Official Site® — Ledger.com/Start®

Getting started — an official, colourful, and practical guide to setting up your Ledger hardware wallet.

Welcome — begin with confidence

This guide is intended as a comprehensive, user-friendly introduction to getting started with a Ledger hardware wallet through the official onboarding hub at Ledger.com/start. It brings together the verification steps, practical security advice, and operational habits you need to protect your assets while making everyday crypto interactions convenient. Hardware wallets are designed to keep private keys offline and minimize exposure to threats; how you initialize and maintain the device determines how well those protections hold up in the real world. The official start flow includes recommended steps for firmware verification, secure recovery handling, PIN setup, and how to safely interact with Ledger Live and compatible applications.

The content below walks through the entire lifecycle from unboxing through advanced custody patterns. Where appropriate, the guide flags security-minded practices and troubleshooting tips. While the device provides strong cryptographic guarantees, real security is a combination of technical controls and disciplined user behavior — this handbook aims to bridge both aspects with clear, actionable guidance.

Official
Beginner-friendly
Security-first

Why start at Ledger.com/start?

Starting at the official onboarding hub ensures you follow vendor-verified procedures, download authentic software distributions, and apply current security recommendations. The page aggregates vendor-specific checks, signed firmware update flows, and step-by-step guidance that is maintained to reflect software and ecosystem changes. Avoid third-party sources for critical installation files; the official hub reduces the risk of counterfeit packages, phishing portals, and outdated instructions that could expose you to harm.

What you will accomplish

By following the canonical setup process you will: verify the device, install and configure Ledger Live, initialize the device with a secure PIN, generate and safeguard a recovery phrase, optionally enable passphrase protection, add accounts for supported assets, and adopt daily habits that reduce operational risk. The flow also covers firmware updates and how to perform them securely, along with diagnostics and support pathways should you encounter an issue. Together these steps help ensure that the device functions as a secure root of trust for your crypto activities.

1

Unbox & inspect

Inspect packaging for tamper-evident seals and verify that components match manufacturer documentation. Ledger devices include clear indicators for any tampering; if anything appears off, halt setup and raise a support inquiry. An initial physical inspection is the simplest and often most effective way to catch supply-chain anomalies.

2

Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion application for desktop and mobile platforms. Install the version appropriate for your OS and verify integrity checks or checksums when provided. Ledger Live will help you initialize the device, manage firmware updates, add accounts, and view balances — but the private keys used to sign transactions remain isolated on the device itself.

3

Initialize & secure

When you initialize the device, set a unique PIN and generate a recovery phrase. The device presents the recovery words on its screen; never enter these words into software, photographs, or online backups. Physically write the seed on secure media and store copies offline in geographically separated locations. Consider hardened storage for high-value holdings (e.g., bank safe deposit boxes or dedicated fireproof safes).

4

Firmware & updates

Ledger periodically releases firmware updates that address security improvements and add functionality. Ledger Live guides you through a signed update process. Verify prompts on the device and only accept updates that are delivered through official channels. Regular updates help keep the device in a hardened state against evolving threats.

5

Add accounts & transact

After setup, add accounts for supported cryptocurrencies in Ledger Live. To send funds, Ledger Live prepares transaction details but the device displays final transaction information for your approval. Always inspect the destination address and amount on the device screen before approving. This in-device confirmation step defends against UI manipulation and phishing attacks that try to change transaction data in transit.

Security best practices

Adopt multi-layered protections: secure your recovery phrase offline, use a strong PIN, and consider a passphrase if you require multiple hidden wallets. Avoid storing seeds digitally. Maintain up-to-date firmware and companion software through official channels. Segregate high-value holdings using multiple devices and multisignature arrangements when appropriate. Treat signing events as high-attention moments — never approve unknown or unexpected transactions.

Tip: For large holdings, consider multisignature setups that require multiple hardware devices to approve high-value transactions. This approach greatly reduces single-point-of-failure risks.

Troubleshooting & support

Common issues include USB connectivity, driver permissions on certain systems, and out-of-date Ledger Live versions. If your device isn’t recognized, try a different cable or port, restart your machine, and ensure Ledger Live is updated. For persistent issues, consult official support resources and provide diagnostic logs per instructions — do not share your recovery seed in any support communication.

Privacy considerations

Ledger Live may fetch public blockchain data to display balances — this does not involve private keys. Be mindful of operational privacy: network metadata can reveal activity patterns, and browser-level telemetry can sometimes leak information. For high-privacy needs, use segregated networks or dedicated devices and avoid linking personally identifying information to high-value accounts.

Advanced & enterprise guidance

Organizations managing corporate treasuries should adopt formal custody policies, multisignature schemes, and role-based access controls. Ledger devices can be integrated into multisig setups, HSM-assisted architectures, and audited custody workflows. Maintain change-control processes for firmware updates and test in staging environments. For continuity, keep documented recovery procedures and limited-access custodians who understand the operational steps and legal implications of key recovery.

Developer integration notes

Developers building wallet integrations should rely on official SDKs and avoid directly exposing signing to third-party servers. Use secure simulation environments for UI testing and ensure that the final approval always occurs on the device. Provide clear transaction summaries in the UI to match the in-device confirmation screens. Keep integrations updated to match official API changes and respect user consent for sensitive operations.

Long-term custody checklist

  • Multiple offline backups of recovery phrases.
  • Segregated storage for seed replicas.
  • Documented emergency and recovery procedures.
  • Periodic verification drills for recovery processes.

Combine procedural controls with technical safeguards for resilient long-term custody. Regular audits and practice recoveries reduce risk and increase confidence in continuity plans.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What if my recovery phrase is lost?

A: If the recovery phrase is lost and you have no backup, you cannot restore access to funds. Always maintain secure offline backups. Consider storing copies in separate physical locations and consider professional-grade backup solutions for high-value holdings.

Q: Can firmware updates break compatibility?

A: Firmware updates are designed to maintain compatibility and improve security. Ledger Live guides the update process safely. Large organizations should test updates in a controlled environment before broad deployment.

Q: Are Ledger devices open source?

A: Ledger publishes many components and offers documentation for security review. Review project resources for details on which parts are open and which are proprietary; open scrutiny helps build trust over time.