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

Welcome. This guide walks you through onboarding your Ledger hardware wallet, installing and using Ledger Live, safeguarding your recovery phrase, and best-practice security tips — all using Ledger’s official resources and support pages.

Start the official Ledger setup

Why use a hardware wallet for onboarding

Self-custody means you hold your private keys. A hardware wallet keeps those keys offline, significantly reducing the risk of remote compromise. The Ledger family of hardware wallets (Nano S Plus, Nano X, Ledger Stax, Ledger Flex) pairs with the Ledger Live app to provide a secure, easy-to-use onboarding and management experience for a wide range of cryptocurrencies.

Quick official resources:

Step 1 — Unbox, verify and prepare your device

Physical check & tamper-evidence

When your Ledger device arrives, verify tamper-evidence and packaging. Ledger devices ship sealed; if the packaging looks altered, do not use the device and contact Ledger support immediately. Always buy from Ledger’s official shop or authorized resellers to minimise supply-chain risk.

Charge, connect and boot

Connect your Ledger device to a computer or mobile device as instructed in the official start guide. If your device uses Bluetooth (e.g., Nano X) or USB, follow the model-specific prompts. Ledger’s step-by-step setup instructions will show you how to initialize the device and create a new wallet or recover an existing one. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Step 2 — Install Ledger Live and create your first account

Download Ledger Live safely

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site (ledger.com/ledger-live) or the official mobile store pages. Counterfeit apps and fake installers are a real threat; never download Ledger Live from search results that look suspicious or from third-party websites. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Desktop vs mobile

Ledger Live is available for macOS, Windows, Linux, Android and iOS. Choose the platform you will use most often; Ledger Live will communicate with your device to install apps, create accounts, and manage assets.

Create an account in Ledger Live

After installing Ledger Live, follow the “Get started” flow, pick your device, and either create a new wallet or recover one. Ledger Live will guide you to install necessary apps (for Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on the device’s secure element. For account restoration instructions see Ledger Support’s step-by-step article. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Step 3 — Safeguard your recovery phrase

What the recovery phrase is (and is not)

The recovery phrase (usually 24 words) is the single most sensitive secret for your wallet: anyone with it can restore your funds. Ledger devices generate that phrase offline during initialisation. Ledger and security experts urge: never share it, never enter it into an app, and never store it digitally.

Physical backups & Recovery Check

Use the recovery sheet provided with the device, and consider robust physical backup solutions (metal seed storage, multi-location safekeeping). Ledger offers a Recovery Check tool to verify that your saved phrase matches what the device expects — use it to avoid transcription errors. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Common user mistakes to avoid

Step 4 — Add funds, transfer and manage assets

Adding crypto to your Ledger

Generate a receive address in Ledger Live for the asset you want to hold (e.g., BTC, ETH). Copy the address carefully, confirm it on the hardware device screen, and then use that address to withdraw from an exchange or move funds from another wallet. Ledger supports thousands of assets — check the official supported-assets page for compatibility before transferring. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Using third-party integrations

Ledger integrates with many third-party wallets and services. When connecting to external services, always confirm the operations on your Ledger device and verify the service provider’s legitimacy.

Security & troubleshooting

Recognizing scams and fake apps

Phishing attacks often impersonate Ledger (or Ledger Live) to trick users into divulging seed phrases or installing malware. Ledger’s official guidance is to never reveal your seed phrase and to only download Ledger Live from ledger.com or official app stores. If in doubt, consult Ledger Support. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Troubleshooting common issues

If your device isn’t recognized, ensure USB cables are functional, check Bluetooth permissions for mobile models, and update Ledger Live. Ledger Support provides device-specific troubleshooting articles and direct contact methods. If you suspect compromise, move unaffected funds to a new device and phrase — but only after confirming you’re following official recovery steps. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Advanced topics

Using multiple devices and passphrase (25th word)

Advanced users sometimes employ an additional passphrase (a.k.a. 25th word) to create hidden wallets. While powerful, passphrases significantly increase complexity and the risk of permanent loss if mismanaged — treat them with care and document your approach in a secure, offline way.

Ledger Recover service

Ledger offers optional recovery services (provided by third-party partners) for additional recovery options. Evaluate terms, privacy, and trust before enrolling; never confuse recovery services with your primary secret — your recovery phrase remains the authoritative backup. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Final checks before you go live

Checklist

Where to get help

If anything feels off — contact Ledger Support via the official support portal and follow official guides in Ledger Academy. Avoid community-sourced downloads or unofficial instructions when dealing with seed phrases and firmware updates. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}