Ledger.com-Start- Getting Started® — Ledger Starting with a hardware wallet is an important step for anyone who wants greater control over their cryptocurrency. Unlike a traditional online wallet, a hardware wallet is a physical device designed to help protect the private keys associated with digital assets. Setting up the device correctly and understanding the security responsibilities involved can help create a stronger foundation for long-term self-custody. The initial setup process is designed to introduce users to their device, establish a secure backup, and prepare the wallet for managing supported cryptocurrency accounts. Prepare Before You Begin Before opening the setup process, make sure you have access to a trusted computer or compatible mobile device. It is a good idea to update your operating system and close unnecessary applications before beginning. Most importantly, make sure you are using genuine Ledger software and official setup resources. Fake wallet websites and fraudulent applications are common threats in the cryptocurrency industry. Do not download wallet software from unknown websites or accept setup instructions from strangers through social media or messaging platforms. Always verify the source independently before connecting your hardware wallet. Unbox and Inspect Your Device When receiving a new hardware wallet, take a moment to inspect the packaging and device before beginning configuration. If anything seems unusual, investigate through official support channels before continuing. Do not use a device that appears to have been modified or tampered with. Once you are satisfied that the device is appropriate for setup, connect it using the recommended cable or connection method and follow the instructions shown on the device screen. The hardware wallet itself should guide you through important parts of the initialization process. Create a Secure PIN A PIN helps protect the physical hardware wallet from unauthorized access. During setup, choose a PIN that is difficult for others to guess while remaining manageable for you to remember. Never share your PIN with another person. Avoid writing it in an exposed location or storing it alongside your hardware wallet. If anyone contacts you claiming to be a support agent and asks for your PIN, do not provide it. The PIN is intended to remain private and should only be known by the device owner. Record Your Recovery Information One of the most important steps in setting up a hardware wallet is securing the recovery information generated during initialization. Follow the instructions provided by your device and record the recovery words carefully and in the correct order. Check your written backup before completing the setup. Store the recovery information somewhere secure and offline. Avoid storing it in a computer, smartphone, cloud account, email inbox, or online document. Your recovery phrase should never be shared with anyone. It is not a password that customer support needs to access your account. Anyone who obtains it may potentially gain access to the wallet. Install the Official Management Software Once the hardware wallet has been initialized, install the compatible Ledger management software through a trusted official source. The software provides an interface for managing supported cryptocurrency accounts and interacting with the hardware device. After installation, connect your Ledger device and follow the setup instructions shown on screen. Depending on your device and account configuration, you may be able to add supported cryptocurrency accounts and view portfolio information. Always verify that you are using genuine software before entering any information or connecting your wallet. Explore Before Making Transactions New users should take time to become familiar with the wallet interface before sending cryptocurrency. Explore account pages, transaction history, and available settings. Understanding how the software works can make future transactions easier and help you identify unusual prompts. When receiving cryptocurrency, carefully verify the address before sharing it. When sending funds, check the destination address and amount. Do not rush through a transaction simply because a website or message claims that immediate action is required. Confirm Details on the Device One of the key advantages of using a hardware wallet is the ability to verify important transaction information directly on the physical device. Before approving a transaction, compare the recipient address and amount displayed on your Ledger device with the information shown in the management software. If the details do not match, do not approve the transaction. Stop and investigate the issue. This additional verification step can help users identify mistakes before a transaction is finalized. Maintain Your Security Over Time Setting up your hardware wallet is only the beginning. Good security habits should continue throughout your cryptocurrency journey. Keep your device in a secure location, protect your PIN, and store your recovery information safely offline. Keep your software and operating system updated through trusted sources. Be cautious of fake support accounts and phishing websites. Never enter your recovery phrase into a website because someone claims it is required for activation, verification, or troubleshooting. A Confident Start With Self-Custody A successful hardware wallet setup depends on careful preparation and responsible security practices. Starting from a trusted source, protecting your PIN, securely recording your recovery information, and verifying transactions on the physical device can help establish a stronger self-custody routine. Ledger.com/Start can serve as a starting point for users learning how to configure their Ledger hardware wallet and begin managing supported digital assets. The technology provides the foundation, but the user's security habits remain equally important. By taking the setup process slowly and treating recovery information as highly confidential, users can build a more secure and confident approach to managing their cryptocurrency.

