Ledger Start® — Get Started with Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Welcome and Overview
Welcome to Ledger Start®, your quick and secure introduction to Ledger hardware wallets. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to set up your Ledger device safely, protect your recovery phrase, install Ledger Live, and begin managing your crypto holdings. Hardware wallets store the private keys that control your cryptocurrency offline, giving you robust protection against online threats. By following these simple, clear instructions you’ll reduce the risk of loss, theft, or accidental exposure of your funds.
What’s in the Box and Preparations
Before you begin, check the package: your Ledger device, a USB cable, recovery sheets, and a quick start guide. Only use the official cable and never buy a device from suspicious sellers. Find a clean, private workspace with no cameras or smartphones nearby and make sure your computer’s operating system is up to date. Do not disclose the recovery phrase to anyone, and avoid saving it digitally. Finally, download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website — do not open links from emails or social media posts.
Initial Device Setup
Power on the Ledger device and follow the on-screen prompts. Choose to create a new wallet when asked. You will be asked to select a PIN — choose a PIN you can remember but that is not easily guessable. The device will then generate your recovery phrase (also called seed). Write the words exactly in order on the provided recovery sheet. Confirm the phrase when prompted. This recovery phrase is the only backup of your private keys — if you lose the device and the phrase, you may lose access to your funds permanently.
Secure Storage of Your Recovery Phrase
Store the recovery phrase in a secure, offline location — ideally in more than one physical safe place. Never photograph, scan, or store the phrase in cloud services, email, or note apps. Consider using a fireproof safe or bank deposit box for long-term storage. If possible, use a metal backup solution designed to resist fire, water, and corrosion. Make sure family members, executors, or trusted contacts know how to access funds in case of emergency while keeping the phrase confidential from anyone who should not have access.
Installing Ledger Live and Adding Accounts
Install Ledger Live on your computer or mobile device from Ledger’s official site. Open Ledger Live and choose “Get Started.” Follow the app’s prompts to connect and unlock your device with the PIN. Ledger Live will detect the device model and guide you to install the necessary apps for the cryptocurrencies you plan to manage. Add an account for each coin by selecting the corresponding app and following the account creation process inside Ledger Live. Your balances and transactions will be visible without exposing your private keys.
Receiving, Sending, and Verifying Transactions
To receive funds, select the account in Ledger Live and use the provided receive address. Always verify the address shown in Ledger Live against the address displayed on your Ledger device screen before sharing it. When sending funds, confirm the transaction details on the device screen and approve them physically — this ensures that malware on your computer cannot alter transaction parameters. Use small test transfers when sending to a new address to confirm everything works as expected.
Security Best Practices and Firmware Updates
Keep your Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live app up to date; updates frequently include security improvements. Never enter your recovery phrase into any app or website. Enable a strong PIN, and consider using a passphrase for an additional hidden wallet if you understand the implications and can securely manage the extra secret. If you ever suspect your device has been tampered with, stop using it and contact Ledger support for guidance.
Final Notes and Support
Ledger Start® is intended to help you begin safely, but always continue learning about secure custody practices. Bookmark official Ledger resources, follow community security updates, and reach out to Ledger support through official channels if you need help. By taking these steps — using a hardware wallet, protecting your recovery phrase, verifying transactions, and staying updated — you’ll be well positioned to manage and protect your digital assets for years to come.