Get Started with Your Ledger Device

Welcome to ledger.com/start, the official place to begin setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. This guide is designed to help you start safely, understand how your Ledger device works, and learn best practices for protecting your digital assets. Whether you are new to crypto or already familiar with blockchain technology, this page will walk you through the essentials in a clear and secure way.

What Is Ledger and Why It Matters

Ledger is a hardware wallet designed to help you securely store, manage, and protect your cryptocurrency and digital assets. Unlike software wallets or exchanges, a Ledger device keeps your private keys offline, meaning they are not exposed to the internet. This significantly reduces the risk of hacking, malware, and phishing attacks.

When you use Ledger, you stay in control. You own your private keys, you approve every transaction directly on your device, and you decide how your assets are managed.

Before You Begin

Before starting the setup process, make sure you have:

  • A genuine Ledger device purchased from Ledger or an authorized reseller

  • A computer or smartphone with internet access

  • A quiet and private space to write down your recovery phrase

  • Time to complete the setup without interruptions

⚠️ Security reminder: Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Anyone who asks for it is attempting to scam you.

Step 1: Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official app used to manage your Ledger device and your crypto assets.

With Ledger Live, you can:

  • Set up your Ledger device

  • Install apps for different cryptocurrencies

  • Check balances and transaction history

  • Send and receive crypto securely

  • Update your device firmware

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Using unofficial software can put your assets at risk.

Step 2: Set Up Your Ledger Device

When you turn on your Ledger device for the first time, you’ll be guided through the initial setup directly on the device screen.

During setup, you will:

  • Choose to set up a new device or restore an existing wallet

  • Create a PIN code

  • Generate a recovery phrase

Your Ledger device uses its secure screen and buttons to ensure that sensitive information is never exposed to your computer or phone.

Step 3: Choose a Strong PIN Code

Your PIN code protects access to your Ledger device. Each time you connect it, you’ll need to enter this PIN.

Best practices for PIN security:

  • Choose a PIN that is hard to guess

  • Avoid simple sequences (1234, 0000, etc.)

  • Never share your PIN with anyone

  • Do not store it digitally

If someone enters the wrong PIN too many times, the device will reset automatically, protecting your assets.

Step 4: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

Your recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase) is a series of words generated by your Ledger device. This phrase is the only backup of your wallet.

Why the Recovery Phrase Is Critical

  • It allows you to restore your wallet if your device is lost, damaged, or stolen

  • Anyone with this phrase can access your crypto

  • Ledger does not store or know your recovery phrase

How to Store It Safely

  • Write it down on paper (never digitally)

  • Store it in a secure, private location

  • Consider using a fireproof or waterproof storage method

  • Never take photos or screenshots

⚠️ Important: If you lose your recovery phrase, Ledger cannot recover your assets for you.

Step 5: Verify Your Recovery Phrase

As part of setup, your Ledger device will ask you to confirm the recovery phrase by selecting the words in the correct order. This ensures you wrote it down accurately.

Take your time. A single incorrect word can prevent recovery later.

Step 6: Add Accounts and Crypto Apps

Once setup is complete, you can use Ledger Live to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage.

Ledger supports thousands of assets, including:

  • Bitcoin (BTC)

  • Ethereum (ETH)

  • Stablecoins

  • Tokens and NFTs

Each crypto requires a small app installed on your device. Installing and removing apps does not affect your funds.

Sending and Receiving Crypto Safely

Receiving Crypto

  • Open Ledger Live

  • Choose the crypto account

  • Verify the receiving address on your Ledger device screen

  • Share the address with the sender

Always confirm addresses on the device itself, not just on your computer or phone.

Sending Crypto

  • Enter the transaction details in Ledger Live

  • Carefully review the amount and address

  • Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device

Nothing is sent without your physical approval.

Keeping Your Ledger Secure

Security doesn’t stop after setup. Follow these best practices to stay protected:

  • Keep your recovery phrase offline and private

  • Ignore messages claiming to be “Ledger support” asking for your phrase

  • Regularly update Ledger Live and device firmware

  • Only connect your device to trusted computers or phones

  • Double-check website URLs to avoid phishing

Ledger will never contact you asking for sensitive information.

Restoring a Wallet with Ledger

If you ever need to restore your wallet:

  • Select “Restore from recovery phrase” on your Ledger device

  • Enter your recovery phrase directly on the device

  • Set a new PIN

This process restores full access to your assets on a new or reset device.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Sharing your recovery phrase with anyone

  • Storing the phrase digitally

  • Using unofficial Ledger software

  • Rushing through setup without verifying details

  • Trusting messages that create urgency or fear

Staying calm and informed is one of the best security tools you have.

Understanding Self-Custody

Using Ledger means practicing self-custody. This gives you full control, but also full responsibility.

With self-custody:

  • You own your private keys

  • You do not rely on third parties to access your funds

  • You are responsible for security and backups

Ledger is designed to make self-custody safer and easier without sacrificing control.

Getting Help and Support

If you need assistance:

  • Use the official Ledger support resources

  • Refer to the Ledger Academy for learning materials

  • Never trust help offered through direct messages or comments

Always verify you are on an official Ledger domain before entering any information.

Final Thoughts

Setting up your Ledger device is an important step toward securing your digital assets. By following the instructions carefully and understanding how Ledger works, you are building a strong foundation for long-term crypto security.

Take your time, stay alert, and remember: your security starts with you.

You’re now ready to begin your journey with Ledger.

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