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

A friendly, step-by-step guide to get your Ledger hardware wallet set up securely, install Ledger Live, and manage your crypto with confidence.

Updated — Comprehensive onboarding for Ledger hardware wallets · clean steps · practical security tips

Why onboarding matters

Get started the safe way

Onboarding a hardware wallet like a Ledger is more than just unboxing a device. It's the first line of defense for your crypto assets. Proper setup ensures your private keys are generated securely, your recovery phrase is stored safely, and you adopt good habits that protect your holdings for years to come.

Quick checklist (before you begin)

What to have on hand

  • Your new Ledger device (unopened or factory-reset)
  • A computer or mobile device to install Ledger Live
  • A secure, private place to write and store your recovery phrase — avoid digital photos and cloud notes
  • Patience — follow prompts carefully and double-check every step

Step-by-step setup

1. Unbox and inspect

Open your Ledger box and confirm tamper-evidence seals are intact. Only proceed with an undamaged package. Ledger devices come with a recovery sheet — use that for your mnemonic phrase, not your phone or computer.

2. Install Ledger Live

Official Ledger companion app

Download and install Ledger Live on your computer or mobile device. Ledger Live is the official app to manage accounts, install apps on the device, and perform firmware updates. Follow on-screen instructions to pair your device.

3. Initialize the device

Choose Set up as new device (unless you’re restoring from an existing recovery phrase). The device generates a private key and displays your recovery phrase word-by-word. Write each word down in order on the provided recovery sheet.

4. Confirm recovery phrase

After writing the phrase, the device will ask you to confirm one or more words. This ensures you copied them correctly. Store the sheet in a safe, offline, and ideally fire/water-resistant location.

5. Install account apps

Using Ledger Live, install the apps for the blockchains you will use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Each blockchain app isolates its keys within the Ledger device.

6. Add accounts in Ledger Live

Once the blockchain apps are installed, add accounts in Ledger Live and verify balances. Always verify addresses on the physical device screen before sending funds.

Security best practices

Simple rules that reduce risk

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone or enter it on a website.
  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date — firmware updates often patch security issues.
  • Purchase Ledger devices only from the official store or authorized resellers.
  • Enable a device PIN and use a long, memorable PIN where possible within device constraints.
  • Use passphrases only if you understand them — they add security but also complexity and extra responsibility.

Tip: If you use a passphrase, treat it like an additional recovery phrase — losing it means losing access to assets under that passphrase.

Ledger Live walkthrough

Dashboard, Manager, Buy & Swap

Ledger Live has several sections: Dashboard (overview of holdings), Manager (install apps on the device), Accounts (view balances & transactions), and the Buy/Swap/Send features. Use the Manager only with your device physically connected.

Routine tasks

  1. Open Ledger Live and connect your device.
  2. Verify the address displayed in Ledger Live matches the physical device before sending funds.
  3. Use the export for tax or record-keeping when needed — Ledger Live supports CSV export of transactions.

Important

Always check the recipient address on the Ledger device display — malware on computers can change displayed addresses in software but cannot change what the hardware device shows you.

Troubleshooting & support

Common questions

  • Lost recovery phrase? If your phrase is lost and you still have access to the device, immediately transfer assets to a new wallet with a new recovery phrase.
  • Device not recognized? Try a different cable, USB port, or reinstall Ledger Live.
  • Firmware update fails? Follow official Ledger support instructions and do not share your recovery phrase with anyone claiming to help remotely.

Official resources (10 links)

Hand-picked official pages to bookmark

Below are ten official Ledger pages styled as .official-link. They link to Ledger’s primary support and product pages — use them as your reference hub during setup and beyond.

Final checklist — before you move funds

Confirm these items

  • Device firmware is up to date.
  • You have written and safely stored the recovery phrase offline.
  • You verified addresses on the physical device screen.
  • You purchased the device from the official source or an authorized reseller.
  • Passwords and passphrases are stored securely (if used).

Closing thoughts

Onboarding a Ledger device is straightforward when you follow the official steps and observe basic security practices. The hardware wallet protects your private keys — but the human choices you make about storage, backups, and verification are what protect your funds in the real world. Treat your recovery phrase like gold: offline, secret, and backed up in resilient physical form.

If something feels wrong during setup — a prompt asking for your recovery phrase on a website, an unexpected email, or an offer to help remotely that asks for private data — stop and consult the official support pages linked above.