Start with Ledger

Welcome to Ledger Start — your fast lane to secure crypto ownership. This page guides you through initial setup, key choices, and practical tips so you move from curious to confident with your Ledger device. We focus on clarity and security-first decisions: how to unbox, create a recovery, install apps, and confirm transactions — without jargon or filler.

Unbox confidently

Unboxing your Ledger device should feel reassuring. Before you touch anything, verify packaging seals and check the serial on the device against the purchase confirmation. Ledger devices ship with a recovery card and a short USB cable. Keep packaging information until setup completes.

Power up and create a device PIN

Plug your Ledger into a trusted computer. Follow on-device prompts to choose a PIN — four to eight digits that you can remember but others cannot guess. The PIN prevents immediate physical access to your crypto. If you mistype the PIN three times the device will factory-reset — a safety feature that protects your keys.

Record your recovery phrase

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the single most important item. It is not a password and should never be typed into a website or stored online. Write it down on the included recovery card or a metal backup and store multiple copies in different secure locations. Never share the phrase. Ledger will never ask for it. If you lose the device, the recovery phrase restores access.

Install Ledger Live and apps

Download Ledger Live from the official site only. Ledger Live is the companion application used to manage accounts, install blockchain apps, and check balances. Use Ledger Live to install the specific apps for the blockchains you use. Each app is isolated on the device; installing an app allocates secure storage, and removing it does not delete your accounts.

Create accounts and receive funds

Use Ledger Live to create accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported assets. Each account gives you a receiving address that you should confirm on-device before sharing. Confirming addresses on the device protects against malicious host software attempting to substitute addresses.

Understand transaction verification

When sending funds, Ledger shows the transaction details on the device screen. Check the recipient address, amount, and fees on the device itself before approving. Trust the device display; it is the only source that reflects what will be signed. If anything looks wrong, cancel and reconnect.

Keep firmware up to date

Ledger periodically issues firmware updates that improve security and compatibility. Update only via Ledger Live and never install firmware from third-party sources. Read release notes for each update to understand what changes.

Backup and redundancy

Beyond the physical recovery card, consider a metal seed backup designed to resist fire, water, and corrosion. Keep one copy offsite in a safe deposit box or a trusted secure location. For long-term holdings, consider splitting backups using a secure multi-location strategy; never transmit recovery data electronically.

Practice and test

Before moving large sums, practice with small transactions to confirm the full flow: send, confirm on device, and verify receipt. Use testnets or tiny amounts to build confidence. Practice restores from your recovery phrase on a new device to confirm backups work.

Avoid common pitfalls

Do not enter your recovery phrase online, including emails, forms, or chat. Beware of phishing sites; always verify the domain and download sources. Do not follow unsolicited tech support that requests your seed or PIN. If contacted by someone claiming to be Ledger support, verify their identity by contacting official support channels listed on the Ledger site.

Passphrase advanced option

Ledger supports adding a passphrase to your recovery phrase for extra protection. This creates hidden wallets that exist only when the passphrase is entered. Use passphrases only if you fully understand the tradeoffs: losing the passphrase means permanent loss of funds, and backing up requires careful procedures.

Long-term custody and inheritance

Create clear instructions for heirs that explain the secured items: device location, recovery backups, and any passphrases. Consider a legal instrument like a will or trust combined with secure physical custody. The goal is to make recovery straightforward for a trusted person while maintaining privacy and security.

Start now with confidence. Your Ledger device makes you the custodian of your keys — and with a little attention to the steps above, your crypto can be both accessible to you and protected from most threats.

Start today, stay protected.