Welcome — Start Your Crypto Journey
This presentation-style page guides users through Ledger's recommended steps to begin with cryptocurrency. Each section has a distinct background color and clear headings so it can be used as printable slides or a long-form landing page.
Why Ledger?
Ledger provides hardware wallets that keep your private keys offline. Using a hardware wallet reduces the risk of hacks, phishing, and software-based attacks. Below we explain the core concepts, step-by-step setup, and best practices for long-term safety.
What you'll learn
- Basic crypto terminology (private/public keys, seed phrase)
- How to set up a Ledger device
- How to buy, receive, and send cryptocurrencies securely
- Best practices for backup, recovery, and device maintenance
Core Concepts
Before using any hardware wallet, it helps to understand what you're protecting and why.
Private keys & seed phrases
At the heart of every crypto wallet is a private key — a long number that authorizes spending. Ledger stores this private key on a secure chip so it never touches the internet. A seed phrase (typically 12, 18, or 24 words) is a human-readable backup of your private key. Securely write down the seed phrase and keep it offline; never share it with anyone.
On-chain vs custodial
With Ledger you control your keys (non-custodial). That means you are fully responsible for security and recovery, but you retain total control of your assets. Custodial services (exchanges) hold keys for you — convenient but riskier for long-term storage.
Choose the Right Device
Ledger offers several hardware models. Choose based on how many coins you hold, how often you trade, and whether you want mobile or desktop support.
Ledger Nano S - Entry
Compact and affordable. Suitable for beginners who hold a limited number of assets.
Ledger Nano X - Advanced
Bluetooth-enabled, more storage for apps, and mobile-ready. Recommended for regular users and those diversifying across many tokens.
Buying tips
Always buy hardware wallets directly from the official Ledger store or authorized resellers. Avoid second-hand devices. Check packaging seals and device integrity upon arrival.
Device Setup — Step by Step
Follow these steps carefully. Mistakes during setup are the most common cause of lost funds.
1. Initialize your device
Power on the device and follow on-screen instructions. Choose to create a new wallet (generate a new seed) rather than restoring from an unknown seed.
2. Write down your seed phrase
Write the seed phrase in order on the provided recovery card. Store it in a safe and separate location from your device. Consider using fireproof and waterproof storage.
3. Create a PIN
Set a strong PIN on the device — this protects the device if physically stolen. Never store the PIN together with the seed phrase.
Ledger Live — Manage Your Crypto
Ledger Live is the official companion app for desktops and mobile. It allows you to install apps on your device, manage multiple accounts, and view portfolio balances without exposing private keys.
Install apps
Each blockchain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) has an app you install onto the device via Ledger Live. Only install apps from official sources inside Ledger Live.
Receive & send
Use Ledger Live to generate receive addresses and to compose transactions. Transactions must be confirmed on-device, ensuring the address and amount are correct at signing time.
Security Best Practices
Security is layered. Combine device security, good behaviours, and physical backups.
Never share your seed phrase
Scammers often ask for the seed phrase. Ledger or any legitimate service will NEVER ask for your seed. Treat it like cash or a password — private and offline.
Beware of phishing
Only use Ledger Live and official URLs. Verify domain names; attackers create phishing sites that look similar. Bookmark official links and never click suspicious links from emails or social media.
Backup strategy
Have multiple seed copies stored in secure, separate locations. Consider legal and inheritance planning so your assets can be recovered if something happens to you.
Advanced Topics
For users who want to go beyond basics: multisig, passphrases, and recovery plans.
Passphrase protection
Ledger supports adding a passphrase to your seed phrase (sometimes called the 25th word). This creates an additional hidden wallet that requires the passphrase plus the seed to restore. It's powerful but dangerous: losing the passphrase loses access permanently.
Multisig wallets
Use multisignature schemes to distribute control across multiple devices or people. This reduces single-point-of-failure risk for high-value holdings.
Troubleshooting & Support
If you lose access or see unexpected behaviour, follow safe troubleshooting steps.
Device won't power on
Try charging (if model supports) or contact official support. Do NOT enter your seed on any online device to recover a hardware wallet — restore only on a trusted device.
Suspicious transaction history
Check the transaction on a blockchain explorer with the public address. If funds moved without your consent, you may have been phished; move any remaining funds to a new wallet whose seed was generated securely on a trusted device.
Use Cases & Examples
Different people use Ledger differently — choose workflows that match your risk profile.
Long-term holder (HODLer)
Store a majority of assets in a hardware wallet and avoid frequent online interactions. Keep only a small portion on exchanges for trading.
Active trader
Use Ledger for large holdings and use exchange accounts for short-term trading. Withdraw profits to your hardware wallet regularly.
Legal, Tax & Estate Planning
Crypto ownership has legal and tax implications that vary by jurisdiction. Keep clean records and seek professional advice for complex estates.
Record keeping
Keep transaction receipts, dates, and amounts. Ledger Live and exported CSVs can help with audits or tax reporting.
Estate planning
Create a secure plan (legal documents, trusted contacts, encrypted instructions) so beneficiaries can access funds if needed. Avoid putting plaintext seed phrases in a will.
Appendix & Resources
Helpful links and further reading to expand your knowledge.
- Official Ledger documentation and setup guides
- Ledger Live download page
- Cryptocurrency basics (books and tutorials)
- Security best practices and community forums
Glossary
Seed phrase: Human-readable backup of private keys. Private key: Secret number that allows spending. Address: Public identifier to receive funds.
Expanded Content (Template Sections You Can Customize)
Use these expandable templates to reach the length you need for printed materials, training courses, or investor decks. Replace placeholder text with detailed policies, screenshots, or legal disclaimers as appropriate.
Training module: "Secure Onboarding"
Objective: Train employees/new users to safely set up and use Ledger devices. Modules include hands-on setup, simulated phishing exercises, and recovery testing using testnets.
Checklist: Pre-Setup
- Purchase official device only
- Disconnect other devices during setup
- Prepare recovery card and pen
- Choose a secure room and record steps for audit
Checklist: Post-Setup
- Confirm seed was written down correctly
- Install only required apps
- Verify receive addresses on-device
- Perform a small test transaction
-- End of template expandable sections --
Next Steps & Contact
Ready to start? Visit Ledger.com/start for official setup guides and downloads. If you need custom training or an enterprise deployment plan, contact the Ledger team.