Getting Started
Welcome to Ledger® Start™ – your guided setup experience designed to help you initialize, secure, and understand your Ledger hardware wallet with clear steps and reassuring guidance. This page walks you through what to expect, how to prepare, and how to complete the essential setup tasks safely and confidently.
Getting started is straightforward. Below you will find a concise checklist and step-by-step instructions that cover unboxing, device initialization, passphrase and PIN setup, recovery phrase handling, and connecting to Ledger Live. Follow each step carefully and refer to the tips and troubleshooting notes if you encounter any issues.
Step 1: Follow the on-screen prompts shown on your Ledger device and the Ledger Live application. Ensure the device firmware is up to date before transferring funds. Do not share your recovery phrase with anyone, ever. Keep your recovery phrase written on the supplied recovery sheet or another secure medium, stored in a safe location. Consider using additional protections such as a secure home safe or a safety deposit box for long-term storage.
Step 2: Initialize the device using the on-device menus. Choose a PIN you can remember but that is difficult for others to guess. Avoid obvious sequences or birthdays. If the device offers advanced passphrase options, read the guidance carefully before enabling them. Remember that adding a passphrase increases security but also increases the responsibility to remember that extra piece of information.
Step 3: When the device displays the recovery phrase, write it down exactly as displayed, in the shown order, on the supplied recovery card or another trusted substrate. Double-check that every word is legible and in the correct sequence. Never store the recovery phrase on an internet-connected device or in cloud storage. Physical, offline storage is strongly recommended.
Step 4: Connect and sync with Ledger Live (official application) to manage accounts. Ledger Live provides a verified interface for checking balances, initiating transactions, and applying firmware updates. Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and verify signatures or checksums where applicable. Keep Ledger Live updated to benefit from security improvements and new features.
Step 5: Practice a mock recovery on a spare device if you have one. This helps ensure you recorded the recovery phrase correctly and understand the recovery flow before relying on it for real assets. Treat every practice as a real test: write the words down in order and verify.
Step 6: After setup, regularly check for firmware updates and software updates for Ledger Live. Before applying updates, read the release notes and only update while the device is connected to a trusted computer. Avoid third-party firmware or unofficial modifications which can void warranties and reduce security.
Step 7: For long-term safety, consider diversifying storage methods for different assets. Do not keep all funds on a single device if you are managing large sums; evaluate cold storage and multi-signature solutions for institutional-scale protection.
Security Tips & Best Practices
Safety Tip 1: Always verify the device screen before entering your PIN or confirming any transaction. Attackers can attempt to intercept confirmations via compromised software; physical verification on the device is the most reliable safeguard. If a prompt appears that you did not initiate, disconnect the device immediately and review your system for malware.
Safety Tip 2: Never type or photograph your recovery phrase. Photographs, notes stored on phones, or files on computers can be stolen by malware. Write the phrase down by hand and store the paper securely.
Safety Tip 3: Keep firmware updated but avoid rushed updates during busy transfer operations. Interrupting firmware updates can sometimes lead to complications; follow on-screen instructions exactly and avoid disconnecting the device mid-update.
Safety Tip 4: Use official resources. Download Ledger Live and any companion software only from verified sites. If you receive messages asking for your recovery phrase or PIN, treat them as phishing attempts and do not comply. Support representatives will never ask for your full recovery phrase.
Detailed Security Checklist: Unbox your hardware wallet in a private place and check the packaging for tampering. Initialize directly on the device and write down the recovery phrase on the supplied sheet. Do not store the phrase digitally. If you prefer, use additional physical protections such as a safe or locked storage.
FAQ
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a recovery phrase?
A: A recovery phrase is a list of words that stores the information needed to recover your crypto assets. It must remain secret.
Q: What should I do if I suspect a compromise?
A: Immediately move funds to a new wallet generated from a secure device and secure recovery phrase, and consider seeking additional technical assistance.
Q: Can I store my recovery phrase digitally?
A: No. Storing recovery phrases digitally on devices connected to the internet exposes them to theft and malware. Always favor offline physical storage.
Troubleshooting
Common issues are straightforward to resolve. If your device does not power on, ensure the connector and cable are functional and that the computer recognizes USB devices. Try a different cable or port. If Ledger Live fails to detect the device, check for operating system permissions or driver updates.
For firmware or software update failures, follow on-screen instructions carefully and avoid interrupting updates. If you lose access to the device but still have the recovery phrase, you can recover funds on a compatible device using the exact phrase words and order. If you suspect the recovery phrase was exposed, transfer assets to a new wallet with a new recovery phrase immediately.
Glossary
Recovery Phrase — a sequence of words used to restore access to a wallet.
PIN — a personal identification number that prevents unauthorized use of the device.
Firmware — the internal software running on the device that should be kept up to date to ensure security.
Ledger Live — the official application for managing your Ledger device and accounts.
Final Notes
Thank you for using Ledger® Start™. Practice safe handling of your security credentials, stay informed about software and firmware updates, and reach out to official support resources if you need personalized help. Your security is our priority; follow documented best practices to protect your digital assets over the long term.
Note: This HTML template is provided as an example. It is not an official hosted page and is for illustration purposes only. Always visit the official Ledger website or contact authorized support channels for verified instructions and assistance.