Ledger Start - The Official Guide

1. Unboxing and Preparation

[PLACEHOLDER FOR ~300 WORDS OF CONTENT]

This introductory section details what you should find in the box, how to verify its authenticity, and essential security precautions before powering on. It will emphasize the importance of buying directly from Ledger or an authorized retailer and checking the tamper-proof seals.

CRITICAL WARNING: Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase on a computer, phone, or any device connected to the internet. Only write it down on the provided Recovery Sheets.

1

Verify Seal

Check the packaging for any signs of tampering or re-sealing before opening.

2

Power On

Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the supplied USB cable.

3

Install Ledger Live

Download and install the official application only from the official Ledger website.

2. Initial Device Setup & PIN Creation

[PLACEHOLDER FOR ~500 WORDS OF DETAILED CONTENT]

This section will walk through the step-by-step process of turning on the device, navigating the menu using the buttons, selecting 'Set up as new device', and creating a strong 4-8 digit PIN code. It must stress the importance of memorizing the PIN and never sharing it.

2.1 Creating Your PIN

Step A: Select 'Configure new device' on the screen.
Step B: Choose 'Select PIN Code'. Use the buttons to select numbers.
Step C: Confirm your PIN code one more time.

3. Securing Your Backup (The 24-Word Recovery Phrase)

[PLACEHOLDER FOR ~400 WORDS OF CRUCIAL SECURITY CONTENT]

This is the most critical part of the guide. It explains what the recovery phrase (seed phrase) is, why it's the master key, and the meticulous process of writing down, double-checking, and securely storing the 24 words. This section will include tips on fireproofing and geographically distributed storage.

Your **24-word Recovery Phrase** is your *only* backup. If you lose it and your Ledger is broken or lost, your crypto is gone forever. If someone *finds* it, they own your crypto. Treat it like a large stack of cash.

4. Connecting to Ledger Live and Daily Use

[PLACEHOLDER FOR ~300 WORDS ON SOFTWARE USE]

Details on connecting the hardware wallet to Ledger Live, installing the required coin applications (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.), creating accounts, and the process for sending and receiving cryptocurrency. Explaining how the hardware device **must** approve every transaction.

5. Firmware Updates and Common Issues

[PLACEHOLDER FOR ~170 WORDS ON MAINTENANCE]

Guidance on how and when to update the device firmware and Ledger Live software. Includes a brief FAQ on common issues like 'stuck on update' or 'connection failure' and how to resolve them safely.

🔐 Ledger Start Guide