The Ledger Getting Started Hub is the official starting point for anyone new to hardware wallets and Ledger devices. This presentation distills key steps, security best practices, setup tips, and useful links so you can set up your Ledger safely and use it with confidence.
Prior to powering on your Ledger device, gather a clean, private workspace and the following: the original box (if new), a trusted computer or mobile device, your Ledger device charger or USB cable, and a notebook for writing down your recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet — never store this digitally.
Official safety overview: ledger.com/start
New Ledger devices come sealed. Verify packaging integrity and the authenticity card. Inspect the device for visible damage. Ledger uses tamper-evident packaging; if anything appears opened or suspicious, do not use the device and contact Ledger support via the official site.
For teams, record serial numbers in a secure inventory system and keep sealed spares for emergency replacement.
Power the device, choose "Set up as new device" (unless restoring), and create a PIN (4–8 digits recommended). The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase — write these words down on the supplied sheet in order and store the sheet offline and in a secure place.
The 24-word phrase is the single most important backup of your private keys. If lost, access to funds is unrecoverable. For teams, store the phrase in secure physical vaults or use split-mnemonic strategies with multi-party custody providers.
Download Ledger Live from the official site and install it on your desktop or mobile device. Ledger Live allows you to manage accounts, install blockchain apps to the device, check balances, and send/receive crypto.
For companies, maintain a minimal set of installed apps per device and use configuration checklists to ensure consistent device state across team members.
Always generate receive addresses on the Ledger device or through Ledger Live, then confirm the full address on the device screen before sharing it. Do not copy/paste addresses from untrusted sources.
When sending funds, verify the amount, network fees, and recipient address on the device screen. The device acts as the single source of truth — the transaction must be confirmed using the hardware buttons.
Different blockchains have different confirmations and fee models. Always check estimated fees in Ledger Live and, for large transfers, consider a small test transfer first.
Consider enabling passphrase (25th word) protection for an extra hidden wallet derived from your recovery phrase. Use a strong passphrase you will remember, or use a secure passphrase manager stored offline. For high-value custody, consider multisig solutions where keys are distributed among multiple devices or signers.
For offices and businesses, adopt documented custody policies: who has access, signing rules, recovery procedures, and emergency contact lists. Periodically audit devices and test recovery in controlled conditions.
Common issues include device not connecting, app installation problems, or mistaken PIN entry. Try the following steps: reconnect the cable, try a different USB port, ensure Ledger Live is up to date, and re-boot your computer or phone. If the device is locked after too many wrong PIN attempts, follow the official recovery process only via Ledger Live and your recovery phrase.
Official support and step-by-step guides are available at the Getting Started Hub: ledger.com/start. For account-specific or sensitive issues, always use the support channels listed on the official site.
Ledger can be paired with many third-party wallets and dApps (e.g., MetaMask, WalletConnect-compatible apps) — always confirm the transaction on the Ledger device. For DeFi interactions, use a hardware wallet to sign transactions locally while keeping keys offline.
Institutions should evaluate HSMs, multisig services, and compliance with internal controls. Ledger devices can be one component of a broader custody architecture, especially for key isolation and as a signing device for multi-signer workflows.
Bookmark the Ledger Getting Started Hub for official walkthroughs and downloads. Regularly update firmware and Ledger Live to benefit from security patches and new features. Consider an annual review of your custody policies and run mock recoveries.
This presentation is designed as an office-ready, colourful, stepwise guide to the Ledger Getting Started Hub. For detailed, device-specific, step-by-step tutorials and the latest security advisories, always consult the official Ledger pages: ledger.com/start.
Note: This is a general guide — adapt custody policies to your organisational and legal requirements. If you want, I can convert this HTML into a 10-slide PowerPoint (.pptx) with matching colours and notes for presenters.