Introduction
Why this guide exists
Ledger® Onboarding™ is designed to make the first-time setup fast, safe, and memorable. This guide consolidates core steps and security signals into a single, colorful resource you can present to teammates or new users. It uses hierarchical headings (from <h1> to <h5>) to show how content can be organized into slides: main title (h1), section titles (h2), process steps (h3), subtasks (h4), and tiny notes or warnings (h5).
Target audience
New Ledger device owners, IT onboarding teams, security-conscious individuals, and anyone preparing a training deck or knowledge base entry about Ledger setup.
Assumptions
We assume you have a Ledger hardware device in-hand (Model type will vary), a secure internet connection, and a private space to write down sensitive recovery phrases.
Requirements & what you'll need
Essential items
- Ledger hardware wallet (model-specific instructions apply).
- A laptop or desktop computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Mobile setup may be supported for some models.
- USB cable that came with your Ledger or a recommended cable.
- Pen and the supplied recovery card, or secure paper for writing your recovery phrase.
- 10–15 minutes of uninterrupted time for setup.
Security checklist
- Confirm the device box is sealed and untampered.
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone.
- Only use official Ledger software and ledger.com/start or ledger.com/support for help.
Optional but recommended
Consider using a fireproof safe to store backups, and use a password manager for storing non-sensitive login links (never the recovery phrase itself!).
Setup — Step-by-step (10 steps)
The following ten steps are written so each can be a slide. Each Step includes short instructions, a rationale, and one actionable tip.
Unbox and inspect
Unpack your Ledger device and verify the seal. Confirm there are no signs of tampering. Record the device model for your records.
Why
Prevent compromised hardware in your supply chain. If anything looks off, contact Ledger support immediately.
Connect to computer
Use the original USB cable and connect the Ledger device to your computer. Wait for the device to power on and show the welcome screen.
Tip
If your device prompts for a PIN before setup, power cycle and retry; only proceed with documented official prompts.
Open Ledger.com/start
Open a browser and go to Ledger.com/start. Follow the on-screen flow for your device model.
Tip
Confirm the domain is exactly ledger.com and the page is secured (HTTPS padlock).
Create a PIN
Choose a PIN you can remember but is not easily guessable. Enter it on the device when prompted; confirm it to finish.
Why it matters
The PIN protects access to your device if it’s physically stolen; it’s a first line of defense.
Write down your recovery phrase
The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (or 12/18 depending on model). Write each word clearly on the recovery card provided. Store it offline.
Warning
Never share this phrase online, take photos of it, or enter it into websites.
Confirm recovery phrase on device
The device will ask you to confirm specific words. This verifies you recorded the phrase correctly.
Tip
Do confirmations slowly and double-check your written list. Do this offline.
Install Ledger Live
Install the official Ledger Live app from the website and complete the device pairing flow. Ledger Live is the companion app for managing crypto assets.
Security
Download only from ledger.com and validate signatures if you use advanced verification methods.
Add accounts & applications
Use Ledger Live to add currency accounts (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Install necessary apps on the device for the blockchains you use.
Tip
Only install the apps you need to limit attack surface; remove unused apps.
Send a test transaction
Send a small amount to/from your new Ledger-managed address to confirm everything works end-to-end before moving large balances.
Why
This validates address derivation and confirms you can sign transactions correctly.
Secure storage & backup plans
Store the recovery phrase in a secure location (safe or split storage). Consider geographic redundancy or metal backup solutions for long-term durability.
Final step
Create a clear onboarding note for your own future self: date of setup, device model, and where the backup lives.
Security best practices
Layered security approach
Think in layers: device PIN + recovery phrase offline + secure physical storage + cautious operational habits (phishing awareness). Each layer reduces risk if another is compromised.
Common threats & mitigations
- Phishing sites: Always verify the domain and avoid clicking links from unknown emails.
- Social engineering: Never divulge recovery phrases, even if someone claims to be support.
- Physical theft: Use a strong PIN and store the recovery phrase separately from the device.
Advanced recommendations
Use multi-signature schemes for very large holdings, and consider splitting recovery phrases across trusted parties or services with cryptographic splits (Shamir Backup schemes when supported).
Troubleshooting
Device not recognized by computer
Try a different USB port or cable, update your system drivers, and ensure Ledger Live is up-to-date.
Incorrect PIN entered
After a set number of wrong PIN attempts, the device may reset. If this occurs, you'll need your recovery phrase to restore. Proceed carefully.
Missing funds after restore
Restore using the same derivation path/account type. Some tokens or chains may require manual addition in Ledger Live or third-party wallets—consult support resources.
When to contact support
If you suspect tampering, or the device firmware behaves unexpectedly, contact Ledger support through their official channels. Do not disclose your recovery phrase.
FAQ
Can Ledger recover my funds if I lose my recovery phrase?
No. The recovery phrase is your private key. If lost, funds cannot be recovered by Ledger or anyone else.
Is it okay to store the recovery phrase in a password manager?
It's strongly discouraged to store the recovery phrase in online systems (including password managers) due to centralized breach risk. Prefer offline paper or metal backups.
Can I use Ledger with mobile apps?
Many Ledger devices are mobile-compatible via Bluetooth (model-dependent) or by using Ledger Live Mobile. Confirm model support and pair securely.
10 Office Links & templates (useful for onboarding)
Below are ten helpful links you can use to create slides, checklists, or internal onboarding documentation. They point to office templates and common places to store onboarding artifacts. Replace placeholders with your organization-specific files if needed.
- Microsoft Office home (office.com) — central portal for docs and templates.
- Office templates — presentation and checklist templates you can adapt.
- Word online — create a written onboarding checklist.
- PowerPoint online — create your slide deck from sections here.
- Excel online — inventory of devices and serial numbers.
- Checklist template — quick checklist format for IT teams.
- Technology presentation template — polished slide skins.
- Microsoft Teams — central communications and live onboarding sessions.
- SharePoint — place to host official onboarding assets.
- OneNote — an excellent place for collaborative procedure notes and change logs.
How to use these links
Choose a template (PowerPoint for presentation, Word for printed guide), copy the sections from this document into slides or pages, and customize visuals to match your corporate style. Keep a version history so you can track guidance changes with Ledger device firmware and app updates.
Conclusion & next steps
Ledger onboarding is a short but critical journey: setup, backup, and safe operations. Use the 10-step flow above to run an onboarding session, convert each step into a slide, and keep the 10 Office links handy to create polished materials. Remember: the recovery phrase is the single most important artifact — protect it with the highest care.
Checklist to finish
- Confirm device model and firmware
- Complete the 10-step setup flow
- Create internal documentation with provided templates
- Perform a small test transaction
- Store the recovery phrase in a secure backup