Official Guide • Beginner Friendly

Ledger® Onboarding™ — Official Setup Hub | Ledger.com/start

Welcome to your step-by-step, colorful walkthrough to get started with Ledger hardware wallets. This guide is designed to be practical, secure, and visually clear so you can complete setup with confidence. For official downloads, tools, and the latest instructions, visit Ledger's start hub: Ledger.com/start.

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Why Ledger Onboarding Matters

Onboarding isn’t just about plugging in a device — it’s about building secure habits, seed phrase hygiene, and understanding how your private keys live offline. This hub consolidates official setup resources and recommended safety checks. Start here: https://www.ledger.com/start.

Official Setup Hub

Quick checklist before you begin

Essential items

  • Original Ledger device and official USB cable
  • Blank paper and pen (for seed phrase backup)
  • Secure, private space to write and store your recovery phrase
  • Computer or smartphone for Ledger Live download

Pro tip

Do not store your seed phrase digitally — no photos, no cloud notes. If you need step-by-step installers and official downloads, use: Ledger.com/start.

Step-by-step onboarding (visual guide)

1. Unbox and verify the device

Check the packaging seal and ensure your Ledger device is new. Ledger's official onboarding page verifies the latest tamper-evidence practices and firmware: Ledger.com/start.

What to expect

The device will boot with a welcome animation and prompt you to choose a PIN. Never accept a pre-filled PIN from someone else.

2. Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion app for device setup and account management. Download only from the official hub: https://www.ledger.com/start.

Installation notes
  • Choose the correct OS (Windows / macOS / Linux / mobile).
  • Open Ledger Live and follow the in-app onboarding prompts.

3. Initialize device & choose PIN

Choose a PIN you will remember, but not one easily guessable. The device will then generate your recovery phrase (24 words by default).

Important

Never reveal your recovery phrase. Ledger staff or official support will never ask for your 24 words. Official support pointers are listed on the start hub: Ledger.com/start.

4. Write down your recovery phrase

Carefully write the words in order on the recovery card provided or on quality archival paper. Store in a secure, fireproof place or split the phrase across multiple secure locations.

Security layers

  • Consider a metal backup plate for long-term durability.
  • Keep the phrase offline and out of sight of cameras.

5. Pair with Ledger Live and add accounts

Open Ledger Live, connect your device, and add the crypto accounts you intend to manage. For specific app installation instructions (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum), consult the official setup instructions: Ledger.com/start.

Common onboarding questions

How do I update firmware safely?

Ledger Live will notify you of firmware updates. Only update using Ledger Live and the official site: Ledger.com/start. Never follow firmware links from unknown sources.

What if I lose my device?

Your funds are recoverable with the recovery phrase. If your seed phrase is secure, you can restore on another Ledger device or compatible recovery tool. Always verify compatibility and the official recovery process via the start hub: Ledger.com/start.

Should I buy accessories?

Accessories like metal seed storage plates are useful. Purchase only from reputable vendors — Ledger's store links are available through the official hub.

Best practices for long-term safety

Layer your security

  • Device PIN + physical seed phrase backup
  • Keep firmware & Ledger Live up to date
  • Use a passphrase (advanced) if you want an extra secret word layer

Warning about scams

Scammers impersonate support and create fake onboarding guides. Confirm anything suspicious against the official hub: https://www.ledger.com/start.

Advanced configuration (optional)

Using a passphrase

A passphrase creates hidden wallets in addition to your 24-word seed. It increases security but also increases responsibility — if you forget the passphrase, the funds are inaccessible. Ledger’s advanced documentation covers the exact workflow and compatibility. See the official hub for further reading: Ledger.com/start.

Recovery across devices

You can restore your recovery phrase on compatible devices. If you ever restore, verify the device firmware and vendor legitimacy and consult the official start page for validated guidance.

Wrap-up — your security checklist

  • Device checked and genuine
  • Ledger Live installed from official source
  • PIN selected and memorized
  • 24-word recovery phrase written and stored offline
  • Firmware and apps up to date

When in doubt, go back to the start hub for official downloads, step-by-step installers and updated guidance: https://www.ledger.com/start.

Further reading & links

The best single source for everything covered here is the official setup hub — saved here again for convenience:

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