Trézór Bridge®™ | Secure Crypto Web Connectivity

olilio

— 4 min read

Start with Ledger: The Smarter Way to Protect Your Crypto Assets

Welcome

Thank you for choosing Ledger. You are about to take a powerful step toward securing your digital wealth. In today’s world, online exchanges and software wallets are frequently targeted by cybercriminals. By using a Ledger hardware wallet, you place the safety of your crypto in your own hands — offline, protected, and always under your control.

This guide will take you through the complete process of setting up your Ledger device, installing Ledger Live, protecting your recovery phrase, and confidently managing your assets.

The Importance of True Crypto Ownership

When your crypto is stored on an exchange, you don’t actually own your private keys — the exchange does. If the platform shuts down, is hacked, or freezes withdrawals, you could lose access permanently.

Ledger solves this risk by giving you a secure offline device that stores your private keys inside a specialized security chip that cannot be accessed remotely.

Advantages of Using Ledger

  • Offline protection from hacks and data breaches
  • Certified Secure Element technology found in high-security devices
  • Full control over your crypto keys and approvals
  • Supports thousands of tokens, coins, and NFTs across multiple chains
  • Ledger Live app for easy portfolio management and transactions
  • Trusted globally by crypto holders, developers, and institutions

Ledger is more than a wallet — it’s a security foundation for Web3.

Preparing to Begin

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

  • A Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Ledger Stax
  • A computer (Windows, Mac, Linux) or smartphone (Nano X / Stax only)
  • Secure internet connection
  • Pen and paper to record your recovery phrase
  • Ledger Live installed from an official source

📌 Reminder: Ledger never provides a recovery phrase in the box and will never ask you to share it.

Step 1: Verify and Unbox Your Device

When your Ledger arrives, inspect the packaging to ensure it has not been tampered with. Inside you should find:

  • Your Ledger hardware wallet
  • USB cable
  • Instruction material
  • Recovery phrase cards

If your box contains a pre-written recovery phrase or the packaging looks suspicious, contact support immediately.

Step 2: Turn On Your Device and Create Your PIN

  1. Plug the device into your computer or turn it on with the button controls.
  2. Choose Set Up as New Device.
  3. Create a 6–8 digit PIN and confirm it.

Security Reminder

  • Never save your PIN in your phone or computer.
  • Three incorrect PIN entries reset the device automatically for your protection.

Step 3: Generate and Record Your Recovery Phrase

Your device will display 24 unique words, one at a time. This is your master backup — the only way to regain access if the device is lost or damaged.

How to protect your recovery phrase

  • Write the words down clearly in order on your recovery sheet
  • Store the sheet safely, offline, and away from moisture or fire
  • Never take photos or store it digitally
  • Never share it with anyone, including support agents or friends

⚠️ If someone gets your 24 words, they control your assets.

Step 4: Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is your secure management interface.

What Ledger Live allows you to do

  • Set up and verify your Ledger device
  • Add crypto accounts and manage balances
  • Buy, swap, stake, and sell crypto through trusted partners
  • Manage NFTs and explore Web3 apps
  • Track your portfolio performance in real time

When the app opens, select Start Setup and choose your device model. Follow the instructions to complete the verification process.

Step 5: Add Accounts for Your Cryptocurrencies

Before sending or receiving crypto, you need to add accounts.

How to add an account

  1. Go to Accounts in Ledger Live
  2. Click Add Account
  3. Select the cryptocurrency
  4. Confirm the action on your Ledger device

Different blockchains require separate accounts — for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana are all independent networks.

Step 6: Receive Crypto Safely

To transfer crypto from an exchange or wallet to Ledger:

  1. Select Receive in Ledger Live
  2. Choose the account you want to receive into
  3. Verify the address on your Ledger device screen
  4. Copy the address and paste it into the sending platform

Always double-check addresses — malware can modify them.

Step 7: Send Crypto Securely

To send funds:

  1. Open Send in Ledger Live
  2. Enter the destination address and amount
  3. Review the transaction details
  4. Approve the transaction physically on your Ledger device

If you do not approve the transaction on the hardware wallet, it will not be executed — even if your computer is compromised.

Staking and Earnings

Ledger allows you to earn rewards by staking supported coins directly through Ledger Live.

Benefits of staking with Ledger

  • Maintain full ownership of your keys
  • Passive rewards on assets you hold long-term
  • No third-party custody required

Supported assets include ETH, SOL, DOT, ADA, ATOM and many more.

NFT and Web3 Access

With Ledger, you can interact with Web3 and NFTs securely:

  • Connect to decentralized apps through Ledger Live or WalletConnect
  • Protect your NFT transactions from phishing attempts
  • Confirm all actions on the physical device display

Your digital identity and collectibles are always under your control.

Security Recommendations

Essential best practices

✔ Keep your recovery phrase offline in multiple safe locations
✔ Only use official Ledger Live downloads
✔ Always verify addresses on the hardware device screen
✔ Use a strong PIN and never reveal it

Avoid dangerous practices

✘ Never share your 24-word phrase
✘ Never enter your phrase into a website or app
✘ Never trust random support messages or giveaways
✘ Never store keys in email, cloud, or screenshots

What If You Lose Your Device?

Don’t panic. Your funds are not stored on the Ledger device itself — they exist on the blockchain.

To recover:

  1. Buy a new Ledger device
  2. Select Restore from Recovery Phrase
  3. Enter your 24 words

Your accounts and funds will be restored instantly.

Getting Help

For assistance, visit:
https://support.ledger.com

You’ll find FAQs, troubleshooting articles, tutorials, and secure contact options.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations — you’ve taken a major step in protecting your crypto future. With your Ledger hardware wallet and recovery phrase secured, you have full control over your digital assets. This is real financial independence: your keys, your crypto, your responsibility.

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