Ledger.com/Start®

Welcome to Ledger — Security Meets Simplicity

Congratulations on taking the first step towards securing your digital assets. Ledger devices are designed to protect your cryptocurrencies, tokens, and NFTs—ensuring your private keys remain off‑line and in your control. This guide will walk you through every stage: from unboxing to transacting securely.

1. Unboxing & Safety Check

When your Ledger device arrives, carefully inspect the packaging. Ledger’s packaging includes tamper‑evident seals and original manufacturer markings. If anything seems altered, opened, or otherwise compromised, contact Ledger Support immediately.

Inside the box, you should find: the device (Nano S Plus, Nano X or equivalent), USB cable (if applicable), recovery sheets, and quick start guide. Do **not** dispose of the recovery sheets—they are your lifeline if something happens to the device.

2. Download & Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the secure, official application for managing your crypto. It is your control panel. Download Ledger Live only from Ledger.com/Start or via official Ledger persmissions on mobile platforms—Android or iOS.

Install Ledger Live on your computer or mobile device. Always verify the installer’s checksum or digital signature if provided. Once installed, open the app and follow the welcome flow.

3. Device Initialization

a. Connecting Your Device

Use the supplied USB‑cable or Bluetooth (if your model supports it) to connect. Some models require a button press to wake up. Wait for the screen to say that the device is ready.

b. Set a Secure PIN Code

The PIN is your first line of defense. Choose 4‑8 digits that aren’t obvious (avoid “1234,” birthdays, or repeating digits). This PIN must be entered every time you unlock the device.

c. Recovery Phrase

You will be shown a 24‑word recovery phrase. This phrase **is your backup**. Write it clearly, in order, on the recovery sheet provided. Double‑check that none of the words are smudged or unclear.

Make sure your phrase is stored **off‑line**, in a secure place—such as a locked safe or safety deposit—and ideally distributed in split form if you are very security conscious. Never take photos of it, store in cloud, or share with anyone.

4. Verify Everything Is Secure

After setting up, Ledger will prompt you to confirm the recovery phrase by selecting words in the correct order. This is essential to ensure you've recorded them correctly. If you make a mistake, you will need to redo this step.

Also verify that firmware on the device is latest. Ledger Live will notify you. If an update is required, follow official instructions. Always update firmware only while connected to trusted networks.

5. Adding & Managing Accounts

In Ledger Live, tap or click “Add Account”. Select the blockchain (or blockchains) you wish to use—Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc. The device will derive keys securely; your private keys stay isolated.

Once accounts are added, you can:

• View balances in real time
• Receive assets: generate addresses, verify on‑device
• Send assets: prepare transaction, review details on the device, approve physically
• Monitor activity, NFTs, tokens via Ledger Live dashboard

6. Receiving Crypto Safely

When someone wishes to send you cryptocurrency, open Ledger Live, go to “Receive,” choose which account, then copy the address. **Always verify** that what appears on your device’s screen matches what’s in the app. If they differ, do not proceed.

Even if your device is not connected, you may receive tokens so long as you share the verified receive address. But to manage them, you’ll need your device later to verify transactions, etc.

7. Sending Crypto & Transactions

When sending, enter the recipient’s address, amount, and any fee info. Review thoroughly. Ledger devices are built so that **you physically confirm** each transaction on the hardware screen—this guards against malware or compromised computers.

Never use copy‑paste unverified addresses. Consider verifying via trusted sources or addresses you previously used. For large sums consider doing a small test transaction first.

8. Security Best Practices & Maintenance

Security is not a one‑time setup—it’s ongoing. Here are key habits to maintain:

• Keep firmware & Ledger Live up to date
• Always use strong, unique PINs;
• Never share your recovery phrase with anyone, under any circumstances
• Beware phishing: type URLs manually; don’t click suspicious links
• Store recovery phrase in secure physical place; consider watermarking or safekeeping
• Don’t let others handle your device unattended
• Consider using passphrase feature (Ledger’s extra layer) if you understand the risks

9. Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if I lose my PIN?

   You can reset the device, but you’ll only regain your assets if you have your full 24‑word recovery phrase. Without the phrase, assets are inaccessible.

2. Can someone restore my asset using only the device?

   No. Without your recovery phrase, even if someone has the device, they cannot reconstruct the private keys.

3. Is firmware update safe?

   Yes—Ledger uses cryptographic signatures. But always do updates via Ledger Live, over secure connectivity, and after verifying release notes.

4. What if software or app asks for my recovery words?

   Never share your recovery words with any software or person. Ledger Live or the device itself will *never* ask you to enter recovery phrase except during the initial setup/verification—and always on the hardware device, not on computer input fields.

10. Tools & Resources

Ledger offers many tools and resources to help you stay informed and secure:

• Official Support Center — articles, walkthroughs, videos
• Community Forum — share tips and problems with fellow users
• Security Alerts — subscribe to get notifications of known threats
• Backup Services — secure physical storage options for recovery phrase
• Multi‑Account / Multi‑Asset Tools — portfolio tracking, token support

Ready to Get Started?

You now have all the knowledge required to confidently use your Ledger device to manage crypto securely. Protect your investments by being cautious, informed, and vigilant. Your digital assets deserve the best defense.