Get Started with Ledger Wallet

A step-by-step presentation to set up, secure, and use your Ledger hardware wallet safely. This guide covers hardware initialization, Ledger Live, transactions, backups, advanced security best practices, and troubleshooting.

What this presentation covers

Why use a hardware wallet
Preparing for setup
Initial device setup and recovery phrase
Installing and using Ledger Live
Sending and receiving crypto securely
Maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting
Advanced tips and frequently asked questions

Use the Next / Previous buttons or ← → keys to navigate. Headings are green, body text is orange.

Why use a hardware wallet?

Hardware wallets store your private keys in a secure, offline environment. Unlike software wallets on phones or computers, hardware wallets make it much harder for malware or remote attackers to access your keys.

Key advantages

Private keys never leave the device: Signatures are performed on-device.
Resistant to malware: Even if your computer is compromised, the hardware wallet protects the keys.
Recovery phrase: Restore access to funds if the device is lost or damaged (if you keep the recovery phrase safe).
Multi-asset support: Modern devices support hundreds of cryptocurrencies through Ledger Live and apps.

Common use cases

Long-term storage of crypto assets
Regular transactions with added security
Institutional or team custody with multi-signature setups

What you need before starting

Physical items

Your Ledger device (e.g., Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X).
Original box and USB cable from the manufacturer (avoid unknown cables).
Notebook or metal backup device for the recovery phrase — don't store the phrase digitally.
A clean, private space to set up the device (avoid public Wi-Fi or cameras).

Digital requirements

A computer or mobile device compatible with Ledger Live.
Latest version of Ledger Live (download from the official Ledger website).
Access to the official Ledger documentation and support if needed.

Important safety note: Only use the official Ledger website and verified app downloads. Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. Never reveal your recovery phrase to anyone, including support staff.

Unboxing & device authenticity

Before powering on the device, inspect packaging and tamper seals. Ledger devices come sealed; if the packaging appears opened or tampered with, contact the seller or Ledger support before proceeding.

Visual checks

Intact seal and original packaging.
Ledger logo and model labeling present and consistent.
Included accessories (cables, recovery sheets) present.

If you received the device from a reseller, prefer certified resellers. If you must buy secondhand, perform a factory reset and verify the device's firmware and authenticity through Ledger Live before using.

First-time setup — overview

Setting up a Ledger wallet typically includes these steps:

Power on the device and choose to set it up as a new device.
Set a PIN to protect the physical device from casual access.
Write down the 24-word recovery phrase on the provided card (or a secure backup medium).
Install Ledger Live and verify firmware and apps.
Add accounts for cryptocurrencies you want to manage.

Timing

Set aside at least 20–30 minutes for the initial setup. Rushing increases the risk of mistakes with the recovery phrase or pin.

Step-by-step physical setup

1. Power on

Connect the device to your computer or power source using the supplied cable. Follow on-screen prompts to get started.

2. Choose a PIN

Pick a PIN of at least 4 to 8 digits (longer is better). Never write the PIN on the same sheet as your recovery phrase. You will need the PIN each time you unlock the device.

3. Record the recovery phrase

The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write each word in order on the provided card. Verify each word, and keep at least one secure backup in a separate location. Consider using a metal backup for long-term durability.

4. Confirm the recovery phrase

The device will ask you to confirm a few words to ensure you recorded the phrase correctly. Only after you confirm will the setup complete.

Ledger Live overview

Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger devices. It lets you manage accounts, install apps on your device, view portfolio balances, and send or receive cryptocurrencies.

What you can do with Ledger Live

Install and remove blockchain apps on the Ledger device.
Create/manage accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other assets.
Buy, sell, or exchange crypto through integrated partners.
Sign transactions securely using the device.
Check firmware updates and verify the device's integrity.

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and verify the installer signature if available.

Installing apps on the Ledger device

Ledger uses small blockchain-specific "apps" you install via Ledger Live to support different cryptocurrencies. Installation happens through the Manager section in Ledger Live.

Steps

Open Ledger Live and navigate to Manager.
Connect and unlock your Ledger device.
Browse the app catalog and install the apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
Note: device storage is limited — remove unused apps if necessary; removing an app does not delete account or funds (the private keys remain recoverable via the recovery phrase).

Adding and managing accounts

After installing apps, create accounts in Ledger Live for each asset you want to manage. Ledger Live will generate receive addresses that you can use to deposit crypto to your hardware wallet.

Best practices

Verify addresses on the device display before sending funds to them.
Label accounts clearly (e.g., "BTC — Cold Storage", "ETH — DApp Access").
Use separate accounts for different purposes (savings vs spending) to reduce operational risk.

Sending and receiving crypto securely

Receiving

To receive funds, open the account in Ledger Live, click "Receive", connect and unlock your device, open the corresponding app on the device, and verify the address shown in Ledger Live matches the address on the device display. Only pasting addresses without device verification is risky.

Sending

When sending funds, review the transaction details on your computer, then confirm the transaction on the Ledger device. The device display will show the destination address and the amount — check these carefully before approving.

Never approve a transaction on the device if the address or amount looks incorrect, even if your computer screen shows the expected values.

Recovery phrase — best practices

Do's

Write the 24 words on paper or a metal backup and store them offline.
Keep multiple copies in geographically separated secure places if you hold significant funds.
Use a durable storage method (steel plates, Engraving) for long-term protection against fire and water.

Don'ts

Don't store the recovery phrase as a digital file, photo, or cloud backup.
Don't share the phrase with anyone. Legitimate support will never ask for it.
Don't enter it into websites or third-party apps.

