A gentle, secure guide to get your Ledger device set up and protected
Welcome to Ledger Start — a friendly walkthrough designed to help you set up your Ledger hardware wallet, understand the security choices available, and safely manage your digital assets. This page gives clear, step-by-step guidance and helpful tips so you can complete setup with confidence.
Hardware wallets keep your private keys offline in a dedicated, tamper-resistant device. This simple separation drastically reduces the risk of hacks from malware, phishing sites, and exposed software wallets. By controlling the private keys on the device itself, you keep custody of your assets instead of trusting a third party.
Take a few minutes to prepare. Find a quiet, private space with good lighting. Make sure you have a pen and the included recovery sheet. Avoid capturing your recovery phrase with photos or screenshots — physical copies are safest when stored in a secure place.
The recommended setup takes just a few clear steps. Check off each step as you complete it:
Get the official Ledger Live app to manage your device and accounts.
Remove the device from its box and connect it to a computer or charge if required. When you power the device for the first time, it will display a welcome screen and offer two main choices: "Initialize as new device" or "Restore from recovery phrase."
The device will generate a recovery phrase (usually 24 words). Write the words in order, on the provided card, and keep that card somewhere safe. This step is critical: losing the recovery phrase means losing access to your assets.
Download and install the Ledger Live app from the official source. Ledger Live lets you manage accounts, install currency apps on the device, and check balances. Use the app to add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported assets.
Before transferring large sums, receive a small test amount to confirm everything is working. Confirm the receiving address on your device screen before sharing it — this protects against address-hijacking malware.
Security is layered. Use a strong device PIN that you can remember but others cannot guess. Never share your 24-word recovery phrase or enter it into websites or apps. Keep a backup of your recovery phrase in a separate, secure location — ideally in a safe or bank deposit box. Be wary of unsolicited support calls asking for your recovery phrase; real support will never ask for it.
Need more help? If you have questions beyond this guide, consult official support resources or the Ledger knowledge base for in-depth articles, troubleshooting guides, and firmware release notes. Always verify you are on the legitimate site before downloading software or following instructions.
© Ledger Start — informational guide. This page is a friendly, educational resource and not a substitute for professional security advice.