New Device or Restore Existing Device | Choosing the Right Setup Path: practical reference notes for this topic (scope-specific to id=201017).
When a Ledger device asks whether to set up as new or restore an existing device, the decision should come from the user's situation, not from the wording alone. A new setup starts a fresh initialization path. A restore path uses an existing recovery phrase on the device to rebuild the device state. (id=201017 scope-specific note for "New Device or Restore Existing")
Use new device setup for a fresh start
Choose the new-device path when the device is being initialized for the first time and no existing recovery phrase is being used. In that case, the device will guide the user through PIN creation, recovery phrase generation, and confirmation. Compare the sequence with the first-time Ledger initialization flow. (id=201017 scope-specific note for "New Device or Restore Existing")
Use restore only with an existing recovery phrase
The restore path belongs to a user who already has a recovery phrase and wants the device to rebuild from that phrase. The phrase should be entered on the Ledger device, not into a website or unrelated app field. For the backup concept, review what a recovery phrase is. (id=201017 scope-specific note for "New Device or Restore Existing")
Check whether re-initialization is actually needed
Some users reach this screen while exploring settings, switching devices, or reviewing a device state. Before selecting a path, read who should re-initialize a Ledger. For a device that is not in a clear first-use state, the setup-state reset review gives a more careful sequence. (id=201017 scope-specific note for "New Device or Restore Existing")
Finish by matching Ledger Wallet context
After the device path is chosen, Ledger Wallet should be used to check connection and page state. Keep app prompts, device prompts, and backup material separate. This prevents a setup choice from turning into a general app troubleshooting session. (id=201017 scope-specific note for "New Device or Restore Existing")
About "New Device or Restore Existing Device | Choosing the Right Setup Path" (id=201017)
This section restates the alignment with New Device or Restore Existing Device | Choosing the Right Setup Path for indexing (id=201017).
Scope: this page covers New Device or Restore Existing Device | Choosing the Right Setup Path; specifics on models, official entries and after-sales policies should be checked under the relevant sub-section (id=201017 boundary marker).
Boundary note: this page provides reference information about New Device or Restore Existing Device | Choosing the Right Setup Path; it does not constitute legal or compliance advice (id=201017 boundary clause).
Cross-reference (id=201017 "New Device or Restore Ex"): see /unbox-setup/ for the related topic collection.
Companion Reference (id=201017 "New Device or Restore Ex"): see /ledger-wallet/ for the related topic collection.
Index Entry (id=201017 "New Device or Restore Ex"): see /official-site/ for the related topic collection.
