Welcome — Ledger Setup & First Steps

Official setup guidance to power up, secure, and start using your Ledger hardware device. Follow these plain-language instructions and keep a copy of your recovery information safe.

What this page helps you do

This page provides a clear walkthrough for powering up your Ledger hardware wallet, initializing it, and completing the first-time software steps. If you want to access the official setup flow on Ledger's site, the starting point is ledger.com/start. The steps below are written to be easy to follow and to help you avoid common mistakes when you first use your device.

Unbox carefully — first things first

When you open the package, verify the seal and packaging for tampering. Confirm that the box contents match the included packing list: the Ledger device, a USB cable (or USB-C depending on model), a recovery sheet, and quick start materials. Do not discard the recovery sheet — it's the only way to recover your funds if the device is lost or damaged.

Powering up your device

Connect your Ledger to a trusted computer or mobile device using the included cable. Use only the original cable or a high-quality alternative. When the device powers on it will show a welcome prompt and display the Ledger logo. Follow the on-device prompts for language selection and then choose the option to set up a new device or restore from a recovery phrase.

Initializing and securing your device

Choose a PIN code on the device when prompted. This PIN protects access to the hardware wallet. Select a PIN that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. After the PIN, the device will display a recovery phrase (usually 24 words or the number specified for your model). Write these words down in order on the supplied recovery sheet. Never take a digital photo of the recovery phrase, never store it in cloud storage, and never share it with anyone. If you already have a recovery phrase from another device and you want to import it, choose the restore option instead of creating a new phrase.

Software step: Ledger Live

To manage your crypto assets, download Ledger Live and follow the recommended installation steps on the official site. The official onboarding flow is available at ledger.com/start. Ledger Live will guide you to install apps for different blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.), create accounts, and perform your first receive and send transactions. Always confirm the exact URL and SSL indicator in your browser to avoid phishing pages.

Confirming addresses and transactions

When receiving funds, copy the receiving address from Ledger Live and verify the same address on your Ledger device’s screen. Always trust the address displayed on the physical device as the source of truth. When sending, double-check the destination address and transaction details on the device before approving — the device verifies transaction details independently of your computer to protect you from a compromised host.

Best practices and security tips

Keep these best practices in mind: keep your recovery phrase offline and secure, use a unique and strong PIN, do not enter your recovery phrase into a computer or smartphone, and buy Ledger devices only from authorized channels. If you ever receive unsolicited instructions to reveal your PIN or recovery phrase, treat it as a scam. Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Troubleshooting common setup issues

If the device does not power on, try a different USB port or cable and ensure the host device has power. If Ledger Live cannot detect your device, reboot and try again, and make sure you have the latest Ledger Live version. If you lose your recovery phrase, do not attempt to memorize partial words — instead, treat the device as compromised and move your funds to a newly initialized device after generating and securing a fresh recovery phrase.

Why follow the official flow at ledger.com/start?

Using the official onboarding flow ensures you get the latest verified instructions, downloads, and security checks. Third-party guides may be outdated or malicious — the official resource provides the correct download links, step-by-step videos, and links to Ledger support. Bookmark the official starting page and verify links carefully if you are ever redirected.

Keeping your device current

Periodically check Ledger Live for firmware updates. Firmware updates may improve device security and add new features. Only update your device using Ledger Live and only when the update is signed and verified by Ledger. Never allow firmware updates triggered by unknown sources.

Conclusion — starting with confidence

Starting a Ledger device is a straightforward process when done carefully: unbox, power up, set a secure PIN, write down your recovery phrase, install Ledger Live, and verify all addresses on the device. If you need the official onboarding page again, remember ledger.com/start — it’s the centralized place provided by Ledger for first-time setup and trusted downloads. With the right precautions your Ledger hardware wallet will give you strong, hardware-backed protection for your private keys and long-term peace of mind.

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