WALLETS & SECURITY

Ledger Wallet Setup Guide

This is your complete Ledger Wallet setup guide – From Pre Unboxing Checks to Full Activation.

Shepley Capital is in no way affiliated with Ledger. Be sure to select the cryptocurrency wallet that is right for you.

1. Before You Unbox Your Ledger

Do these steps first to protect yourself from scams and tampering.

Check you bought it from a trusted source

Only purchase from Ledger’s official store or an authorised reseller.
Avoid marketplaces or third party sellers because you cannot verify supply chain integrity.

Inspect the packaging carefully

Before you remove the plastic wrap:

The Box should look sealed, clean and untampered.
No stickers saying the device was pre configured.
Ledger never ships a device with a seed phrase. If you see printed words or cards with a 24 word phrase, stop immediately.

Confirm Ledger’s authenticity program

Go to Ledger’s official website and search for their latest shipping and packaging standards.

Each device has a built-in attestation check that confirms authenticity once powered on, so do not worry if the box looks simple or minimal. Ledger removed tamper proof seals years ago.

2. Unboxing Your Ledger

Inside the box you should see:
- Ledger device
- USB cable
- Recovery phrase cards (blank cards for writing your 24 words)
- Quick start guide
- Keychain accessories (depending on the model)
If anything looks written on, pre filled, or already used, stop and contact support.

3. Powering On Your Ledger

Connect your Ledger to your computer with the USB cable.
Follow the on screen instructions on the device.

The Ledger will walk you through initial checks to confirm it is a genuine unit.

4. Initial Setup on Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official software for managing your device.

1. Download Ledger Live from ledger.com. Never download from any other site.
2. Install the app on your computer or smartphone.
3. Open Ledger Live and select Set up as new device.
  Ledger Live is the official software for managing your device.
4. Choose your device model to continue.

5. Create Your PIN Code

Your PIN protects access to the device.

Choose a 4 to 8 digit PIN.
Do not use easy numbers like 1111 or your birth year.
Confirm it twice directly on the device.
Never share your PIN with anyone.

6. Generate Your Recovery Phrase

This is the most important step.

Ledger will generate a new 24 word recovery phrase on the device screen.
Write all words on the provided blank recovery sheets.
Double check spelling and order because every detail matters.
Never type these words into your phone or computer.
Never take photos.
Never share them with anyone.
Ledger support will never ask for these words.

After writing them down, the device will ask you to confirm the words to ensure accuracy.

Once complete, your private keys are now fully secured on the hardware wallet.

7. Secure Your Recovery Phrase

You now need to store your 24 words safely.

Keep them offline and in a place only you can access.
Do not store them in cloud notes or digital apps.
Consider using a fireproof metal backup plate for long term safety.
Store duplicates only if you trust your own setup.

Remember, anyone with these words can access your crypto.

8. Install Crypto Apps on Ledger Live

Each blockchain uses its own little app on your device.

Open Ledger Live.
Go to My Ledger.
Connect and unlock your Ledger.

Install apps for the coins you want such as Bitcoin, Ethereum or Solana.

9. Add Accounts Inside Ledger Live

In Ledger Live, click Accounts.
Choose the crypto app you installed.
Add a new account.
Ledger Live will sync with your device to generate your first receiving address.

This step makes your wallet ready to receive crypto.

10. Make Your First Receive Test

Before sending large amounts:

Open Ledger Live.
Go to Receive.
Select the account.
Ledger will display the address on both the app and the device.
Make sure both match exactly.
Send a tiny test transaction from your exchange.

Once the test arrives, your setup is confirmed.

11. Basic Usage Tips

Always verify receiving addresses on the device screen, not just on your computer.
Never store your recovery phrase on your computer.
Keep your firmware updated through Ledger Live.
If someone ever asks for your 24 words, it is a scam.

12. If You Ever Lose Your Device

Your crypto is still safe.

Use your recovery phrase to restore your wallet on another Ledger or any compatible hardware wallet.
Without your 24 words, nobody can access your funds.