Independent Hardware Wallet Onboarding & Security Manual • Not Affiliated with Ledger SAS

OFFICIAL SETUP WALKTHROUGH & BEST PRACTICES

Ledger.com/start

Your complete step-by-step primer to initialize your hardware wallet securely. Learn genuine firmware checks, 24-word recovery phrase safety, PIN configuration, and cold storage management.

Begin Setup
Device Care & Rules

Cryptographic Genuine Check

Offline 24-Word Generation

Secure Element (EAL6+)

Hardware crypto security device initialization showcase

Onboarding Roadmap

3 Core Milestones

01

Connect Device & Select 4-8 Digit PIN

02

Record & Guard 24-Word Recovery Sheet

03

Verify Legitimacy via Genuine Cryptographic Check

Never Type Seed Online

No genuine app will ever request your 24 words.

Verify On Hardware Screen

Always trust what you see directly on the physical display.

Pristine Factory State

A brand new wallet never arrives with pre-filled recovery words.

Official Hardware Setup & Security Guide

Get Started with Your Ledger Device

Welcome to the official Ledger onboarding guide. Securing your digital assets begins with setting up your hardware wallet correctly. Follow this step-by-step walkthrough to initialize your Ledger device, download the authentic Ledger Live companion application, and safeguard your private keys against physical and digital vulnerabilities. Remember: a genuine Ledger device never arrives pre-configured with a PIN or a pre-filled recovery phrase sheet.

Critical Security Notice: Protect Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

Ledger customer support or automated tools will NEVER ask for your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase under any circumstance. Never enter these words into any website, smartphone keyboard, cloud note, camera photo, or application other than directly on the physical screen of your Ledger device. If anyone requests your seed words, it is an active phishing attempt.

STEP 01

Inspect Box Integrity & Accessories

Carefully unbox your Ledger package and inspect the tamper-resistant security seal. Inside you will receive your genuine device, a high-durability USB cable, keychain accessories, and three blank Secret Recovery sheets. Ensure all recovery sheets are completely blank. If your device came with pre-written words or an already configured PIN code, do not power it on or send funds to it; contact Ledger customer support immediately for a replacement.

STEP 02

Download and Verify Ledger Live

Access only the verified portal at ledger.com/start to download the Ledger Live desktop or mobile application across macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, or Android operating systems. Ledger Live functions as your mission control for managing digital crypto portfolios, staking coins, buying, and executing transactions. Always verify the downloaded installer's digital cryptographic hash and certificate signature before running the executable to protect against spoofed software copies.

STEP 03

Choose PIN & Write Down 24 Words

Connect your hardware wallet to your computer using the official USB cable. Navigate using device buttons to choose 'Set up as new device'. Select a robust 4 to 8 digit security PIN that is hard to guess. Next, the certified Secure Element chip will generate your unique 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase offline. Write down each numbered word carefully onto your paper recovery card with a pen. Confirm each word on the hardware screen.

STEP 04

Genuine Check & First App Install

Once configured, open Ledger Live and complete the automated Genuine Check. The application runs a cryptographic challenge-response protocol with your hardware device's Secure Element chip to ensure internal firmware and microcontrollers are 100% genuine and unaltered. After passing verification, install your desired blockchain apps (such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana) and securely deposit your crypto assets.

Always verify addresses on the device display before confirming transactions. Your Ledger hardware wallet signs transactions entirely within its secure element chip, keeping private keys completely isolated from internet-connected malware.

Download Ledger Live
Security Checklist
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