Getting started — Ledger.com/Start®
Welcome to Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to begin using a Ledger hardware wallet safely and confidently. The advice below focuses on setup best practices, safety, and the practical steps required to manage your digital assets.
Note: This page is an informational guide written in plain language. Follow product packaging and official product prompts carefully during actual setup.
1. Prepare your workspace
Find a clean, private place with a stable surface and good lighting. Keep your recovery seed sheet (paper) nearby but out of sight of cameras or other people. Turn off screen sharing or any remote access during setup. Avoid public Wi-Fi while you manage private keys.
- Have a pen and the official recovery sheet (or a secure metal backup) ready.
- Make sure the computer you’ll connect to is updated and free of untrusted software.
- Only use cables and accessories included or recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Hardware setup and first-time configuration
Power on your device and follow on-screen prompts. Create a new wallet when asked — do not import a previously exposed seed. Choose a secure PIN when prompted. Write down the recovery phrase exactly in the order presented; this phrase is the ultimate backup for your wallet.
Important security reminders:
- Never share your recovery phrase with anyone or type it into a website or chat.
- Ledger devices will never ask for your seed phrase over email, phone, or chat.
- Confirm firmware authenticity by following official firmware prompts on the device screen.
3. Install companion software
To manage accounts and send transactions, install the official companion app (Ledger Live or the manufacturer-recommended app). Use the official download source mentioned on the product documentation. After installation, connect your device and open the app to add supported accounts for the blockchains you use.
Common steps inside the app:
- Verify the device model when prompted by the app.
- Add a new account per blockchain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
- Allow the app to synchronize balances and transaction history.
4. Everyday use & transaction best practices
For sending funds, always verify the transaction details on your hardware device screen before confirming. Attackers can attempt to spoof transaction amounts or recipient addresses, so the on-device confirmation step is critical.
- Double-check recipient addresses using device confirmation and avoid copy-paste pitfalls.
- Keep device firmware and companion apps up to date; updates often glue security fixes in place.
- Limit approvals to trusted dApps and review permissions carefully.
5. Backup and long-term storage
Your recovery phrase is the single strongest backup. Store it in multiple secure, offline locations if possible (for instance: a locked safe and a different geographically separated secure place). Consider using a fire- and water-resistant metal backup solution for long-term protection.
Avoid digital copies of your seed phrase (photos, cloud storage, text files) — these can be exfiltrated by malware or compromised services.
6. Troubleshooting & support
If you encounter issues, consult official support channels first. Common fixes include updating the companion app, checking cable connections, and trying a different USB port. If a hardware issue appears, follow the device warranty and official support procedures rather than accepting help from unverified third parties.
Quick setup checklist
- Unbox device and verify seal/integrity.
- Initialize device and choose a secure PIN.
- Write and securely store your recovery phrase.
- Install official companion app and add accounts.
- Practice small test transactions before moving large sums.