A practical, step-by-step guide designed to help new Ledger users set up, secure, and begin using their hardware wallet confidently.
This presentation walks through the essentials found at the official Getting Started Hub: ledger.com/start. Use this as a companion resource when onboarding or training users in small groups or anywhere you prepare security-minded crypto workflows.
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Always verify packaging integrity and authenticity. The product box should include the hardware device, a recovery sheet, USB cable, and documentation. If anything appears tampered with or missing, contact Ledger support via the official hub before proceeding.
Power on the device and follow the on-device prompts. You will be asked to choose a PIN and either create a new recovery phrase or restore from one. These steps are intentionally simple on-screen to minimize mistakes.
Select a PIN you can remember but others cannot guess. Avoid simple sequences or repeated digits. The PIN protects access to the device if it is physically obtained by an attacker.
After a set number of incorrect PIN attempts the device will wipe itself — a designed security feature. Keep your PIN secret and do not store it in plain text on connected devices or cloud notes.
The recovery phrase is the ONLY way to fully restore access to funds if your device is lost or damaged. Ledger presents a 24-word phrase (or sometimes 12/18 depending on device); write it on the supplied recovery sheet and store it offline in a secure place.
Ledger employees and support will NEVER ask for your recovery phrase. If someone asks, it is a scam. Treat the phrase as a physical key: if it’s compromised, move your funds to a new wallet immediately using a newly generated recovery phrase.
If you have an existing recovery phrase from another device, choose the restore option and carefully input each word. Confirm that the first and last word — and several random words — match exactly.
Choosing to create a new wallet generates a brand new recovery phrase. After recording it, verify the phrase using the device’s proof check feature (where available).
Ledger Live is the companion desktop and mobile application for managing accounts, sending and receiving assets, and installing blockchain apps on your device. Always download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start or the official app stores to avoid spoofed installers.
Ledger devices use small blockchain-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Install only the apps you need — the device has limited storage but apps can be removed and reinstalled without affecting your accounts or recovery phrase.
Always generate a receive address on your Ledger device and confirm it on-screen before sharing. Verifying the address on the device ensures no malware on your computer altered it.
When sending funds, verify the amount, network fees, and recipient address directly on the device display before approving. This prevents software-level tampering.
Keep device firmware and Ledger Live up to date; updates include feature improvements and security patches. Only apply updates via Ledger Live and the official web portal.
If the device is not recognized, try a different cable or USB port, ensure Ledger Live is updated, and check the OS permissions. For persistent problems, consult the official help articles on the Getting Started Hub.
A passphrase adds an extra encryption layer on top of your recovery phrase. It creates a hidden wallet: strong, but if forgotten it permanently locks the funds in that hidden wallet. Use with extreme caution and record passphrase hints securely offline.
For organizations, consider multi-signature and custody arrangements. Ledger integrates into workflows that rely on multisig and third-party services — evaluate requirements, test in a low-value environment, and document processes.
Primary onboarding and support: ledger.com/start. Additional guides, firmware changelogs, and security notices are available through the main site and the Ledger Support center.
Accent (cyan) — used for calls to action.
Success — confirmation states.
Danger — warnings and critical notices.
This deck is office-friendly (print and projector safe). You can copy the HTML into a single slide export tool or convert it to PDF for distribution. For any custom branding or localized language, edit the copy inside each section and maintain the on-device verification emphasis.