Your friendly, step-by-step HTML guide to set up a Ledger hardware wallet securely using the official start portal.
Ledger® Onboarding™ at Ledger.com/start is more than a setup page — it’s the beginning of a secure relationship between you and your crypto. Whether this is your first hardware wallet or you’re migrating from another solution, following the official onboarding steps reduces risk and helps you maintain control of your private keys.
Pro tip: Always use the official address https://www.ledger.com/start — you’ll find the recommended apps, firmware updates, and guides. We've sprinkled the official start link across this article for quick access.
Never share your 24‑word recovery phrase. Ledger staff will never ask for it. If someone asks for your recovery phrase, it’s a scam — disconnect and report.
Open your Ledger box and inspect the device. Genuine Ledger devices come in sealed packaging with the Ledger logo. If the packaging looks tampered with, contact Ledger support before proceeding.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or phone. For Nano X, you can pair via Bluetooth, but for the most secure install process use a wired USB connection during onboarding.
Open Ledger.com/start and follow the tailored walkthrough for your device model. The portal detects your device and guides you to download Ledger Live — the companion app that manages apps and firmware.
On the device, choose to create a new wallet or restore from an existing recovery phrase. If you’re creating new, the device will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase that you must write down in order and store offline.
Ledger Live will prompt you to update your device firmware if necessary. Firmware ensures the device has the latest security fixes — only install firmware via Ledger Live while the device is connected.
Ledger uses apps for individual blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Through Ledger Live, install only the official apps you need. Remember each app uses storage on the device — you can install and uninstall apps without losing accounts.
A passphrase adds an extra word to your recovery phrase, creating a hidden wallet. This is powerful but can be dangerous: if you forget the passphrase, the funds are permanently inaccessible. Use it only if you understand the risks and have secure passphrase storage.
Ledger Live supports multiple accounts per blockchain. Use clear naming in Ledger Live and keep a separate, encrypted note of which accounts you use for different purposes (savings, spending, staking).
Try another USB cable or port, reboot your computer, or try a different device. For Nano X Bluetooth pairing issues, ensure Bluetooth is enabled and the device isn’t connected to another phone.
If you’ve lost your recovery phrase and still have access to the device, immediately move funds to a new wallet with a new recovery phrase. If you lost both, funds are irrecoverable — this is why storing your 24 words safely is crucial.
Never enter your recovery phrase on a website or share it. Ledger will never ask for it. Verify URLs and use bookmarks for important pages like Ledger.com/start.
Store your device and your recovery sheet separately. Use a safe or deposit box for long-term storage if you hold significant amounts. Avoid extreme temperatures and moisture that can damage electronics.
Periodically open Ledger Live and check for firmware and app updates. Review your accounts and transactions frequently to spot unexpected activity early.
For family or corporate funds, consider multisignature wallets that require several keys to approve a transaction. Ledger devices integrate well with multisig workflows via compatible software wallets.
Prepare a clear, written owner’s manual for the household or team: who holds which device, where recovery phrases are stored, and emergency contact procedures if someone can’t access funds.
A user has funds on a software wallet and wants to move them to a Ledger device for long‑term storage. The user follows these steps: (1) create Ledger wallet, (2) write recovery phrase, (3) install Bitcoin and Ethereum apps, (4) add accounts in Ledger Live, (5) send funds from software wallet to Ledger addresses, (6) verify on device and transaction history in Ledger Live.
The funds are now secured offline; the user keeps small amounts on hot wallets for everyday use and moves the majority to the Ledger device for security.
A 24‑word human‑readable representation of your wallet’s private keys. Save it offline.
The low‑level software that runs on the Ledger device. Keep it updated via Ledger Live.
An extra word used to create hidden wallets — powerful but risky if lost.
Onboarding your Ledger is an investment in safety. The process is intentionally deliberate: it places the power and responsibility of private key custody firmly in your hands. Use the official hub at Ledger.com/start, follow recommended steps, and treat your recovery phrase like the key to your digital vault.
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