A little more confidence changes everything. Get to know your Ledger, learn the essentials, and take your first step into self-custody—at your own pace.
Start with the essentials
THE FIRST FEW MINUTES
Self-custody can feel new at first. Think of your Ledger as a secure key to your digital assets: you approve activity on the device, while your private keys stay protected offline.
Take a moment to check that your Ledger device and packaging are intact. Buy only from Ledger.com or an authorized reseller, and never use a device that arrives with a recovery phrase already written down.
Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and follow its guided setup. Choose a PIN directly on your device, then let the app walk you through the essentials at your own pace.
Your device will generate a unique recovery phrase. Write it down on paper and keep it somewhere private and secure. Ledger will never ask you to share it—not by email, phone, chat, or website.
GOOD HABITS, FROM DAY ONE
Taking control also means slowing down when something feels urgent. Before you confirm a transaction, check the details on your Ledger screen—not just on your computer or phone. The device screen is the trusted place to verify what you are approving.
Keep your PIN private. Store your recovery phrase offline, away from cameras and connected devices. Never type it into a website or app, even if the page looks familiar or someone claims to be helping you. If you lose your device, your phrase can restore access; if someone else gets the phrase, they can take control.
Learn more in Ledger AcademyNO RUSH. NO SHORTCUTS.
Explore the basics before you connect an account or make a transaction. Learn what private keys do, how networks differ, and what a transaction means before approving it. There is no prize for moving quickly; a deliberate first setup is a good investment in your confidence.
As you learn, make it a habit to pause and verify. Check addresses carefully, look for trustworthy sources when researching a token or app, and be wary of messages that promise guaranteed returns or demand immediate action. The more you understand, the more confidently you can choose what belongs in your digital life.
Keep learningDigital assets can be volatile, and self-custody comes with responsibility. This page is educational, not financial advice. Take time to understand the risks before making decisions.