Short version: hardware wallets keep your private keys offline and under your control. This reduces the risk of remote theft from malware, phishing, or compromised computers.
This presentation walks you through the full setup flow (unboxing, verifying, initializing via ledger.com/start, safe seed handling, connecting to apps, and tips to stay secure). It's designed for beginners and power users alike.
Before you touch the device: confirm authenticity and environment.
Buy only from authorized sellers. Check the package seal and tamper-evidence. Ledger devices ship in sealed packaging — if there are signs of tampering, return it.
Set up in a private place. Use a trusted computer or phone. Disable screen recording or suspicious extensions while you install and initialize.
When you power the device, it will ask to connect to Ledger Live or Ledger.com/start to check firmware. Only accept firmware updates from the official Ledger software flow.
Type ledger.com/start yourself in the address bar — avoid clicking random links or search results. Bookmark the official address for future use.
Follow the official onboarding flow. High-level steps are below; Ledger Live or the web onboarding will guide you step-by-step.
Connect the device using the supplied cable. Choose to set up as a new device (or recover from a seed if you already backed up).
Pick a PIN you can remember but which isn't easily guessable. The device requires manual PIN entry — never share the PIN with anyone.
Ledger devices generate a 24-word recovery phrase (sometimes 12 for legacy devices). Use the supplied recovery sheet or a dedicated metal backup. Write words in the exact order shown. Never store the phrase digitally.
The device will ask you to confirm a few words to ensure you correctly recorded the phrase. Only after confirmation is the wallet considered initialized.
Important: Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase on a website, over phone, or in an email. If anyone asks for it, it's a scam.
Your recovery phrase is the ultimate key. Protect it like you would physical cash or sensitive legal documents.
Do not photograph, screenshot, copy into notes, or upload your seed phrase. Digital storage can be exfiltrated by malware or cloud breaches.
Paper can burn or degrade. A stamped or engraved metal backup resists fire, water, and corrosion. Store it securely (safe deposit box, home safe).
For high-value holdings consider splitting seeds across trusted places or using multisignature wallets. These add complexity but increase protection against single-point failures.
Periodically (or when migrating) test recovery on a fresh device to ensure backups work. Do this securely — never expose your seed during tests to unknown parties or devices.
After initialization, install apps and learn how to verify transactions on-device.
Use Ledger Live (desktop/mobile) or the supported web apps to add coin-specific applications (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Only install official apps from the Ledger catalog.
When sending funds, the transaction details and destination address must be displayed on your Ledger. Confirm addresses on the device screen — don't rely on the host computer's display alone.
Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware updated. Firmware updates may be required to support new features or fix vulnerabilities. Only accept updates through official channels.
Common issues and how to address them safely.
Use the supplied cable and a known-power USB port. Try a different cable or power source. If still malfunctioning, contact Ledger support — but never reveal your seed to support staff.
Scammers mimic Ledger branding. Always check the URL manually. Ledger will never ask for your entire recovery phrase. If you suspect compromise, move funds to a new wallet using a new seed you control.
If you lose your recovery phrase and still have access to the device, create a new seed and transfer funds. If both device and seed are lost, funds are unrecoverable — this is why backup is crucial.
Congratulations — you're now equipped with the essentials to set up and use a Ledger hardware wallet securely. Treat your seed as the master key: protect it, and you'll protect your crypto.