Consider using a passphrase (an optional extra word or phrase) for additional security. Understand the implications: a passphrase changes the derived wallet and if you lose the passphrase, funds are irrecoverable.

Firmware and software updates

Why updates are important

Firmware and Ledger Live updates provide new features, bug fixes, and security improvements. Keeping both up to date ensures your device remains secure and compatible with the latest blockchains.

How to update

Open Ledger Live and go to Manager or Settings.
Follow prompts to update device firmware (the device will display confirmations — verify everything on-device).
Only update from Ledger Live — do not run unofficial firmware packages.

If an update fails or the device behaves unexpectedly, consult Ledger support and do not share your recovery phrase with anyone claiming to help you over the phone or chat.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not recognized

Try a different USB cable or port.
Ensure the device is unlocked (enter PIN) and on the correct app.
Restart Ledger Live and your computer.

Missing accounts or balances

Make sure you added the correct account in Ledger Live for the correct blockchain.
Sync Ledger Live to refresh balances; check network explorer to confirm on-chain balances.

Forgot PIN

If you forget the PIN, you can reset the device to factory and restore accounts using your 24-word recovery phrase. Be sure you have the recovery phrase before resetting.

Advanced security tips

Use a dedicated signing machine

For high-value operations, consider using a dedicated computer that is offline and used exclusively for signing transactions (air-gapped) when supported by workflows.

Segregate funds

Keep small, operational balances on a hot wallet for day-to-day transactions and store bulk funds in your hardware wallet as cold storage.

Multi-signature setups

For teams or institutions, use multi-signature wallets where multiple keys are required to sign transactions. Ledger devices can be part of multisig solutions with compatible wallet software.

Common mistakes to avoid

Storing recovery phrases in cloud storage or photos.
Entering the recovery phrase into any website or chat window.
Using unofficial firmware or third-party firmware images.
Ignoring device or Ledger Live updates for extended periods.

Scams to watch for

Phishing websites imitating Ledger — always check the domain and use bookmarks for official links.
Fake support accounts asking for recovery phrases.
Social-engineering attempts to get you to reveal your seed.

Walkthrough example: Receive and send

Receive (example)

In Ledger Live select the account and click “Receive”.
Unlock your device and open the asset app (e.g., Bitcoin).
Confirm the address on the device display matches the one shown in Ledger Live.
Share that address to the sender or use it to transfer funds from an exchange.

Send (example)

Click “Send” in Ledger Live and enter the destination address and amount.
Review the transaction fees and details.
Confirm and sign the transaction on your Ledger device — the device will display the destination address and amount for you to verify before approving.

Using Ledger with DeFi and dApps

Ledger devices can interact with decentralized applications (dApps) via browser integrations and third-party wallets (e.g., MetaMask with Ledger integration). Always use caution and review transaction data on your device before approving.

Safety tips

Use a separate account that you fund only with a small amount for dApp interactions.
Review smart contract approvals and revoke allowances you no longer need.
Prefer read-only connections and offline review when possible.

Backup strategies

Single backup

Record the recovery phrase and store it in a secure location (safe deposit box, home safe). This is the minimum requirement.

Multiple backups

Store copies in geographically separated secure places to protect against natural disasters. Consider distributing backups among trusted parties using encryption or split-secret tools (Shamir's Secret Sharing) if you understand the complexity.

Test your backup by restoring on another device (in a safe environment) if you are comfortable doing so — this ensures the backup was recorded correctly.

Long-term custody considerations

Legal planning: Include instructions for heirs without revealing the recovery phrase publicly.
Periodic checks: Occasionally verify that devices and backups are intact and accessible.
Documentation: Keep a secure note of device model, firmware version, and the location of backups (without including sensitive secrets).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I lose my Ledger device?

A: If you have your 24-word recovery phrase, you can restore your wallets on a new Ledger or compatible wallet. If you lose both the device and the recovery phrase, funds are irrecoverable.

Q: Can someone steal my crypto if they have my recovery phrase?

A: Yes. Anyone with the recovery phrase can derive your private keys and move funds. Never share it.

Q: Is a passphrase required?

A: No. A passphrase is optional and provides an additional layer of protection, but it also increases complexity. If you lose the passphrase, you lose access to the funds protected by it.

Glossary of key terms

Private key

A secret number that controls access to funds. It must remain secret.

Recovery phrase / seed

A human-readable set of words (usually 24) that encodes your private key information and is used to restore wallets.

Ledger Live

The official desktop and mobile application used to manage Ledger devices and accounts.

Resources & links

Reference official Ledger documentation and support resources for the latest instructions and downloads.

Official Ledger website and Ledger Live downloads — always verify the domain before downloading.
Ledger support and knowledge base for step-by-step articles.
Community guides and verified educational content to deepen your understanding.

Security checklist

⎯ Verify device authenticity on unboxing
⎯ Set a strong PIN and store it separately from your recovery phrase
⎯ Record and secure the 24-word recovery phrase offline
⎯ Use Ledger Live only from the official source
⎯ Verify addresses on-device before sending
⎯ Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated

Wrap-up & next steps

You're now equipped with the knowledge to set up and use a Ledger hardware wallet responsibly. Next steps:

Buy or locate your Ledger device and check packaging for authenticity.
Set up the device step-by-step and securely record your recovery phrase.
Install Ledger Live, add accounts, and perform a small test transaction.
Review the security checklist regularly and keep backups safe.

Safe storing and smart operational habits will minimize your risk and give you confidence managing your crypto assets.

Thank you

Questions? Return to earlier slides for details, or consult official Ledger documentation for device-specific instructions. Remember: never share your recovery phrase.

Presentation created for learning purposes. Always verify instructions with official Ledger resources for your specific device model.