Welcome — clear first steps
This document is designed to guide you from unboxing to confident ownership. Language uses new phrasing throughout so explanations feel original and approachable. Sections are structured with H1 to H5 headings for clarity and accessibility. The layout introduces interactive-style panels, checklists, and troubleshooting micro-guides to resolve common issues quickly.
The focus: regulator-aware, safety-first behavior, repeatable routines, and hands-on practice. We use concrete examples and simple metaphors to build understanding without jargon overload.
Snapshot
Time to complete: ~20–45 min
Requirements: Ledger Wallet, USB cable, computer or phone, pen, and a private quiet spot.
Outcome: Device setup, secure backups, first send/receive, and a concise recovery routine.
H1 — Receiving the device and initial checks
Begin by inspecting the packaging. Genuine units are securely sealed. If the seal is broken or suspicious, stop and contact the vendor. Do not plug in a device with tampering signs; seek support from the official Ledger channels.
Unboxing checklist
- Box sealed and intact
- Accessories present: USB cable, documentation, recovery card
- Serial number and model match the purchase info
Quick tip
Take a photo of the sealed package before opening, and keep purchase receipts — they help in support cases.
H2 — Installing Ledger Live and preparing your workstation
Ledger Live is the official companion app. Download only from the official domain. Choose a device and operating system that are up-to-date and free from malware indicators.
System hygiene checklist
- Apply OS updates
- Close unrelated browser tabs during setup
- Temporarily disable remote access tools during the seed creation
Why offline cleanliness matters
Because the recovery phrase is a single point of failure, it must be chosen and written in a context where no background process can copy or screenshot it.
H3 — Initial device setup: creating a fresh wallet
Choose "Set up as new device"
On first power-up, the device will present onboarding options. Selecting the new device path generates a fresh cryptographic seed. Confirm the device shows a seed generation screen before proceeding.
Secure your PIN
Pick a PIN you can remember but is not guessable from publicly available facts about you. Use a mixture of digits, and avoid trivial sequences.
Write the recovery words
The device will display 24 words (or 12/18 depending on device options). Write each one in order on the supplied card or, preferably, on a metal backup plate designed for seed storage.
Important
Do not photograph, copy to cloud storage, or store the words digitally in any form.
Validation
The device will ask you to confirm a few words to ensure you recorded them correctly. This is normal — complete the confirmation to proceed.
H4 — Backups, resilience, and redundancy
Backups protect against hardware loss, theft, and accidental destruction. Use at least two distinct physical backups stored in different secure locations. For additional protection, use a multi-signature scheme or Shamir's Secret Sharing if supported.
Recommended storage options
- Metal backup plate in a home safe
- Paper copy in a sealed waterproof container in a safety deposit box
- Geographically separated backup held by a trusted custodian (lawyer, family member — but only if trust is established)
Test your backup
To avoid surprises, periodically run a test restore using a spare device. This validates that your recorded words are correct and readable after time.
H5 — Adding accounts and installing coin apps
Ledger devices require small apps to manage different blockchains. Use Ledger Live to add accounts and install only the apps you need.
Best practices
- Install apps via Ledger Live, not third-party installers
- Only add coins you intend to manage
- Remove apps you no longer need to reduce the attack surface
Advanced section — Transactions, confirmations, and network fees
Every transaction needs confirmations from network participants. Fees vary by network and congestion. When in doubt, choose a fee level that balances speed and cost for your use case.
Sending tokens
- Verify destination address visually on the device
- Check token compatibility with the selected network
- Approve on-device to sign the transaction
Recovering from mistakes
If you send to the wrong chain, funds may be unrecoverable unless the recipient supports cross-chain recovery or you control the destinatio