This presentation guides you through the essentials of Ledger Live Wallet — from unboxing your hardware to securely handling transactions. We'll cover setup, backup, everyday handling, security best practices, and recovery. The goal: give you practical confidence to use your Ledger device safely.
When you receive a Ledger hardware wallet, check that the packaging is intact and tamper-evident. Inside you'll typically find the hardware device, a USB cable, recovery sheets, and quick-start materials. Never accept a device with broken seals or missing recovery materials.
Do not plug the device into a computer until you’re ready to begin setup. This prevents exposure to potential threats and ensures you follow official setup steps.
Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website or reputable app stores. When installing, verify digital signatures if available and keep the app updated. Ledger Live is the primary interface for managing accounts, installing apps on your device, and checking firmware updates.
Avoid using third-party installers or links posted in forums — phishing attempts often use fake downloads.
Power on your Ledger device and choose the option to create a new wallet. The device will generate a recovery phrase (usually 24 words). Write these words in order on the provided recovery sheet, and double-check for accuracy. This phrase is the only way to recover funds if your device is lost or damaged.
Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or online form. Ledger (or any legitimate service) will never ask for your full recovery phrase.
After setup, practice navigating the device menu and confirming addresses before sending transactions.
Use Ledger Live to install blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) onto your device. Each app enables management of that cryptocurrency. Keep the number of apps modest to avoid storage pressure on the device; uninstalling an app does not remove accounts or funds — they are secured by your recovery phrase.
Within Ledger Live, add accounts for each cryptocurrency you plan to use. The device will show addresses for you to verify on its screen — always verify the address on the device before approving a transaction.
Label accounts clearly in Ledger Live to avoid confusion between similar assets (e.g., testnet vs mainnet).
When sending funds, always confirm the address on your Ledger device screen, not just in the app. Use small test transactions for new addresses or unfamiliar recipients. Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated to benefit from security patches.
Be mindful of network fees and choose appropriate fee levels for timely confirmation. Ledger Live shows recommended fees for many chains; double-check if you use advanced networks.
Keep your device in a safe place when not in use. Consider a discrete, fireproof storage for recovery materials.
A passphrase adds an extra word to your recovery phrase to create hidden wallets. While powerful, passphrases increase complexity — losing the passphrase means permanent loss of access. Use passphrases only if you understand the risks and keep the passphrase secret and backed up separately.
For high-value holdings, consider multisignature setups where multiple devices are required to approve transactions. Ledger supports integrations with multisig solutions — research options to match your threat model.
Think about real risks: physical theft, phishing, and social engineering. Your security setup should reflect the value you're protecting.
If your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can recover funds on a new device by entering your 24-word recovery phrase (plus passphrase if used). Always perform recovery on a new, trusted device and verify the authenticity of any recovery interface.
Never share your recovery phrase. Beware of fake recovery prompts on websites or apps claiming to help — these are typically scams designed to steal your funds.
Consider secure inheritance measures if you intend funds to be accessed by heirs: use legal and secure methods to store instructions and access keys.
If Ledger Live doesn't recognize your device, try different USB ports, cables, or a different computer. Reboot both devices and ensure the device firmware is up-to-date. If you encounter unexpected behavior, consult Ledger's support and community forums for guidance but avoid sharing private keys or phrases.
Contact official Ledger support for firmware issues, suspected tampering, or device failures. Use only official channels listed on Ledger's website.
Ledger Live provides diagnostic tools — use them when instructed by support to help resolve issues safely.
Ledger Live paired with a Ledger hardware wallet offers a robust way to manage cryptocurrency when handled with care. Key takeaways: write and secure your recovery phrase, verify addresses on-device, keep firmware and Ledger Live updated, and never share sensitive recovery information.
Visit the official Ledger website for downloads, support, and firmware announcements. Consider bookmarking the site for future reference.
Official Ledger Getting Started