Ledger.com/Start® | Starting Up Your Device — Ledger®

Introduction: Why a secure start matters

Setting up a Ledger device correctly is the most important step toward securing your cryptocurrencies. The device protects private keys offline; however, the device is only as secure as the choices you make during initialization: firmware integrity, the PIN you choose, and the safekeeping of your recovery phrase.

This presentation walks you through powering on, installing and using Ledger Live, creating or restoring a wallet, confirming the seed phrase, and hardening your setup against common threats. Use the headings (H1 → H5) to navigate sections quickly, or convert this HTML into slides if you prefer a visual presentation tool.

What you need before starting

Hardware & essentials

• A Ledger hardware wallet (Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or other Ledger model)
• A computer or smartphone you own and trust — avoid public or shared devices
• USB cable or Bluetooth (depending on device model)
• Good lighting and a quiet workspace to write down your recovery phrase

Security checklist

1. Verify box seal & packaging integrity before powering on.
2. Keep original accessories (cable, recovery cards) separate until setup.
3. Have a pen and a proper backup medium — do NOT store your recovery phrase digitally.

Step-by-step setup (power on → ready)

1. Power on and initial checks

Power on your Ledger device using the supplied cable or Bluetooth. The device will display a welcome screen and prompt you to either set up as a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase.

On-screen verification

Always read what appears on the device display. Ledger devices show the full text (or QR) for sensitive operations — never trust your computer display alone. If the device shows unexpected prompts, unplug it and start again.

2. Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official application for managing accounts and installing apps on your device.

• Download Ledger Live from the official site (see the resources list below).
• Install and open Ledger Live on your computer or phone.
• Follow the app instructions and select your device model.

3. Create a new device vs restore

When the device asks, choose either Set up as new device (creates a new seed) or Restore device (if you already have a recovery phrase).

Set up as new

If this is a new purchase and you do not have a seed, choose "Set up as new". The device will help you pick a PIN and then display the recovery phrase on the device screen, one word at a time.

Restore from recovery

If restoring, the device will prompt you to enter your existing recovery phrase words in order. Carefully type or select each word using the device controls.

Recovery phrase: the single most important secret

What it is and why it matters

The recovery phrase (also called seed phrase, mnemonic) is a human-readable master key. Anyone with this phrase has full control of the funds. Ledger devices use the industry-standard 24-word BIP39 phrase (some devices may use 12 or another length depending on your choice).

Recording your recovery phrase

• Write the words exactly as they appear, in the correct order.
• Use multiple copies on different physical media (metal plates for fire/water resistance are recommended for long-term storage).
• Never photograph, screenshot, or store your seed phrase online or on any connected device.

Confirming on-device

After writing the words, the Ledger device will ask you to confirm a few words to ensure correct recording. This step completes the creation of your wallet.

Best practices

Consider geographic redundancy (store copies in separate safe places) and avoid names or hints that let others reconstruct your phrase. If multiple people need access, use multisig or shared custody solutions rather than sharing one seed phrase.

Ledger Live: apps, accounts & firmware

Installing apps

Ledger Live lets you install blockchain-specific apps (e.g., Ethereum, Bitcoin) on your device. Install only the apps you need to reduce attack surface.

Adding accounts

In Ledger Live, add accounts for each asset you want to manage. The app guides you through connecting the device and verifying addresses on-screen. Always verify addresses on the device display before confirming any transaction.

Firmware & software updates

Keep both Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date. Updates can include security patches and new features. Only accept firmware updates initiated via Ledger Live and verified by the device.

Sending and receiving: verification workflow

Receiving funds

When you request a receive address, always use Ledger Live to generate the address and then verify the address string on the device's screen. Addresses shown only in your computer app could be altered by malware.

Sending funds

When sending, Ledger Live prepares the transaction but you must confirm the final details on the device screen. Check the destination address, amount, and fees visually. If anything looks off, reject the transaction on the device.

Third-party integrations

Some apps (DeFi dApps, exchanges) require connecting a wallet. Use Ledger Live or approved integrations and always verify operations on the device. Prefer read-only address verifications and avoid exposing your private key.

Troubleshooting & common questions

Device not powering on

Check your cable, try a different USB port, and ensure the device is charged (if it has a battery). If the device remains unresponsive, contact official Ledger support. Do NOT enter your recovery phrase on any random website or app.

Lost or damaged device

If your device is lost or stolen, your funds are not automatically vulnerable as long as the PIN and recovery phrase are safe. Use your recovery phrase on a new Ledger or compatible hardware wallet to restore access.

Forgot PIN

If you forget your PIN, you must reset the device and restore using your recovery phrase. Resetting without the recovery phrase will permanently remove access to accounts on that device (but not the underlying assets if you still hold the recovery phrase).

Scams & phishing

Never trust unsolicited support emails, DMs, or pop-ups claiming to help with your Ledger device. Ledger support will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. If a website asks for your seed or calls to perform a recovery over the phone, it's a scam.

Advanced topics: passphrase & multisig

Optional BIP39 passphrase

A passphrase is an extra word or sentence added to the recovery phrase to create an additional hidden wallet. It increases security but also adds complexity: if you lose the passphrase, funds become irretrievable. Use passphrases only if you fully understand the risk and keep the passphrase secure.

Multisignature setups

For high-value holdings, consider multisig: requires multiple keys (held by different parties/devices) to sign a transaction. Ledger devices can be part of multisig wallets (via compatible software). Multisig mitigates single-point-of-failure risk.

Accessibility, privacy, and regulatory notes

Ledger devices are designed with accessibility and privacy in mind. You control your keys and data. Depending on your jurisdiction, taxes and reporting obligations may apply to crypto holdings and trades — consult a qualified professional for legal/tax advice.

Privacy tips

• Use new receive addresses when possible to reduce linkability.
• Prefer privacy-respecting wallets and mixers where legal and needed.

Quick reference (cheat sheet)

Essential steps

1. Inspect packaging → power on device.
2. Install Ledger Live from the official site.
3. Choose "Set up as new" or "Restore" on the device.
4. Write down your 24-word recovery phrase (verify on device).
5. Install only needed apps in Ledger Live, add accounts.
6. Verify every address/transaction on-device.

Don’ts

• Don’t store recovery words digitally.
• Don’t share phrases with anyone, including "support".
• Don’t use untrusted cables or charging stations.

Closing: a secure start leads to long-term safety

Completing the correct setup process and protecting your recovery phrase are the foundation of crypto security. The steps above—power on, Ledger Live, record the seed, verify on-device, and keep software up to date—are straightforward but critical.

When in doubt, consult the official Ledger resources linked above, and never disclose your recovery phrase. With careful setup and attention to verification, your Ledger device becomes a resilient, long-term vault for digital assets.

Final reminders

• Write down your seed in order — double-check the spelling.
• Keep one secure backup and consider a hardened metal backup for high value.
• Regularly update Ledger Live and device firmware from official sources.