When it comes to storing your crypto, you want security and longevity... but you also want something small (think large expensive pill). Enter the ledger hardware wallet.

You just purchased a Ledger, the world's most secure cryptocurrency hardware wallet. You did your research and the reviews are spectacular. You are so excited that you have been looking forward to this day for weeks.

The UPS man has just dropped off your package and you've meticulously checked all the seals on your new hardware wallet. Now, it's time to install the app so you can access your new crypto holdings. But as you open up Ledger's desktop app and navigate through the initialization process, you get an error message that reads: "can't connect to server". 

Phew! Don't panic my friend! You are certainly not alone as this is by far one of the most common issues we see with our crypto frens. 

Here are a few tips to consider when you’re transferring your digital assets to a hardware wallet. 

Tips for Purchasing 

• Always buy from a Ledger- verified retailer or from the official website. Double check the website spelling. On the site, make sure they have a verified credit card processing badge and legal page. You can also go to the device's verified Twitter page and click on the info link. 
• Look out for unofficial merchants that may have preloaded malware as this can make it easy to hack into your computer to steal your assets. 

You might be interested in: 🔒Token-Gated 🔒The Simple Handbook for Distributed Ledger Technology

Tips For Getting Your Ledger Delivered 

• Make sure your Ledger comes sealed in plastic and the seal stickers are all intact. These indicators confirm no one has ever opened the Ledger packaging.

Seed Phrase 101

• Never make a digital copy of your seed phrase or recovery phrase or private key. A seed phrase is a mnemonic code -- usually a 24 -word phrase that unlocks your entire digital asset wallet. This is different from a digital signature that may require less words and similar in style to an email password. 
• No pictures, snaps, emails, cloud docs, texts, etc. should ever contain a seed phrase.
• Don't let a lost phone, compromised iCloud password, or someone hacking your phone or PC offer the ability to steal your crypto.

SafeTips For Storing Your Seed Phrase

• Write it down on a piece of paper and store it in a secure location (water, dust, humidity, fireproof area).
• Don't use a shitty pen because the words may become faded.
• Alternatively, some people may get their phrase engraved in metal or use some sort of lettering device that allows you to pick each letter and write the phrase in a crafty way.
• It's also a good idea to stagger your written seed phrase or commit to memory (full or partially). 
• For example: memorize the last two words of your seed phrase and never write it down. Or split the seed phrase up across two pieces of paper and store separately

Although these tips are addressed to Ledger products, they can be applied to any hardware wallet. 

What are your hardware wallet, self-custody tips? Tweet us or come say gm on Discord. 

**Disclaimer: Readers should take nothing on the Verse as financial advice. Please do your own research. $VV utility reflects engagement on the protocol, accessing token-gated content and community events.

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