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Getting started with
digital asset security
Taking control of digital assets begins with understanding what self-custody means. A hardware wallet keeps the private keys that authorize transactions isolated from your everyday internet-connected devices. Your assets remain on their respective blockchains; the device helps you manage access to them.
Start by sourcing your device through Ledger’s official channels, then use the official Ledger Wallet app and follow the setup instructions shown on your device. Choose a PIN that you do not reuse elsewhere. During setup, the device generates a recovery phrase: a powerful backup that can restore access if your device is lost or damaged.
Write that phrase on paper and store it securely offline. Never take a photo, save it in a notes app, share it with support, or enter it into a website. Anyone who gets the phrase may gain control of your assets. Ledger support will never need it.
Before sending funds, verify the recipient address, network, and amount on your device’s own screen—not just on your computer. Consider a small test transaction first. Keep your device firmware and app current, stay alert to impersonation attempts, and take time to understand each prompt. Good security is less about rushing through setup and more about making careful choices consistently.