Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started - Ledger

A colourful, presentation-friendly onboarding guide for Ledger devices and Ledger Live.

Introductory Overview

This document is a slide-style onboarding resource to walk new users through the official Ledger setup flow available at ledger.com/start. The guide focuses on practical steps, safety-first recommendations, accessible colour cues, and enriched vocabulary so you can use this as speaker notes, a printable handout, or as the basis for presentation slides.

The content below is intentionally verbose — designed to reach roughly 1,400 words — and includes suggested phrasing, security checklists, troubleshooting solutions, and a short glossary of new terms to improve clarity for non-technical audiences.

Pre-setup Checklist

  • Verify package integrity: Confirm the tamper-evident seal and original packaging. If the seal is broken or the device looks altered, stop and contact official Ledger support.
  • Use a trusted computer: Perform initial setup on a personal computer you control. Avoid public devices and shared workstations for the first-time flow.
  • Download official app: Visit ledger.com/start to download Ledger Live and follow the installation prompts. Do not download from third-party sources.
  • Backup tools ready: Have a pen and the recovery sheet supplied with your device, or consider a metal backup plate for long-term resilience.

Step-by-step: Setting up with Ledger Live

  1. Unbox & Inspect: Carefully remove the Ledger device from the packaging. Inspect for physical damage and confirm the serial number matches the box label.
  2. Install Ledger Live: Open your browser to ledger.com/start, download Ledger Live for your OS, and install the app. Launch Ledger Live and choose Get started.
  3. Connect the device: Use the supplied cable to connect Ledger to your computer. The device will power on and display a welcome screen with the Ledger logo.
  4. Initialize device: In Ledger Live choose Set up as new device or Restore from recovery phrase. Follow on-screen instructions — the device itself will display the recovery words when generated.
  5. Write the recovery phrase: When the device shows your 24-word recovery phrase, write each word in order on the recovery sheet. Do not take a photo or store the phrase on any connected device.
  6. Create a PIN: Choose a secure, memorable PIN for device access. This protects against local physical attacks. Avoid simple sequences and store the PIN safely (not with the recovery phrase).
  7. Install apps: In Ledger Live, open the 'Manager' tab to install coin-specific apps on the device for the cryptocurrencies you plan to use.
  8. Test with a small amount: Send a small test transaction to confirm you can receive, verify, and sign transactions correctly using Ledger Live and the device.

Security-First Guidance

  • Never share the recovery phrase: Ledger or any legitimate service will never ask you for your recovery phrase. Keep it offline and treat it like cash or a key to a safety deposit box.
  • Multiple backups: Create at least two physical backups stored in separate secure locations (for example, a home safe and a bank safe deposit box).
  • Consider metal backups: For long-term durability, use an engraved or stamped metal backup to protect against fire and water damage.
  • Use passphrase for hidden wallets: A passphrase adds an additional layer that creates a separate hidden wallet when combined with the recovery phrase. Use with caution and document your passphrase securely.

Troubleshooting & Common Questions

  • Device not detected: Confirm cable is functional, try a different USB port, and ensure Ledger Live is up to date. Avoid USB hubs; use a direct connection.
  • Forgot PIN: If you forget your PIN you must reset the device and restore it from your recovery phrase. This highlights the importance of safely stored backups.
  • Seed mismatch or loss: If your written seed is incomplete or incorrect, immediately generate a new seed and transfer assets only after you are confident in the backup integrity.

Glossary — New words & suggested phrasing

Recovery phrase: A sequence of 24 words that recreate your wallet's private keys. Keep it offline and secure.

Passphrase: An optional secret that extends your recovery phrase to create hidden wallet(s) — powerful but requires careful management.

Ledger Live: The official desktop and mobile application used to manage your Ledger device, install coin apps, and interact with accounts.

Metal backup: A durable physical plate designed to store recovery words safely against environmental hazards.

Suggested copy for docs: "Open ledger.com/start and follow Ledger Live’s guided setup. Never disclose your recovery phrase and always verify device authenticity before proceeding."

Copyable Onboarding Script

1. Visit ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live for your operating system.
2. Connect your Ledger device and follow Ledger Live's Get Started flow.
3. Choose to set up as a new device or restore from a recovery phrase.
4. Write down the 24-word recovery phrase in order; keep it offline.
5. Set a PIN and install necessary crypto apps via Ledger Live Manager.
6. Send a small test transaction to confirm everything works.