This presentation (10 slides) walks you step-by-step through initial setup, essentials of security and recovery, using Ledger Live and apps, sending and receiving crypto, troubleshooting, and best practices. It is written to be portable into Microsoft Office (PowerPoint) or Google Slides: save this file as .html then import or copy-and-paste slides into your presentation software.
Ledger hardware wallets provide a secure, offline environment for storing private keys — the secret code that controls your cryptocurrency. Unlike software wallets tied to an internet-connected device, Ledger devices keep private keys isolated in a secure element so they never leave the device. This significantly reduces the attack surface for remote hackers and malware. For individuals and businesses who value long-term custody, Ledger balances strong technical protections with an approachable on-ramp via Ledger Live and supported apps.
Before unboxing your Ledger device, gather a few items and decide how you want to manage your accounts. Having these ready speeds setup and reduces mistakes.
Tip: Never enter your recovery phrase into a phone or a computer. Ledger never asks for your recovery phrase over email, support chats, or through Ledger Live.
When you open your Ledger package, verify the sealed packaging and the presence of the device, USB cable, keychain accessories, and recovery sheets. Ledger devices ship with a genuine holographic seal or tamper-evident packaging; if anything looks altered, contact Ledger support immediately via the official site.
Power the device using the included cable, then follow the on-screen prompts to choose a PIN and generate your recovery phrase. If prompted, confirm that the device is new and does not ask for a pre-filled recovery phrase — this is a red flag if someone has tampered with the device.
During setup you'll create a PIN code. Choose a PIN that's memorable to you but not easily guessable. The PIN protects the device from local access if it's lost or stolen. After PIN selection, the device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase (sometimes 12 or 18 words depending on model/firmware). Record those words in order on the provided sheet — never take a photo or copy them to a cloud-synced note.
Ledger Live is the official app for managing accounts, installing blockchain apps on your Ledger hardware, and sending or receiving crypto. Download Ledger Live from the official link at ledger.com/start. After installing, connect your device and follow the prompts to add accounts for the blockchains you use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
Ledger Live uses an app manager to install lightweight blockchain apps onto the device. Each app only needs a few megabytes; uninstalling an app does not delete the accounts or funds (they are recoverable via the recovery phrase), but it will remove the UI for that blockchain from the device until reinstalled.
To receive crypto, open the Ledger Live account for the asset, click "Receive", and verify the address on your device screen. Always confirm the address shown in Ledger Live matches the one displayed on your hardware device. For sending, create the transaction in Ledger Live and confirm the details — amount, fee, and destination — on the device before approving the transaction. The device signs the transaction internally and transmits the signed transaction, keeping the private keys offline the entire time.
If your device is lost, stolen or damaged, your funds aren't gone as long as you have your recovery phrase. Buy a new compatible Ledger device or another BIP39-compatible wallet, choose "Restore from recovery phrase" during setup, and carefully enter the 24 words in the correct order. Once restored, re-install needed apps via Ledger Live and add accounts — balances will reappear after the network syncs. Consider migrating to a fresh seed if you suspect your recovery phrase was ever exposed.
Create a new recovery phrase if you have any reason to believe the original phrase might be compromised — for example, if you ever typed it into a computer, shared it, or if the device was set up by a third party.
Security is not a single event but an ongoing habit. Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date. Use passphrase (25th word) only if you understand the trade-offs — it creates an additional hidden wallet but adds recovery complexity. Separate hot/cold funds: keep day-to-day spending funds in a software wallet and store long-term holdings on your Ledger. For businesses or higher-value users, consider multi-signature setups where multiple hardware devices must approve high-value transactions.
For step-by-step walkthroughs, official downloads, troubleshooting guides, and the most recent security advisories, always use the official Getting Started hub at ledger.com/start. Additional resources include Ledger Academy for educational articles, Ledger Support for tickets and live help, and community resources for advanced integrations. If you plan to present this content in Microsoft Office, simply open this HTML file in a browser, copy each slide's content and paste into PowerPoint, or use PowerPoint's "Insert -> Slides from Files" feature after saving slides as images.
This 10-slide, ~2500-word guide is designed to be copy-paste friendly and printed if needed. Keep your recovery phrase offline, double-check addresses on the device, and always download Ledger Live and firmware updates from the official site. Good luck — and welcome to secure self-custody.