@Ledger® Onboarding™ — Official Setup Hub | Ledger.com/start

Welcome to @Ledger® Onboarding™ — Official Setup Hub, your comprehensive guide to securely starting your journey in cryptocurrency. Ledger is the trusted provider of hardware wallets that store your private keys offline, giving you complete control over your digital assets. This guide covers every aspect of setting up your Ledger device, managing crypto through Ledger Live, interacting with NFTs, participating in decentralized finance (DeFi), staking, and integrating safely with Web3 applications.

1. What is Ledger®?

Ledger is a global leader in cryptocurrency security, providing hardware wallets that safeguard private keys offline. Unlike software wallets or exchange accounts, Ledger ensures that your private keys never leave the device, protecting your assets from online threats.

• Ledger Nano S Plus: A compact, beginner-friendly device for secure storage.
• Ledger Nano X: Advanced hardware wallet with Bluetooth, multi-asset support, and mobile connectivity.
• Ledger Live: Official companion app for managing wallets, DeFi interactions, NFTs, staking, and Web3 integration.

2. Why Secure Crypto Storage is Essential

Cryptocurrencies are controlled through private keys. If someone gains access to your keys, they can steal your assets. Ledger hardware wallets store keys offline (“cold storage”), keeping them safe from hacking, malware, and phishing attacks.

Benefits of using Ledger include:

• Offline storage of private keys.
• Physical transaction confirmation directly on the device.
• Support for multiple cryptocurrencies and blockchain networks.
• Backup via 24-word recovery phrase.

3. Unboxing Your Ledger Device

When you receive your Ledger device, verify that all components are included:

• Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
• USB cable or Bluetooth connectivity
• Instruction manual
• Recovery sheets for your 24-word phrase

Ensure the packaging is untampered with. Devices purchased from official sources guarantee authenticity and security.

4. Installing Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the essential software for managing your Ledger device and crypto assets:

1. Download Ledger Live from the official website: Ledger.com.
2. Install the software on your computer or mobile device.
3. Open Ledger Live and follow the setup prompts.

5. Initializing Your Ledger Device

To set up your Ledger device safely:

1. Connect your device to your computer or mobile device.
2. Power on the device and follow on-screen instructions.
3. Create a secure PIN to prevent unauthorized access.
4. Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided sheet and store it securely offline.

Never store your recovery phrase digitally. It is the only way to restore your wallet if the device is lost or damaged.

6. Adding Cryptocurrency Accounts

After initialization, add accounts for supported cryptocurrencies:

• Open Ledger Live and select “Add Account.”
• Choose the cryptocurrency to manage.
• Install the blockchain app on your Ledger device.
• Verify the account address on your device before confirming.

7. Sending and Receiving Crypto

Ledger Live ensures secure sending and receiving of crypto assets:

1. To receive crypto, share your account address from Ledger Live with the sender.
2. To send crypto, enter the recipient address and transaction details, then confirm directly on your Ledger device.
3. Always verify addresses on your device to prevent phishing or mistakes.

8. Using Ledger for Secure Crypto Exchange

Ledger Live integrates with trusted partners for buying, selling, and swapping crypto:

• Buy cryptocurrencies using fiat via Ledger Live.
• Swap assets securely without exposing private keys online.
• Track your transactions and portfolio in one secure interface.

9. Multi-Blockchain Support

Ledger supports multiple blockchain networks, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Binance Smart Chain, Cardano, and Polygon:

• Manage multiple wallets across different blockchains.
• Send and receive assets securely on any network.
• Participate safely in staking, liquidity pools, and DeFi applications.

10. NFTs and Digital Collectibles

Ledger devices allow you to securely manage Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs):

• View NFT collections on supported platforms.
• Sign NFT transactions safely on your Ledger device.
• Keep private keys offline during all interactions with digital collectibles.

11. Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

Ledger Live enables secure access to DeFi applications for lending, borrowing, yield farming, and liquidity mining:

1. Connect your Ledger device to a DeFi platform using Ledger Live or WalletConnect.
2. Authorize all transactions on your Ledger hardware wallet.
3. Monitor balances, staking positions, and rewards in Ledger Live.

12. Staking and Earning Rewards

Ledger Live supports staking for multiple cryptocurrencies:

• Select the blockchain and validator for staking.
• Confirm staking transactions directly on your Ledger device.
• Earn rewards while retaining full control of your assets.

Supported networks include Ethereum, Tezos, Cardano, Solana, and others.

13. Security Best Practices

Ledger emphasizes security both via hardware features and recommended user practices:

• Purchase devices only from official Ledger sources.
• Never share your 24-word recovery phrase or PIN.
• Verify all transactions on the device screen before confirming.
• Keep Ledger Live and firmware updated regularly.
• Use a passphrase for enhanced security.
• Disconnect from dApps or exchanges when not in use.

14. Wallet Backup and Recovery

In case your Ledger device is lost or damaged, the 24-word recovery phrase allows you to restore your wallet:

1. Obtain a new Ledger device.
2. Select “Restore device from recovery phrase.”
3. Enter the 24 words in the correct order.
4. Set a new PIN for the restored wallet.

Always store recovery phrases offline in multiple secure locations to prevent loss or theft.

15. Web3 Integration

Ledger devices integrate securely with Web3 applications via browser extensions and WalletConnect:

• Interact safely with decentralized applications.
• Sign blockchain transactions securely on your Ledger device.
• Access DeFi, NFTs, and staking opportunities while keeping private keys offline.

16. Troubleshooting and Support

Common issues include:

• Device not recognized: Check USB/Bluetooth connections and ensure Ledger Live is updated.
• Transaction errors: Verify network selection and confirm on the device.
• Firmware update issues: Restart Ledger Live and the