On this page
- Quick start (H2)
- Step‑by‑step setup (H3 → H5)
- Security tips (H3)
- Using Ledger with apps (H3)
- Troubleshooting & FAQ (H3)
- Resources & Office links (H4)
Quick start — what's inside the box
When you open your new Ledger device, you'll typically find the hardware wallet itself, a USB cable, recovery sheets (for writing down your 24‑word recovery phrase), and a quick start leaflet. Take a deep breath — this guide walks you through everything, from power‑on to your first secure transaction.
Why Ledger and onboarding matters
Ledger devices are among the most widely used cold wallets globally. The onboarding process matters because it sets the foundation for long‑term security: correct device initialization, secure storage of your recovery phrase, and safe connection habits.
Before you start (H4 essentials)
What you need
- A computer or phone with a compatible OS and a browser
- Your Ledger device and cable
- Pen(s) — don't use a photo or text file to store your recovery phrase
- A quiet, private space
Safety checklist (H5 quick list)
- Buy only from the official Ledger store or authorized reseller.
- Never share your 24‑word recovery phrase with anyone — Ledger support will never ask for it.
- Use the official Ledger Live app from ledger.com/start.
Step‑by‑step setup (detailed)
Step 1 — Power on & initialize (H4)
Connect your Ledger to your computer or phone using the supplied cable. Follow the on‑screen prompts. Choose "Set up as new device" when prompted unless you are restoring from an existing recovery phrase.
What to expect
- The device will display a welcome message and ask you to set a PIN — choose a PIN you can remember but that isn't trivial.
- The device will then generate your recovery phrase (24 words) and prompt you to write them down on the official recovery sheet.
- Confirm a few words back to the device to ensure accuracy.
Step 2 — Install Ledger Live (H4)
Ledger Live is the companion app used to manage your accounts, install apps on your device (like Ethereum, Bitcoin), and send/receive crypto. Download Ledger Live only from Ledger.com/start.
Quick install
- Open the installer and follow the prompts.
- Choose a secure password for Ledger Live (this is different from the device PIN).
- Pair your Ledger device and allow Ledger Live to detect it.
Step 3 — Install apps & add accounts (H4)
Ledger devices use small on‑device apps to manage different blockchains. In Ledger Live you will install the apps you need (for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
Tip
Only install the apps you plan to use — device storage is finite on small Ledger models, and uninstalling an app doesn't affect your crypto (it remains recoverable with your recovery phrase).
Step 4 — Receive your first transaction (H4)
- In Ledger Live, click Add account and select the blockchain.
- Click Receive — verify the address on your Ledger device screen matches what Ledger Live displays.
- Copy the address and use it from your exchange or wallet to send funds.
Security best practices
Physical security (H4)
Keep your recovery sheet in a secure location — consider a safe or a bank deposit box for long‑term storage. For advanced redundancy, consider metal seed storage solutions (stainless steel plates) that survive fire and water.
Operational security (H4)
- Never enter your 24‑word recovery phrase into a website, app, or message — only on your Ledger device during setup or recovery.
- When connecting to third‑party apps (e.g., dApps), always verify transaction details on your device screen before approving.
- Use a passphrase (optional advanced feature) to create an additional hidden wallet — treat the passphrase like an extra seed word and store it securely.
Software hygiene (H4)
Keep Ledger Live updated and your computer's OS and browser patched. Avoid using public or untrusted computers for high‑value operations.
Using Ledger with apps & services
Connecting to third‑party wallets (H4)
Ledger works with many wallets and services such as MetaMask, Exodus, or direct dApp integrations. The flow is usually: connect your Ledger device via WebUSB or Ledger Live bridge, then select the account to use in the third‑party app.
DeFi and smart contract interactions (H4)
Smart contract approvals can be complex. When interacting with DeFi platforms, always:
- Review the exact function name and parameters on the device before signing.
- Prefer small test transactions before approving large ones, if possible.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
My device isn't detected by Ledger Live — what to do? (H4)
- Try a different USB cable and port.
- Restart your computer and the Ledger device.
- Ensure Ledger Live is the latest version — reinstall if necessary.
I lost my recovery sheet — can I recover my funds? (H4)
If you have a backup of your 24‑word phrase you can recover your wallet. Without the 24 words (or a previously exported encrypted backup you control), there is no way to recover the private keys. That’s why secure backup is critical.
Can Ledger support access my crypto? (H4)
No. Ledger does not and cannot access your crypto because private keys are generated and stored on your hardware device only. Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Designing an office‑ready onboarding workflow (H3)
If you're setting up multiple devices for a team or an office, follow these suggested steps to keep things organized and auditable.
10‑step office checklist (H5)
- Procure devices from authorized vendors only.
- Create an inventory sheet with serial numbers (no recovery phrases in the sheet).
- Designate a secure setup room for initial device configuration.
- Rotate staff that handle physical setup; keep a witness log.
- Store recovery sheets in individual sealed envelopes and a secure vault.
- Test restore procedures regularly on spare devices.
- Use a delegated admin model in Ledger Live for team access where applicable.
- Establish a written SOP for handling lost/stolen devices.
- Train employees on social engineering risks and phishing.
- Run periodic audits and update firmware and software policies.
Colorful quick resources (H4)
Below are ten colorful “office” links that teams often keep in an internal wiki as quick starting points. All links point to a central productivity landing for convenience; replace them with internal resources or per‑device links when you create your SOP.
Appendix — useful code & commands (H3)
Sample inventory CSV (H5)
serial,model,assigned_to,setup_date,notes
S12345,Ledger Nano X,Finance Team,2025-10-10,Stored in vault A
S12346,Ledger Nano S,Ops,2025-10-11,Spare device
Final thoughts
Onboarding a hardware wallet is a small time investment that pays off exponentially in security. Follow the steps above, keep software and firmware current, and treat the recovery phrase with the utmost care. If you need an office‑grade SOP exported or a printable onboarding checklist, I can generate one for your team — just tell me how many devices and any special policies you follow.