Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start — Getting started
Secure onboarding, best practices, and clear guidance to set up your Ledger hardware wallet
Welcome to Ledger.com/Start
Ledger.com/Start is the official getting-started hub for your Ledger hardware wallet. This guided experience is crafted to help new and experienced users connect their device, generate a secure recovery, install Ledger Live, and adopt the security habits that preserve long-term access to your crypto assets.
The onboarding flow focuses on three core promises: authenticity (verify your device is genuine), privacy (keep keys offline), and resilience (recovery options that survive loss or damage). Follow the official steps carefully and never substitute shortcuts that expose your recovery phrase or private keys to the internet.
Tip: Always type ledger.com/start into your browser or use a trusted bookmark. Avoid clicking links from unsolicited emails or social media — phishing is a common attack method.
Official GuideStep-by-stepSecure by design
Why use a Ledger hardware wallet?
A hardware wallet is the most robust method to keep your private keys away from internet-connected devices. Ledger hardware wallets store keys in a secure element — an isolated chip designed to resist tampering and extraction. Ledger.com/Start explains how this physical separation prevents common attack vectors like malware, remote hacks, and credential theft.
Offline key storage: Private keys never leave the device.
Transaction verification: Confirm addresses and amounts on the device screen before approving.
Device attestation: Verify hardware authenticity via the official site.
Recoverable backups: Use a recovery phrase to restore funds if the device is lost or damaged.
Note: Self-custody means you control the keys. That control comes with responsibility — follow the official guide to avoid common user mistakes.
Step-by-step: Getting started (overview)
The Ledger.com/Start flow walks you through initialization in clear stages. Each stage is important and should be completed without skipping. Below is a condensed overview; follow the on-screen prompts during the official setup for the full secure experience.
Step 1
Unbox & verify
Confirm packaging and tamper-evident seals. Check device serial and authenticity when prompted by the official site or Ledger Live.
Step 2
Connect & power
Plug your Ledger into a trusted computer using the supplied cable. Ledger Live / web installer will detect the device and guide you.
Step 3
Initialize wallet
Choose to create a new wallet or restore from an existing recovery phrase. When creating new, the recovery words appear only on the device screen.
Step 4
Write recovery phrase
Write the 24-word recovery phrase on the supplied card or a secure metal backup. Never store your phrase digitally.
Step 5
Set PIN
Create a PIN to lock the device. Use randomized input when available and never disclose it.
Step 6
Install Ledger Live
Download Ledger Live from the official site and pair your device to manage accounts, firmware, and apps securely.
Step 7
Test with a small transaction
Send a small test amount to verify address display and transaction signing before transferring larger sums.
Recovery phrase: best practices and mistakes to avoid
The recovery phrase (24 words) is the master key to your funds. Ledger.com/Start stresses that the phrase is generated on-device and must be recorded offline. The device will ask you to confirm words in order to verify you wrote them correctly — this is an essential verification step.
Write the words down by hand; do not photograph, screenshot, or store them electronically.
Use a durable backup (paper + metal) and store copies in geographically separate secure locations.
Consider using a passphrase for hidden wallets — but remember, a lost passphrase cannot be recovered from the seed alone.
Tip: Perform a dry-run recovery on a spare device (or simulate the process) to ensure your backup works before moving significant funds.
Common mistakes
Keeping only one backup in a single insecure location
Entering your seed into a website or sharing it with third parties
Using generic cloud storage or email for your recovery phrase
Ledger Live: your account manager
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application used to manage accounts, install apps on your Ledger device, update firmware, and check portfolio balances. After finishing the initial steps on Ledger.com/Start, Ledger Live provides a user-friendly dashboard that keeps private keys inside the hardware and brings convenient features to your fingertips.
Account management: Add and manage multiple crypto accounts across many blockchains.
App installation: Install blockchain-specific apps on your Ledger device.
Firmware updates: Apply official firmware updates securely via Ledger Live.
Buy, swap, and stake: Access integrated partners for buying, swapping, or staking supported assets (partners may vary by region).
Tip: Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and verify the URL before installing.
Security hygiene & daily habits
Security is ongoing. Ledger.com/Start includes recommendations that should become habits:
Verify receiving addresses on the device screen before confirming transactions.
Keep device firmware and Ledger Live updated to get the latest security fixes.
Limit browser extensions and untrusted apps that interact with your wallet.
Use a passphrase only if you understand its implications — losing it means losing access to those funds.
Tip: When exploring DeFi, approve minimal allowances and use a fresh address for risky smart-contract interactions.
Troubleshooting & support
Even with careful setup, problems can occur. Ledger.com/Start provides troubleshooting guidance and links to official support resources.
Device not detected: Try different USB ports/cables, restart the computer, or use another device. Ensure Ledger Live is up to date.
Firmware update issues: Reboot the device and follow official recovery steps; do not use third-party firmware sources.
Seed entry errors: Double-check spelling and order; use the BIP39 wordlist if prompted.
Security warning: Ledger staff or official support will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. If someone asks for it, stop and report the request as a scam.
After completing Ledger.com/Start, you can integrate your Ledger device with a wide ecosystem: decentralized exchanges, hardware-supporting web wallets, and multi-signature setups. Ledger devices are suitable for both personal custody and institutional workflows when combined with appropriate security practices.
Prefer audited integrations and reputable partners when connecting to DeFi.
For frequent trading, consider segregating funds: a small hot wallet for day-to-day trades and your Ledger as cold storage for large holdings.
Explore multi-signature solutions for shared custody or high-value holdings — they add extra resilience at the cost of coordination complexity.
Final thoughts & next steps
Ledger.com/Start sets the foundation for secure self-custody of your crypto assets. Complete the guided steps carefully: verify your device, generate and secure your recovery phrase, set a strong PIN, and use Ledger Live for ongoing management. After setup, adopt the recommended security hygiene and revisit official resources when needed.
Perform a dry-run recovery to test your backups.
Consider durable metal backups for long-term resilience.
Keep your Ledger Live installation and device firmware current.
Educate any trusted parties (executor, family) about emergency procedures without revealing secrets.
You’re ready: By following the official Ledger.com/Start flow and adopting secure practices, you take practical control of your digital assets with strong protections against the most common risks.