Start Securely with Ledger

Why a hardware wallet?

Most crypto losses happen when private keys are exposed to the internet. A hardware wallet keeps your private keys offline — on a device you control — so signing transactions happens inside that locked environment. That dramatically reduces risk from phishing, malware, and exchange hacks. In short: it separates the authority to move funds from the devices you use to browse, so the keys never travel across the open web.

What you’ll need

• A Ledger hardware device (Nano family or equivalent).
• A computer or smartphone with a compatible USB or Bluetooth connection.
• A secure surface to write your recovery phrase — and a safe place to store it.
• Time: about 10–20 minutes to set up properly; the payoff is decades of better security.

Quick overview — the start sequence

1. Unbox and inspect the device for tamper evidence.
2. Connect to Ledger Live (official companion app) and create a new wallet.
3. Write down the recovery phrase exactly as shown — offline.
4. Verify the phrase on the device, then set a PIN.
5. Install only the apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
6. Send a small test transaction to confirm everything works.

Step 1 — Unbox and verify

When you open the package, check for signs of tampering. Ledger ships devices with anti-tamper measures; if anything looks altered, do not use the device and contact an authorized seller. Only download companion software from the official domain and confirm the web address in your browser before connecting the device.

Step 2 — Create your wallet

Power the device and follow the on-screen prompts to create a new wallet. The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase — the single most important artifact of your wallet. Never share those words digitally. Do not photograph them, store them in cloud notes, or type them into a website.

Step 3 — Store the recovery phrase

Write each word on paper or a durable metal backup, in the exact order shown. Use a pencil or an indelible pen for paper — ink that blurs with water invites trouble. Metal backups provide resilience against fire and water, and are worth the investment if you plan to hold long term.

Step 4 — Verify and lock with a PIN

After writing your recovery phrase, the device will ask you to confirm some words. This verifies you recorded them correctly. Then choose a PIN: longer is better. A 6-digit PIN multiplies brute-force time exponentially compared to 4 digits. Set a PIN you will remember but that isn't trivially guessable.

Step 5 — Install apps and add accounts

Ledger’s companion app lets you install blockchain-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Only install what you need — fewer apps means fewer potential attack surfaces. Use Ledger Live to add accounts and view balances; transactions still require physical confirmation on your device.

Best practices for real security

• Never give your recovery phrase to anyone. Scammers posing as support frequently try to extract these words. No legitimate support will ever ask for them.
• Keep multiple backups. Store your primary backup somewhere secure and consider a geographically separated secondary copy for disaster recovery.
• Use passphrase protection if you understand it. A passphrase (sometimes called a 25th word) can create additional hidden wallets — powerful but risky if you forget it.
• Test restores periodically. Make sure your backup actually restores on a spare device before it becomes mission-critical.
• Start small. When sending/receiving for the first time, move a small test amount to confirm addresses and device operation.

Recovering a Ledger on a new device

Lost or broken device? A correctly stored recovery phrase lets you restore funds on any compatible hardware wallet. During a restore, enter your 24 words exactly and the device will recreate the same private keys and addresses. If you used a passphrase, ensure you use the identical passphrase during recovery — otherwise you will recreate a different wallet.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

People often make mistakes because they rush. Here are common traps and how to sidestep them:

• Storing seeds digitally: Avoid photos, cloud notes, and email. If an attacker accesses your cloud, the funds go too.
• Responding to urgent messages: Scammers demand immediate action. Pause, verify, and never share seeds or PINs.
• Buying second-hand devices: Only buy new from authorized retailers. A used device might be compromised.
• Mixing passphrase strategies: If you use a passphrase, record the reasoning and exact string in a secure way — forgetting it equals losing funds.

Advanced options for peace of mind

If you plan to hold significant value, consider multi-signature setups to distribute signing power, store backups in an insured safety deposit box, or build legal succession plans (wills or digital inheritance) that reference the existence of a wallet without exposing secrets.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Ledger with multiple computers?

Yes. The device is portable and can connect to compatible computers or phones. Your private keys remain on the device, so it’s safe to use across machines.

What if I forget my PIN?

If you forget your PIN, you must reset the device and restore from your recovery phrase. That’s why secure backup is essential.

Is Ledger immune to all attacks?

No product is perfectly immune. Ledger reduces risk significantly, but you must still practice safe habits — avoid phishing, keep backups, and update firmware from official sources.

Keeping your device current

Check for firmware updates regularly and install them from the official companion application. Updates fix security issues and add support for new blockchains, but only install updates after verifying official release notes — never accept firmware from unverified sources. If you maintain a long-term holding strategy, schedule periodic checks (every few months) to ensure device health.

Small, regular maintenance protects big balances: verify firmware authenticity, test a recovery on a spare device, and keep a short checklist near your backups so a trusted person can follow the plan if necessary. Good habits last longer than any device.