Getting started with Ledger — secure your crypto the smart way

A focused walkthrough of ledger.com/start: setup steps, key safety checks, recovery guidance, and practical tips.

Welcome! This guide walks you step-by-step through Ledger.com/start in plain language. If you’ve just unboxed a Ledger hardware wallet or are thinking about one, this page explains what a hardware wallet does, why it matters, and how to get up and running quickly and safely.

Why use a hardware wallet?

Hardware wallets store your private keys offline, away from internet-connected devices that can be infected by malware. That offline protection means your keys never touch a computer or phone — only signed transactions do. For anyone holding more than casual amounts, a hardware wallet represents the most straightforward upgrade in security.

What to expect at ledger.com/start

The official start page helps new users set up the device, install blockchain-specific apps, and recover a wallet from a recovery phrase. Typical steps include verifying device authenticity, installing Ledger Live (desktop or mobile), creating or restoring a wallet, and adding cryptocurrency apps you need.

Safety checklist (before you begin)

  • Buy only from official channels and confirm the packaging is sealed and untampered.
  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase — Ledger staff will never ask for it.
  • Write your recovery phrase on the included sheet; never store it digitally.
  • Choose a private PIN and keep it secret.

Quick setup — step by step

  1. Inspect and charge: Unbox and confirm the seal is intact.
  2. Visit: Open Ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live.
  3. Install: Install Ledger Live and create an app account.
  4. Initialize: Set a PIN on the device and record the 24-word recovery phrase on the recovery sheet.
  5. Confirm: The device will have you confirm random recovery words to verify the backup.
  6. Install apps: Use Ledger Live to install apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other chains you’ll use.
  7. Test: Send a small test transaction before moving larger amounts.

Managing funds & daily use

After setup, Ledger Live shows balances, receives funds, and prepares transactions. Transactions are unsigned in Ledger Live and must be confirmed and signed on the device — that’s the key security advantage. Use Ledger Live for firmware updates and app management.

Recovering a wallet

If you lose your device, your funds are recoverable using the 24-word recovery phrase on any compatible wallet. Never enter your recovery phrase into an unknown app or website; recovery tools should be trusted and official.

Advanced tips

  • Store your recovery sheet in a dedicated secure location (safe, deposit box).
  • Consider splitting backups across secure places for redundancy.
  • Use an optional passphrase for an extra layer — understand its implications.
  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date for security improvements.

Common questions

Q: Can Ledger lose my crypto?
A: Ledger holds private keys on a device; it does not hold funds. If you back up your recovery phrase correctly, funds are recoverable.

Final note: Ledger.com/start is built to simplify the most security-focused steps for new users. Write down your recovery phrase, protect your PIN, and always confirm transactions on your device — these simple habits prevent most losses and regrets. Start today with careful steps, and protect your recovery phrase — simple habits prevent most losses and regrets. Forever.

Open ledger.com/start