Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started

Introduction — Why this guide matters

This guide is crafted to help you start confidently with Ledger.com/Start®. It covers preparatory steps, initial setup, safety notes, everyday use, and troubleshooting. The language is plain and practical so you can follow along even if you are new to hardware wallets.

What you'll need before you begin

Before opening the Ledger device box, gather a stable computer or mobile device, a secure internet connection, seed phrase storage (physical notebook or steel backup), and a few minutes of focused time. Having these ready avoids interruptions during the critical setup steps.

Checklist

- Ledger device (unopened) • Computer or smartphone • USB cable • Stable connection • Pen and paper for backup.

Security tip

Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger will never ask for it via email or phone.

Step 1 — Unbox and inspect

Open the package and verify the tamper-evident seals. Confirm the device model and serial number match any included documentation. If anything looks suspicious, contact support via the official site links below rather than continuing.

Step 2 — Visit the official start page

Open your browser and go to the official start path. Below are quick links (styled with the official link color) you can use for setup, downloads, and support. Use the link cards for shortcuts and reference.

Step 3 — Initialize your device

Follow on-screen instructions in Ledger Live: choose to set up a new device or restore an existing wallet. Create a PIN you will remember (but that others cannot guess). Write the 24-word recovery phrase exactly as displayed and store it in a safe location; never photograph or digitize it.

Step 4 — Install apps & add accounts

Use Ledger Live to install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you plan to use. Each coin or token may require its own app. Add accounts within Ledger Live and confirm on the device when prompted. Always confirm addresses on the hardware display before sending funds.

Daily usage advice

For sending funds, verify the recipient address on the device screen. For account monitoring, use Ledger Live and optionally pair with supported portfolio trackers. Regularly update firmware and apps via Ledger Live to maintain security.

Troubleshooting & recovery

If you lose access, the recovery phrase is your only way to restore funds. Follow the official restore flow and never enter your recovery phrase on a website or app that is not explicitly the device’s secure restore interface.

When to contact support

Contact official support if you suspect tampering, firmware issues, or if the device does not respond. Use only the links listed above to avoid phishing attempts.

Closing — Responsible ownership

Owning a hardware wallet means taking responsibility for your private keys. Make backups, apply updates, and follow the security best practices in the official resources. With the proper precautions, a hardware wallet like Ledger offers a strong balance of security and convenience for managing digital assets.