Ledger® Onboarding™ — Official Setup Hub

Your 3-Phase Onboarding Checklist

Always begin at **Ledger.com/start** to download the official Ledger Live software and initiate the process securely.

  1. Phase 1: Device Initialization
    • Unbox and power on device.
    • Set your 4-8 digit **PIN** on the device screen.
  2. Phase 2: Recovery Phrase
    • Write down the 24 words exactly (order matters).
    • Verify the phrase on the device.
    • Store the physical sheet securely **offline**.
  3. Phase 3: Ledger Live Connection
    • Download Ledger Live from **Ledger.com/start**.
    • Run the **Genuine Check** through the app.
    • Install necessary crypto apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).

The Absolute Importance of Starting at **Ledger.com/start**

The moment you unbox your new Ledger Nano S or Nano X, you are taking control of your financial security. Unlike centralized exchanges where you trust a company with your private keys, a Ledger hardware wallet places **you** as the sole custodian. This level of control comes with a vital responsibility: ensuring the initial setup is performed flawlessly and securely. **The official starting point is always Ledger.com/start.** This URL directs you to the official Ledger Live application download, which is essential for initiating the Genuine Check—the device handshake that verifies your hardware is authentic and untampered with. Bypassing this step or downloading software from third-party sources is the single largest security risk a new user faces.

Warning: Any package received with a pre-written recovery phrase is compromised. A new Ledger device should **never** come with the 24 words pre-printed.

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Phase 1: Setting the PIN and Initializing the Device

The first steps are performed entirely on the small screen of the Ledger device. The Ledger Live software is not involved at this stage, reinforcing the device's isolation from your potentially infected computer.

  • Power On and New Setup: Connect your device. When prompted, select 'Set up as new device.' Never choose 'Restore from Recovery Phrase' unless you are specifically replacing a lost device.
  • Setting the PIN: You will use the device's physical buttons to select and confirm a **4 to 8 digit PIN**. A longer PIN (8 digits) provides better physical security against brute-force attempts if someone physically steals your device. Enter the PIN twice for confirmation. Remember: three wrong PIN attempts will wipe the device, requiring restoration via the 24-word phrase.

Phase 2: The Sacred 24-Word Recovery Phrase

This is the single most critical step in the entire onboarding process. The 24-word phrase (often called the seed phrase) is the human-readable cryptographic key that unlocks every single asset stored under this device. It is generated randomly and securely inside the Secure Element chip, and never broadcast.

  1. Write Down Meticulously: The device will display 24 English words, one by one. Use the provided blank recovery sheets and write down each word clearly, numbered 1 through 24. **Spelling and order are non-negotiable.** Even a single letter or word swap renders the entire phrase useless or, worse, leads to a different wallet you don't control.
  2. Verification: The Ledger device will then perform a mandatory verification. It will prompt you to select the correct word for a randomly chosen number (e.g., "Word 12: [options]"). You must confirm the word matches what you wrote down. This ensures your transcription is accurate *before* you finalize the setup.
  3. Storage Protocol: Once verified, your device is ready. Immediately store the physical sheet in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof location. **Never take a photo, store it in the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox), or type it into any computer or phone.** This physical isolation is why hardware wallets work.
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Phase 3: Connecting via Ledger Live and the Genuine Check

With your recovery phrase safely stored offline, you can now connect your device to the management software, Ledger Live. This phase is handled entirely through the software downloaded from **Ledger.com/start**.

  • Download and Install: Use only the official download link from **Ledger.com/start**. Install the application on your trusted computer (or mobile device).
  • The Genuine Check: Once Ledger Live is open and you connect your device, the software will automatically prompt you to run the Genuine Check. This proprietary cryptographic process verifies that your device is a genuine Ledger product and that its firmware has not been modified by a third party. This check is crucial and mandatory for security.
  • Installing Applications: After passing the check, use the Manager section in Ledger Live to install the specific cryptocurrency applications you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). These apps are small programs that allow the device to interact with those specific blockchains.
  • Adding Accounts: Finally, use the 'Accounts' section to add new accounts. Ledger Live will ask you to unlock your Ledger device with your PIN and open the corresponding app (e.g., open the Bitcoin app on the device to add a Bitcoin account in Ledger Live).

CRITICAL WARNING: The Unbreakable Rules of the 24-Word Phrase

The security of your funds depends on your understanding of the following absolutes. Ignoring these rules is the only way a hacker can ever gain access to your assets.

  • **Rule 1: Never Digitized.** If it touches a keyboard, camera, or the cloud, it is compromised. This includes emails, text files, notes apps, and password managers.
  • **Rule 2: Never Entered into Ledger Live.** Ledger Live is an interface; it has no need for your 24-word phrase for daily operation. If Ledger Live ever asks for your full 24-word phrase, **your computer is compromised**, and you must stop immediately. The only time the phrase is entered is *directly on the Ledger hardware device* during a restoration.
  • **Rule 3: Ledger is Non-Custodial.** Ledger the company cannot help you if you lose your 24-word phrase. They do not store it, nor can they recover it. **You** are solely responsible for its safekeeping.
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Extensive Onboarding Q&A (Q&F) for Ledger First-Time Users

Q1: How do I know I received a genuine Ledger device and not a counterfeit?

