Welcome to the Ledger Start Hub
Ledger is the industry standard in hardware wallets, providing unmatched security for private keys by keeping them offline and safeguarded from hacks and malware. Ledger Live Desktop offers seamless software integration for portfolio management, transactions, staking, and real-time insights, empowering millions of users globally to confidently manage their digital wealth.
This Hub guides you step-by-step from unboxing your Ledger device to advanced portfolio management and security practices, ensuring your crypto journey starts on the right foot.
Step-by-Step Setup of Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
- Purchase your Ledger device only from the official Ledger shop to avoid counterfeit products.
- Download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger website to access software tools necessary for wallet management.
- Connect your Ledger device to your computer and follow the Ledger Live setup wizard to initialize your wallet.
- Create a new wallet with a strong, unique PIN, and securely write down your 24-word recovery seed. Store this offline safely.
- Update your device firmware regularly through Ledger Live to maintain the highest security standards.
- Install supported crypto apps on your device to manage various assets easily.
- Restore existing wallets if upgrading devices by inputting your existing recovery phrase during setup.
Ledger’s Core Security Features Explained
Ledger hardware wallets utilize multiple layers of security to protect your assets:
- Secure Element: A tamper-resistant chip isolated from the rest of the device electronics, securely storing your private keys.
- PIN Code and Passphrase Protection: Prevent unauthorized access through dynamic PIN entry and optional hidden wallets with passphrases.
- Physical Transaction Confirmation: All transactions must be physically confirmed on device, preventing remote attacks.
- Clear Signing & Transaction Check: Your device shows full transaction information to prevent blind signing and warns against phishing or malicious activity.
- Wallet Recovery: 24-word recovery phrase allows full wallet restoration while maintaining your security across devices.
- Open Source Auditability: Firmware and Ledger Live's source code are available for independent audits ensuring transparency.
Managing Your Cryptocurrency Portfolio with Ledger Live
Ledger Live Desktop simplifies your digital asset management by providing:
- Comprehensive portfolio overview with real-time valuation and price alerts.
- Secure send and receive functionality with address verification for hundreds of supported cryptocurrencies.
- Integrated buy, sell, swap, and staking services offered through trusted partners.
- Support for NFTs, decentralized apps, and integration with full nodes for advanced users.
- Multi-account support to organize holdings for personal, professional, or organizational purposes.
- Notifications and update alerts to ensure smooth operation and security compliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
The recovery seed is a secret 24-word phrase used to restore your wallet on any compatible Ledger device if lost or damaged. Keeping it offline and secure is critical to preserve your asset access.
Ledger recommends updating Ledger Live and your device firmware regularly to protect against new vulnerabilities and gain improved features.
No, Ledger Live requires a Ledger hardware device to manage private keys securely and perform any transaction signing.
No, always download Ledger Live directly from Ledger’s official website or trusted app stores to avoid malware or counterfeit software.
Yes, Ledger Live Desktop supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, while the Ledger Live mobile app is available on iOS and Android devices.