Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started
Introduction
This document is a presentation-style "getting started" guide focused on Ledger hardware wallets and Ledger.com/Start® onboarding flow. It is structured with semantic headings (H1–H5) for accessibility and print, and includes actionable steps, security advice, and links styled as colored "Office" buttons for distribution or quick access during an office presentation. Read through the sections in order or jump to the part you need.
Who this is for
This guide is for new Ledger users, office teams deploying hardware wallets, trainers, and anyone who needs a clear, reproducible onboarding script. Whether you’re a single user or rolling out devices across a team, these steps will keep setup consistent and secure.
What is Ledger and Why Use It?
Understanding the basics
Ledger provides hardware wallets that store private keys offline. A hardware wallet keeps cryptographic secrets away from internet-connected devices, greatly reducing the risk of remote theft. Ledger Live is the companion application that lets you interact with accounts, send/receive crypto, and manage apps installed on the device.
Core benefits
- Private keys never leave the device — they are generated and stored in secure hardware.
- Protection against phishing and malware: transactions are confirmed on-device.
- Recovery seed allows retrieval if device is lost, stolen, or damaged (when stored safely).
Important note
Always obtain your device from an official source and never share your recovery phrase. This presentation assumes you have a Ledger device in hand and are ready to connect to Ledger.com/Start®.
Setup: Step-by-Step
1. Unbox and verify
Open the box, inspect the tamper-evident seals, and ensure packaging looks official. Ledger includes documentation and recovery sheets in the box. Keep packaging until setup is complete and you are satisfied everything is genuine.
2. Visit Ledger.com/Start®
Open a trusted browser and navigate to the official start page or use the QR provided in the box. A guided onboarding flow will walk you through initializing the device, setting a PIN, and generating a recovery phrase.
3. Initialize the device
- Power on the device and choose "Set up as new device".
- Create a secure PIN (6–8 digits recommended). Never use easily guessed sequences like 123456.
- Write down the recovery phrase (24 words). Use only the recovery sheet included with the device; do not store it digitally.
Common pitfalls during setup
- Do not take photos of the recovery phrase.
- Do not enter the recovery phrase into a computer or phone except if restoring on a device — even then, only on a trusted device in a secure environment.
- Verify that the recovery phrase words are spelled correctly and in order.
Best practice
Use a metal backup if you require long-term durability (fire/water resistance). Store backups in separate, secure locations if you manage high-value assets or company custody arrangements.
Using Ledger Live
Install and connect
Download Ledger Live from the official site. Install and open the application, then follow its prompts to connect your Ledger device. Ledger Live will detect the device, confirm firmware, and let you install or update apps.
Adding accounts
In Ledger Live, click “Add Account” and choose the crypto asset. Ledger Live communicates with the device to provide public keys and account discovery while your private keys remain on the device. Accounts display balances and transaction history.
Performing transactions
- Create a transaction in Ledger Live (recipient address, amount, fees).
- Confirm the details carefully on your computer screen, then confirm the transaction on the Ledger device display.
- The device will show the address and amount — confirm they match before approving.
Security reminder
Never approve a transaction without checking the device screen. Phishing attempts can show a different address on the computer but your device must display the true address before you confirm.
Security Best Practices
Physical security
Keep your Ledger device and recovery sheet in physically secure locations. Treat the recovery phrase like the keys to a safe deposit box — anyone who finds it can control your funds.
Operational security (OpSec)
- Use a strong PIN and change it occasionally.
- Limit the number of people who know where backups are stored.
- For organizations: use multisig wallets and role-based access to reduce single points of failure.
Handling support and phishing
Ledger staff will never ask for your recovery phrase. If someone requests your seed, treat it as a scam and stop communication. Use official channels and validate URLs before entering anything sensitive.
Incident response
If you suspect compromise, move funds to a new wallet using a clean device and new recovery phrase. For custodial setups, follow internal incident response playbooks and notify stakeholders.
Troubleshooting & Maintenance
Common issues
Problems often relate to not using the official Ledger Live app, outdated firmware, or USB/connection issues. Restart the devices, update the firmware, and always use official downloads.
Firmware updates
Keep firmware updated to receive security improvements. Ledger Live will notify you when updates are available. Read update notes and follow instructions provided by Ledger carefully.
Recovery and restore
If you need to restore from a recovery phrase, use only official procedures and devices. Restore flows will ask you to confirm words on the device — enter them carefully and verify each word.
When to contact support
If you encounter a hardware issue or suspect a counterfeit device, contact official Ledger support and provide only the necessary information (never your recovery phrase).
Quick Office Links
Ten colored links you can use in presentations, emails, or a team dashboard. Replace the `href` values with organization-specific document links if needed. Each link is styled in a unique color for easy visual identification.
FAQs
Can I store my seed phrase digitally?
No — storing the seed digitally increases risk of theft. Use offline, physical storage like paper or, for higher durability, a certified metal backup solution.
What if I lose my device?
If you lose the physical Ledger device, your funds are still secure as long as no one has your recovery phrase. Obtain a new device and restore using your recovery phrase.
Can Ledger support recover my funds?
Ledger cannot access or recover your funds. Only the recovery phrase gives access. Ledger support can help with device issues but not with your secret phrase.
What is the difference between Ledger device and Ledger Live?
Ledger device stores private keys; Ledger Live is a software interface to manage accounts and send transactions. The device performs cryptographic signing locally.
How often should I update firmware?
Update when official firmware releases are announced in Ledger Live to benefit from security fixes and new features. For organizational setups, test updates in a staging environment before mass deployment.
Closing & Additional Resources
This presentation is a comprehensive starting point for using Ledger hardware wallets responsibly, whether for personal use or office deployment. It combines practical steps with security best practices to keep private keys safe and operations consistent across teams.
Next steps
- Customize the checklist and office links for your organization.
- Run a single-device pilot to validate your internal procedures.
- Train staff with the "Training Slides" (Office Link 7) and keep incident procedures up to date.
Sample quick checklist (printable)
• Verify packaging & tamper seals
• Power on device
• Create PIN & write down 24-word seed
• Install Ledger Live from official site
• Add accounts and send a small test transaction
• Store recovery sheet in secure location(s)
• Record device serial and assign owner in inventory
Final reminder
Security is layered — hardware wallets are a powerful tool, but their protection depends on user discipline, secure backups, and organizational policies. Use multisig and role separation for higher-value custody.