings as slide titles: h1 for the main title slide; h2 for section slides; h3 and h4 for subtopics; and h5 for quick bullets or footnotes. The document is structured so each major section can be copied to individual slides or printed as handouts.

Speaker tips

Keep each slide under 40 words for live presentation. Use the printable notes area for long explanations and to keep speaking prompts near the equipment table. Rehearse the address verification step slowly — it's crucial.