A clear, step-by-step HTML presentation to onboard new users to Ledger hardware wallets.
This presentation walks through the essential steps for getting started with a Ledger hardware wallet: unboxing, initializing, securing your recovery phrase, installing Ledger Live, sending and receiving crypto, and best security practices. It’s written to be actionable and hardware-agnostic for common Ledger models.
Visit the official start page: https://www.ledger.com/start
Ledger devices isolate private keys inside a secure element. That isolation reduces the attack surface and prevents online malware from extracting keys directly. Hardware wallets add a physical confirmation step for transactions, ensuring an attacker can't push transactions without your consent.
Ledger supports many blockchains and connects to Ledger Live (desktop and mobile) for a single management interface. You can also use third-party wallets that integrate with Ledger for specialized dApps.
Before powering on the device, inspect the box for tamper evidence. Ledger packages include sealed boxes and tamper-evident stickers. If something looks tampered with, do not proceed and contact support from the official site: Ledger start.
Tip: Keep the box’s serial number on hand — you may need it for warranty or support queries.
Connect the Ledger device to power (USB or Bluetooth) and choose your preferred display language using the device buttons. Confirm every selection physically on the device — on-screen confirmation is a key security step.
You will be asked whether to create a new wallet (generate a new seed) or restore from an existing recovery phrase. Only choose "restore" if you already have a verified recovery phrase. For most new users, select "create new."
Choose a PIN you'll remember. The PIN protects access to the device. If you forget it, you'll need your recovery phrase to restore funds on a new device.
The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (sometimes 12, depending on model/options). Write the words down in order on the provided recovery sheet. Do not photograph, copy to a digital file, or store the phrase online or in cloud storage. Physical custody is essential.
Always download Ledger Live from the official start page: Ledger start. Verify the URL and certificate in your browser.
Open Ledger Live and follow the onboarding steps. Ledger Live will prompt you to confirm the firmware version and may request a firmware update. Only accept firmware updates when connected to Ledger Live and when the update is shown on the device screen.
When pairing with Ledger Live, the app will ask you to confirm device model and serial number. Confirm these visually on the device before approving in the app.
Ledger devices use apps (small blockchain-specific software) installed via Ledger Live. From Ledger Live, go to Manager and install apps for the blockchains you intend to use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Each app takes space on the device; install only the apps you need.
After installing the necessary apps, use Ledger Live to add accounts. Ledger Live will synchronize with the network and display account balances. Each account maps to a derivation path—Ledger Live handles this for you automatically.
To receive funds, open the account in Ledger Live and click "Receive." The app will display a receiving address which you MUST verify on the device screen. Never copy-paste an address without visually confirming the device's display matches the app.
When sending, create a transaction in Ledger Live, then confirm its details on the device. Ledger's secure element verifies the transaction destination and amount before asking for physical confirmation on the hardware buttons.
Regularly update Ledger Live and device firmware (only via official Ledger Live prompts). Updates patch security issues and add improvements. Always verify updates on the physical device display before approving.
Practice a restoration on a test device if you're responsible for enterprise-level seed backups. This ensures that the recovery process works and that your documentation is clear for an executor or IT staff.
Ledger devices can sign transactions through third-party dApp wallets. When connecting a dApp, always confirm the correct contract calls and amounts on your Ledger device before approving. For complex DeFi operations, consider using a dedicated hot wallet for small positions and keeping long-term holdings in cold storage.
Ledger Live Mobile pairs with Bluetooth Ledger devices (e.g., Nano X) and provides a near-equivalent experience to desktop. Bluetooth encrypts the connection; still, treat mobile devices like any other internet-connected device and keep them updated.
If your Ledger device is lost or damaged, you can restore your accounts on a new Ledger device or another compatible wallet using your recovery phrase. Always ensure your recovery phrase is accessible to authorized parties in case of emergency.
If you lose access to your seed and do not have the device or seed, recovery is impossible. This underscores why seed custody and secure backup are paramount. Consider a redundancy plan for estate and inheritance.
Quick-access link: Get started at Ledger.com/start
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Ledger maintains extensive documentation for troubleshooting, advanced features, and firmware release notes. Bookmark the official start link for onboarding and verified resources: https://www.ledger.com/start.