ledger.com/start — Step-by-Step Tutorial

A hands-on walkthrough for safely setting up your Ledger device and Ledger Live.

Introduction

This tutorial walks you through a practical session to complete your Ledger setup from unboxing to first transaction. Follow each numbered step and consult the official links if you need additional visual aids.

Required items

Step-by-step

  1. Unbox and inspect — confirm tamper-evident seals and physical integrity. If packaging looks compromised, contact Ledger support.
  2. Download Ledger Live — go to ledger.com/ledger-live and choose your OS. Verify installer signature when offered.
  3. Install and open Ledger Live — accept permissions for USB access; the app will guide you through the onboarding flow.
  4. Initialize the device — choose "Set up as new device" or "Restore device" if migrating. Set a secure PIN directly on the device (not on the PC).
  5. Record the recovery phrase — write each word carefully on the supplied sheet. Verify during the confirmation step and store the sheet securely.
  6. Install apps — use Ledger Live Manager to install blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) onto the device.
  7. Create accounts — add accounts in Ledger Live and generate receiving addresses for deposits.
  8. Test a small transaction — send a minimal amount to confirm that addresses and signing work correctly. Validate the address on-device before confirming.
  9. Enable optional security — consider passphrase protection if you need hidden wallets, but record policies carefully.
  10. Perform a recovery drill — in a safe environment, verify that the recorded seed restores a test device to confirm backup integrity.
Tip: Use steel seed backups for long-term durability. Avoid digital copies and never upload your recovery phrase to cloud storage.

Troubleshooting

If the device is not recognized, reinstall Bridge, change cables, or test on another host. For firmware update errors, retry with the desktop app and ensure a stable connection. If you suspect tampering or irrecoverable issues, contact Ledger Support.

After setup

Organize your operational processes: segregate daily-use wallets, maintain logging for account access if used by teams, and update your recovery policy annually. Educate any co-signers or beneficiaries on the recovery procedures and secure storage locations.

Closing

Following this practical sequence from ledger.com/start converts a boxed device into a resilient custody anchor. Spend time on setup — it’s the single most important effort to safeguard your digital assets.