Official Site® — Ledger.com/Start | Getting started®

A comprehensive, security-first walkthrough to help you set up a Ledger hardware wallet and use ledger.com/start safely. Educational companion only — verify all critical steps on the official site.
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Introduction — start here

ledger.com/start is the recommended starting point for initializing your Ledger hardware wallet. It centralizes the official downloads, step-by-step onboarding, firmware verification, and security guidance you need the first time you power on a Ledger device. This guide walks you through the full process — from procurement checks to recovery rehearsals and operational hygiene — with practical advice focused on reducing risk while keeping the process accessible.

Why a dedicated start page matters

Crypto security is often undermined at onboarding: fake installers, malicious links, or rushed setup can leak recovery phrases or introduce compromised firmware. A single, well-curated start page reduces these risks by pointing users to verified installers, official documentation, and interactive checks (like device attestation). Think of ledger.com/start as the safe lane you should use when bringing your hardware wallet online for the first time.

Quick note: This document is an educational companion and not the official Ledger site. Always cross-check critical steps with ledger.com/start and Ledger’s official support resources.

Before you begin — procurement & environment checklist

  • Purchase from an authorized Ledger store or reputable reseller — avoid second-hand devices where possible.
  • Inspect packaging for tampering. If seals are broken or accessories are missing, return the device.
  • Use a personal, up-to-date computer. Public terminals and shared machines carry elevated risk.
  • Have a dedicated pen and paper or a metal backup solution ready for your recovery phrase. Avoid digital photos or cloud storage.
  • Set aside uninterrupted time — mistakes are more likely when rushed.

Step-by-step initialization (high level)

  1. Visit ledger.com/start manually by typing it into your browser — do not click links from unknown emails or messages.
  2. Download Ledger Live for your OS from the official start page. Check the domain and, if provided, verify the installer signature or checksum.
  3. Install and open Ledger Live. Follow initial prompts to connect your device. Ledger Live will detect device models and recommend firmware steps if needed.
  4. Initialize device: Choose to create a new wallet on-device. The device will generate a recovery seed (typically 24 words); write these words down in order and store them offline. Do not share the seed with anyone.
  5. Set a PIN: The device will ask you to set a PIN to protect against physical theft. Use a PIN that is memorable to you but not easily guessable from public information.
  6. Optional passphrase: Decide whether to enable a passphrase — it creates hidden wallets and adds plausible deniability but increases recovery complexity.
  7. Install coin apps: Ledger Live will let you install apps for specific blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Install only what you need to reduce device storage pressure and attack surface.
  8. Perform device attestation: Ledger Live may display attestation checks to confirm firmware authenticity — follow these prompts and never skip them for a new device.

Writing and safeguarding your recovery phrase

Your recovery phrase is the master key to your crypto holdings — protect it accordingly.

  • Write down words clearly and in order on the supplied recovery card or a metal backup.
  • Store at least two copies in geographically separate, secure locations (e.g., home safe + bank safety deposit box).
  • Avoid any digital copy — no photos, no cloud backups, no notes on your phone or computer.
  • Consider redundancies like engraving on metal plates for fire/water durability.
If your recovery words are smudged, illegible, or incomplete, do not proceed with transferring funds. Instead, perform a controlled recovery test (see below) to ensure backups are reliable.

Passphrase: advanced protection, advanced risk

A passphrase (sometimes called a 25th word) adds an additional secret to your recovery seed and can create entirely separate hidden wallets. This provides strong privacy and plausible deniability, but if you forget the passphrase, funds become permanently inaccessible. Only use passphrases if you have a comprehensive secret-management plan and can reliably store the passphrase separately from the seed.

Firmware updates: what to expect

Firmware updates are occasionally released to fix security issues, add features, or improve device stability. Apply firmware updates only through Ledger Live or official instructions on ledger.com/start. When updating, confirm fingerprints and prompts displayed on the device itself — the hardware screen is the final arbiter of authenticity.

First transaction checklist

  1. Generate a receive address in Ledger Live and confirm the full address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it.
  2. Send a small test amount first and confirm balance updates in Ledger Live.
  3. When sending, carefully verify the recipient address, amount, and fees on the physical device display before approving.

Recovery rehearsal — why and how

A recovery rehearsal is the most valuable single test you can perform: restore your recovery phrase to a spare device (or perform a temporary restore) to ensure the seed is correct and legible. This reduces the risk of surprise during a real emergency. Perform this rehearsal in a secure location and do not move funds during the test.

Operational hygiene & long-term maintenance

  • Use a dedicated or clean browser profile for crypto operations to reduce exposure to extensions and web-based attacks.
  • Keep Ledger Live and your OS up-to-date. Apply security patches promptly.
  • Document your backup locations and recovery procedures securely (encrypted vault recommended) for inheritance planning.
  • For large holdings, consider multisig setups to distribute risk across multiple devices or trusted parties.

Troubleshooting common setup issues

Device not recognized: Try another USB cable/port, ensure Ledger Live is installed, and avoid USB hubs. On some OSes, USB permissions or drivers may need updating.

Attestation failure: Do not proceed if attestation fails on a new device. Contact official support and avoid transferring funds until resolved.

Seed errors: If words are ambiguous or missing, stop and perform a recovery rehearsal on a spare device; only proceed after confirming backups are correct.

Legal & estate planning considerations

Consider how heirs or executors will access crypto assets if needed. Use legal instruments and encrypted instructions to outline the recovery process without exposing sensitive secrets. Engage trusted counsel and avoid putting seeds or passphrases in unencrypted wills or documents.

Conclusion

Starting your Ledger device at ledger.com/start and following deliberate, security-minded steps is a foundational practice for protecting crypto assets. Combine careful setup, reliable backups, regular rehearsals, and prudent operational habits to substantially reduce risk. Always cross-check live procedures with the official Ledger resources.