Ledger.com-Start- Getting Started® — Ledger

Starting with a hardware wallet is an important step for anyone who wants greater control over their cryptocurrency. Unlike a traditional online wallet, a hardware wallet is a physical device designed to help protect the private keys associated with digital assets. Setting up the device correctly and understanding the security responsibilities involved can help create a stronger foundation for long-term self-custody.

The initial setup process is designed to introduce users to their device, establish a secure backup, and prepare the wallet for managing supported cryptocurrency accounts.

Prepare Before You Begin

Before opening the setup process, make sure you have access to a trusted computer or compatible mobile device. It is a good idea to update your operating system and close unnecessary applications before beginning.

Most importantly, make sure you are using genuine Ledger software and official setup resources. Fake wallet websites and fraudulent applications are common threats in the cryptocurrency industry.

Do not download wallet software from unknown websites or accept setup instructions from strangers through social media or messaging platforms. Always verify the source independently before connecting your hardware wallet.

Unbox and Inspect Your Device

When receiving a new hardware wallet, take a moment to inspect the packaging and device before beginning configuration. If anything seems unusual, investigate through official support channels before continuing.

Do not use a device that appears to have been modified or tampered with.

Once you are satisfied that the device is appropriate for setup, connect it using the recommended cable or connection method and follow the instructions shown on the device screen.

The hardware wallet itself should guide you through important parts of the initialization process.

Create a Secure PIN

A PIN helps protect the physical hardware wallet from unauthorized access. During setup, choose a PIN that is difficult for others to guess while remaining manageable for you to remember.

Never share your PIN with another person. Avoid writing it in an exposed location or storing it alongside your hardware wallet.

If anyone contacts you claiming to be a support agent and asks for your PIN, do not provide it.

The PIN is intended to remain private and should only be known by the device owner.

Record Your Recovery Information

One of the most important steps in setting up a hardware wallet is securing the recovery information generated during initialization.

Follow the instructions provided by your device and record the recovery words carefully and in the correct order. Check your written backup before completing the setup.

Store the recovery information somewhere secure and offline. Avoid storing it in a computer, smartphone, cloud account, email inbox, or online document.

Your recovery phrase should never be shared with anyone. It is not a password that customer support needs to access your account. Anyone who obtains it may potentially gain access to the wallet.

Install the Official Management Software

Once the hardware wallet has been initialized, install the compatible Ledger management software through a trusted official source.

The software provides an interface for managing supported cryptocurrency accounts and interacting with the hardware device.

After installation, connect your Ledger device and follow the setup instructions shown on screen. Depending on your device and account configuration, you may be able to add supported cryptocurrency accounts and view portfolio information.

Always verify that you are using genuine software before entering any information or connecting your wallet.

Explore Before Making Transactions

New users should take time to become familiar with the wallet interface before sending cryptocurrency.

Explore account pages, transaction history, and available settings. Understanding how the software works can make future transactions easier and help you identify unusual prompts.

When receiving cryptocurrency, carefully verify the address before sharing it. When sending funds, check the destination address and amount.

Do not rush through a transaction simply because a website or message claims that immediate action is required.

Confirm Details on the Device

One of the key advantages of using a hardware wallet is the ability to verify important transaction information directly on the physical device.

Before approving a transaction, compare the recipient address and amount displayed on your Ledger device with the information shown in the management software.

If the details do not match, do not approve the transaction. Stop and investigate the issue.

This additional verification step can help users identify mistakes before a transaction is finalized.

Maintain Your Security Over Time

Setting up your hardware wallet is only the beginning. Good security habits should continue throughout your cryptocurrency journey.

Keep your device in a secure location, protect your PIN, and store your recovery information safely offline. Keep your software and operating system updated through trusted sources.

Be cautious of fake support accounts and phishing websites. Never enter your recovery phrase into a website because someone claims it is required for activation, verification, or troubleshooting.

A Confident Start With Self-Custody

A successful hardware wallet setup depends on careful preparation and responsible security practices. Starting from a trusted source, protecting your PIN, securely recording your recovery information, and verifying transactions on the physical device can help establish a stronger self-custody routine.

Ledger.com/Start can serve as a starting point for users learning how to configure their Ledger hardware wallet and begin managing supported digital assets. The technology provides the foundation, but the user's security habits remain equally important.

By taking the setup process slowly and treating recovery information as highly confidential, users can build a more secure and confident approach to managing their cryptocurrency.