A: The official setup guide from **Ledger.com/start** includes the **Genuine Check** performed by Ledger Live. This check uses a cryptographic challenge to ensure your device contains the official Ledger secret key. If the check fails, the device is not genuine, and you should stop immediately and contact support.

Q2: Should I set the PIN first, or write down the 24-word phrase first?

A: The process is sequential and dictated by the device: first, you set the PIN. Once the PIN is set, the device will proceed to generate and display the new 24-word recovery phrase. You must complete the PIN setup successfully before the phrase is revealed for you to write down.

Q3: If I buy crypto on an exchange, how do I move it to my new Ledger wallet?

A: After completing the full setup process via **Ledger.com/start**, use Ledger Live to create an account for the crypto you bought (e.g., Bitcoin). Then, click 'Receive' in Ledger Live, and the software will prompt you to verify the receiving address on the Ledger device's screen. Copy this verified address and paste it into the 'Withdrawal' field on your crypto exchange.

Q4: My Ledger device only shows "Welcome." Do I need an internet connection to set the PIN?

A: No. The PIN setting and the 24-word recovery phrase generation are entirely **offline** operations. You only need the USB power/connection to the computer. The device is cryptographically generating the key securely within its chip, isolated from the internet and the computer's operating system.

Q5: I lost one of my 24 words. Can Ledger support help me find it?

A: Unfortunately, no. Ledger operates on a non-custodial model, meaning they have no record of your seed phrase. Losing even one word makes the recovery phrase unusable and your funds permanently inaccessible. This is why securing the physical copy of the phrase is the most crucial part of the setup initiated at **Ledger.com/start**.

Q6: What if I forget my PIN? Does my 24-word phrase change?

A: If you forget your PIN, you must intentionally enter it incorrectly three times to factory reset the device. The device will wipe itself clean. Your 24-word phrase **does not change**. You will then need to use the 'Restore from Recovery Phrase' option on the device to load your existing 24 words, and set a *new* PIN. Your crypto will be recovered.

Q7: Can I use the same 24-word phrase on a new Ledger Nano X that I used on my old Ledger Nano S?

A: Yes. If you upgrade devices or replace a damaged one, you simply choose the 'Restore from Recovery Phrase' option on the new device, enter your existing 24 words, and the new device will take control of your old wallet. This confirms that the funds are tied to the phrase, not the hardware.

Q8: Why does the device require I open the specific crypto app (e.g., Ethereum) to add an account in Ledger Live?

A: The device requires you to open the app to confirm your intention to interact with that specific blockchain. This is part of the security protocol, ensuring that the private keys for that specific coin are safely derived and made available for public key sharing with Ledger Live for synchronization purposes.

Q9: What is the risk of using a Ledger Live app downloaded from an app store (Google Play/Apple)?

A: The risk is low if you download from the *official* app stores, but the safest process involves using the link provided at **Ledger.com/start** to ensure you land on the legitimate application page and not a malicious copycat, which can occasionally slip past app store defenses.

Q10: Can I set up multiple 24-word phrases on one Ledger device?

A: No. A Ledger device is secured by only one master 24-word phrase at any given time. If you wish to manage multiple, completely separate wallets (each with its own 24-word phrase), you would need multiple Ledger devices, or you would have to factory reset and restore a different phrase each time, which is impractical.

Q11: Should I encrypt the paper where I store my 24-word phrase?

A: While some users use cryptographic methods for storage, it is generally recommended to keep the 24 words simple and clear. The best protection is physical security. If you introduce a secondary layer of encryption (like a written key or code), you risk losing **both** the phrase and the encryption key, making recovery impossible.

Q12: Is there a way to test my 24-word phrase without wiping my device?

A: Yes. The Ledger Live Manager offers a built-in application called **Recovery Check**. When run, this application prompts you to enter your 24-word phrase directly on the Ledger device's screen. The application checks the phrase against the one currently securing your device without exposing it to the computer or wiping your device's memory.

Q13: Does Ledger Live track my assets or personal information?

A: Ledger Live is designed for privacy. It connects to the blockchain nodes to query your public addresses, but it does not store your private keys, PIN, or recovery phrase. While Ledger does collect some anonymous technical data for performance and stability, it is not tracking your transactional data linked to your identity for commercial purposes.

Q14: What is the 'Passphrase' (25th word) feature and should a beginner use it?

A: The Passphrase is an advanced security feature that creates a hidden wallet, secured by an additional word or phrase. While it provides extreme protection, it significantly increases the complexity of the setup and recovery. **Beginners are generally advised to avoid the Passphrase** until they are comfortable with standard 24-word phrase management, as losing the Passphrase makes the associated crypto permanently inaccessible, even with the 24 words.

Mastering Custody: The Post-Onboarding Mindset

Completing the **Ledger.com/start** setup and successfully performing the Genuine Check marks a major milestone. You've established a secure foundation for your digital wealth. However, onboarding is not just a physical process; it's a mental transition. You are now the master of your own money, and that demands a permanent shift in perspective. Every transaction, every firmware update, and every security prompt requires your full attention and manual confirmation on the trusted screen of your Ledger device. Never click blindly, never approve automatically, and never, under any circumstances, allow anyone to know or handle your 24-word recovery phrase.

By internalizing the principles of physical isolation and manual verification, you have rendered virtually every form of online malware, keylogger, and phishing attack ineffective against your assets. This hub provides the comprehensive detail needed to ensure that your first experience with hardware wallet security is both simple and uncompromised.