Get started with Ledger — Ledger.com/start™

An approachable, secure, and complete guide to setting up your Ledger hardware wallet and protecting your crypto.

Welcome — why Ledger.com/start matters

The Ledger onboarding hub at Ledger.com/start is your official starting point to securely set up a Ledger hardware device. This guide distills the essential steps and best practices into a single, colorful, and easy-to-follow document that covers everything from unboxing and firmware checks to daily operations and long-term custody planning. Using the official start page ensures you download verified software, follow current vendor recommendations, and adopt processes designed to minimize common risks. Hardware wallets are the gold standard for self-custody — they keep your private keys offline, isolated from web-based threats. Proper setup is critical: the device’s security guarantees are only as strong as the practices you adopt while initializing and using it.

What you’ll achieve (high level)

By following this guide you’ll be able to: verify device authenticity, install Ledger Live (the official companion app), update firmware safely, generate and safeguard your recovery phrase, configure PIN and optional passphrase protection, add and manage accounts for multiple cryptocurrencies, and integrate secure habits into your daily workflow. The guide also highlights troubleshooting, developer considerations, and enterprise-grade best practices for teams managing higher-value assets.

1

Unbox & inspect

Begin by visually inspecting the packaging. Ledger devices include tamper-evident seals and identifiable components — if anything looks unusual, pause the process. Check that the device model fits what you ordered and that the package includes the expected documentation and accessories. A careful initial inspection reduces the risk of supply-chain tampering before the device ever connects to your system.

2

Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile companion application that manages installations, firmware updates, and account interactions. Install the official Ledger Live application for your platform and verify checksums when available. Ledger Live provides a user-friendly interface to add accounts, view balances, and initiate transactions; the critical signing operations still occur on the hardware device itself.

3

Initialize your device

Follow Ledger Live prompts to initialize a new device, set a secure PIN, and generate a recovery phrase. The device will present the recovery words on its screen — never reveal these words to anyone and never enter them into software. Write them down on the included recovery sheet or a more durable backup medium and store copies offline in secure, geographically separated places.

4

Update firmware

Ledger releases firmware updates to improve security and add features. Ledger Live will guide you through a secure firmware update process that includes signature verification. Firmware updates are cryptographically signed to prevent tampering; always use the official update mechanism and verify prompts before allowing a firmware change.

5

Add accounts & manage assets

Use Ledger Live to add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other supported assets. Ledger Live will display balances and transaction history pulled from public block explorers, while transactions are signed by your Ledger device. Validate address details on the device screen prior to approving any outgoing transaction; this in-device confirmation helps protect against malicious or altered UIs in companion apps.

Security fundamentals

Security is layered: hardware, firmware, user habits, and environmental controls all matter. Keep your recovery phrase offline and physically secure. Use a strong, unique PIN for device access and consider using the optional passphrase feature for additional privacy and account separation — but understand the operational complexity introduced by passphrases. Regularly update Ledger Live and firmware via official channels, and be cautious of phishing attempts that mimic official interfaces.

Common questions answered

Can I recover funds if my device is lost?

Yes — the recovery phrase allows you to restore funds on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. This is why protecting the recovery phrase and keeping it offline in secure locations is the single most important practice for long-term custody.

Is the Ledger device itself secure?

Ledger devices use secure elements and isolated signing processes to keep private keys offline. Security also depends on how you handle the recovery phrase and how you interact with your device during transactions. Combined, device protections and informed user behavior keep your assets secure.

Advanced & enterprise considerations

Organisations managing larger treasuries should adopt formal policies: multisig arrangements, role-based access, emergency procedures, and audited backup strategies. Ledger devices can be incorporated into multisignature schemes and HSM-backed systems when required. For enterprises, maintain a clear change control process for firmware updates and ensure that updates are validated in test environments before broad deployment. Document who holds which recovery materials, and keep an auditable trail for custody operations.

Developer and integration notes

Developers building integrations should rely on official APIs and avoid exposing sensitive signing operations to third-party servers. Use simulators for UI testing, but always validate final integration steps with hardware. Respect the principle that the device confirms the intent of each transaction — do not attempt to automate confirmations in production workflows. Clear user-facing transaction summaries paired with in-device verification are essential for secure UX design.

Troubleshooting

Common issues include USB connectivity problems, driver permissions on certain operating systems, and out-of-date Ledger Live versions. If the device is not recognized, try different USB cables and ports, ensure Ledger Live is up to date, and check that the operating system recognizes USB devices. Rebooting the computer or trying a different machine often isolates the problem. For persistent issues, consult official support channels with diagnostic logs as requested.

Privacy and data handling

Ledger Live may request to fetch public blockchain data to display balances; it does not send private keys. The device does not reveal private key material. Be mindful of network-level metadata and adopt privacy-conscious practices for high-value operations if needed, like segregated networks or carefully managed browsing sessions during signing events.

Long-term custody checklist

  • Multiple offline copies of recovery phrase stored in secure, separate locations.
  • Clear instructions for continuity in case a device custodian is unavailable.
  • Regular review of firmware and software update policies.
  • Periodic drills to test recovery procedures in a low-risk setting.

Combining technical safeguards with documented operational procedures is the most effective approach for preserving assets over time.

Final thoughts

Ledger.com/start is the canonical place to begin a secure hardware wallet journey. The device provides robust cryptographic protections, but your personal practices determine the real-world security of your coins. Follow official steps, verify firmware updates, guard your recovery materials, and treat signing events as important, deliberate actions. With these habits in place, a Ledger device becomes a powerful ally in long-term self-custody.

Whether you’re new to crypto or migrating large holdings into cold storage, the combination of device-focused security and disciplined operational practices is the key to preserving value and maintaining control. Start with the official guidance, and make security a daily habit.