Table of contents: Overview • Preparation • Setup • Using Ledger Live • Security • Troubleshooting
Ledger is a hardware wallet brand that stores the private keys for cryptocurrency offline on a secure device. A hardware wallet protects your assets by keeping keys isolated from internet-connected machines. This presentation walks you through the essentials — preparing, setting up, using Ledger Live, and best security practices.
Buy only from official channels to avoid tampered devices. Always check the tamper-evident packaging and run the device setup from scratch — Ledger devices never come pre-configured with a seed.
Inspect packaging for seals and physical tampering. Confirm the package includes the device, a USB cable (if applicable), a recovery sheet, and basic documentation.
Ledger Live is the official app for managing accounts and installing apps on your device. Download from the official site only.
Get Started then follow on-screen prompts.Follow device prompts to set a PIN and generate a recovery phrase (24 words recommended for Ledger). Write the recovery words on the supplied card — never store them digitally.
Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger staff will never ask for it. Store it offline in a safe place; consider using a steel backup for durability.
Ledger devices use small apps (one per cryptocurrency) to manage keys and sign transactions. Use Ledger Live's "Manager" to install or remove apps safely — apps are sandboxed and signed by Ledger.
After installing the needed app (for example Bitcoin or Ethereum), add an account in Ledger Live; this will create the public addresses and let you view balances.
Choose a PIN you can remember but that isn't easy to guess. For advanced protection, use a passphrase (additional secret word) that extends the seed. Passphrases create an additional hidden wallet — treat the passphrase with the same secrecy as the seed.
Only use the official Ledger Live app. Beware of phishing sites, fake emails, and social-engineering attempts. Always verify URLs and never enter your recovery phrase into any website or app.
Keep device firmware and Ledger Live up to date. Firmware updates often include important security improvements. Always follow official instructions when updating your device.
Try a different USB cable or port, ensure Ledger Live is updated, and that your OS recognizes USB devices. For mobile users, confirm Bluetooth is enabled (if using Ledger Nano X).
Make sure you're viewing the correct cryptocurrency account in Ledger Live and that the blockchain network confirmations are complete. Use the device to verify receive addresses that were used.
If you lose the device, you can restore your accounts on a new Ledger (or compatible hardware wallet) using your recovery phrase. Follow official restore steps carefully — enter the phrase only on the device's secure input, never on a computer.
Below are helpful official Ledger pages (click to open):
Bookmark the Ledger support page and Ledger Live download page in your browser for quick, safe access.