Ledger Start^ — Secure Setup Guide for New Users

This guide is designed for new users who have just acquired a Ledger hardware wallet and want a thorough, secure setup process. It mixes practical step-by-step instructions with mindset, troubleshooting, and safety-first policies so you can start using your device with confidence.

We emphasize three pillars: physical security (protecting your device and recovery words), logical security (pins, passphrases, firmware), and operational security (how you use your device daily and how you back up your recovery material).

Throughout this presentation you will find actionable checklists, sample text for documenting your seed securely, recommendations for storing multiple backups, and clear do/don't lists to keep you safe.

Unlike traditional online accounts, cryptocurrency private keys are absolute control: whoever holds the private key controls the funds. There is no customer service call that can recover funds if private keys are exposed. This changes how we think about risk and responsibility.

Key reasons to follow strict setup rules:

• Protection against remote compromise (malware, phishing).
• Protection against local physical theft.
• Ensuring you can recover funds if your device is lost or damaged.
• Reducing the chance of human error when performing sensitive actions.

1. Buy genuine: Purchase from the official store or authorized reseller. Avoid second-hand devices unless you fully reset and re-initialize them.
2. Inspect the package: Seals should be intact, packaging unaltered. Be cautious of tampering signs like resealed boxes, loose components, or missing paperwork.
3. Gather materials: Ledger device, USB cable, recovery sheets (the physical paper provided), and a clean workspace.
4. Powering on: Connect your Ledger to a computer or phone as directed. Follow on-screen prompts on the device, never on your computer alone.

Do not enter your recovery seed into any software, website, or mobile app — the seed is only to be stored physically and entered only into the device during initial setup unless using a secure, air-gapped backup method you fully understand.

1) Initialize the Device

1. Power on and choose "Set up as new device" unless you're restoring from a known seed you control.
2. Create a PIN. Use at least 6 digits; avoid simple patterns like 123456 or repeated digits.
3. Confirm your PIN on the device. Memorize it — do not store the PIN on the same piece of paper as the recovery words.

2) Write Down the Recovery Seed

The device will display 24 words one by one (or 12/18 depending on your model and choice). Write each word, in order, on the provided recovery sheet. Double-check every word carefully.

3) Verify the Seed

After writing, the device will ask you to confirm certain words. Confirm them using the device screen — this ensures you correctly recorded the seed. Do not store a photo of your seed.

4) Install Ledger Live

1. Download Ledger Live from the official ledger.com site and verify signatures when possible.
2. Open Ledger Live and follow instructions to add your device and install desired app(s) like Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc., directly onto the Ledger device.
3. Only install apps from the Ledger catalog; avoid third-party non-reviewed applications that request signing from your device.

5) Firmware Updates

Check for firmware updates; if available, follow the official update procedure. Firmware updates may require re-confirmation on the device; never skip or attempt unofficial firmware.

Tip: Consider setting up a passphrase (advanced) only after you fully understand implications — it adds security but also increases recovery complexity.

What is the Recovery Seed?

The recovery seed (also called recovery phrase or mnemonic) is a human-readable set of words that encodes the private keys for your wallet. If your device is lost or destroyed, the seed can be used to restore access to funds on any compatible wallet.

Storage Recommendations

• Write it physically: Use the supplied recovery sheet or a metal backup—avoid paper if you expect long-term durability issues.
• Multiple copies: Make 2-3 copies stored in different secure locations (e.g., home safe, bank safe deposit, trusted custodian). Keep them geographically separated.
• Do not digitize: Avoid photos, scanned copies, cloud storage, or typing it into your devices.

Using a Passphrase (Optional/Advanced)

A passphrase (also called 25th word) augments your seed — effectively creating a different wallet for the same seed. While it greatly increases security, losing the passphrase means losing access permanently. Use only if you can reliably manage the passphrase securely.

Daily Use Hygiene

• Always verify transaction details on the device screen before approving.
• Never paste addresses from untrusted sources. Use address book features in Ledger Live when available.
• Keep device firmware and Ledger Live updated, but only through official channels.

Defense-in-Depth

1. Use a hardware wallet (Ledger) as primary cold storage.
2. For long-term holdings, consider multi-location backups and, for high-value accounts, multi-signature schemes with multiple hardware devices.
3. Limit the use of exchanges for custody; move funds into hardware wallets where you hold keys.

Common Problems

• Device not recognized: Try a different cable, USB port, or computer; ensure Ledger Live is installed and up-to-date.
• Forgot PIN: If you forget your PIN but still have the recovery seed, you can reset the device and restore. If seed is lost, funds are unrecoverable.
• Seed words mismatch: Re-check your written sheet. Use the device confirmation prompts carefully.

Performing a Restore

1. Choose "Restore device" on the Ledger device initial menu.
2. Enter the number of words (12/24) and input each word using the device interface.
3. Confirm and set a new PIN. After restore, add apps via Ledger Live to see accounts.

Q: Can Ledger help recover stolen funds?

A: No. Ledger provides hardware and software; stolen private keys or compromised seeds are irreversible—law enforcement may help in certain cases, but technical recovery is not possible without the private keys.

Q: Is it safe to buy used hardware?

A: Only if you fully reset and reinitialize the device. For absolute safety, prefer new devices from official channels.

Seed / Recovery Phrase

List of words representing your private key material.

Passphrase

An additional secret appended to a seed to create an independent wallet.

Firmware

Software running on the hardware device.

Seed Recording Template (example)

1. _________________  9. _________________
2. _________________ 10. _________________
3. _________________ 11. _________________
4. _________________ 12. _________________
5. _________________ 13. _________________
6. _________________ 14. _________________
7. _________________ 15. _________________
8. _________________ 16. _________________
17. _________________ 21. _________________
18. _________________ 22. _________________
19. _________________ 23. _________________
20. _________________ 24. _________________
          

Checklist — Before You Finish Setup

• Device initialized and PIN set
• Recovery seed written, verified, and stored physically
• Ledger Live installed and device recognized
• Firmware updated and apps installed
• At least one test transaction performed with small value