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

A clear, practical 2,000-word guide designed to help you start up and secure your Ledger hardware wallet using Ledger.com/Start®. Covers unboxing, Ledger Live installation, initialization, backups, passphrases, daily OPSEC, advanced options and troubleshooting.

Why use Ledger.com/Start®?

Ledger.com/Start® is the official starting point for onboarding a Ledger hardware wallet. It provides verified installers, step-by-step setup flows via Ledger Live, firmware validation, and guidance on protecting your recovery phrase. Using the official site reduces exposure to phishing, tampered installers, and third-party misinformation. This guide complements the official onboarding with practical tips and secure habits you should adopt immediately.

Quick reminder: always use official sources for downloads and double-check URLs and certificates before installing any wallet software.

1 — Before you begin: threats and preparation

Decide what you are protecting against. Are you worried about casual malware, physical theft, or targeted attackers? Your threat model influences choices like passphrases, multisig, or steel backups.

Essential preparation:

  • Ensure you received the device sealed and from an authorized seller.
  • Have a clean, updated computer (or dedicated setup machine) with internet access for installers and updates.
  • Use pens and the supplied recovery cards — do not use phones or cloud tools to record the seed.
  • Plan where you will store backups (safe, deposit box, steel plate).

2 — Unboxing and physical checks

Inspect the packaging for tamper evidence. The contents typically include the Ledger device, a USB cable, recovery sheets, quickstart leaflet, and possibly a lanyard. If packaging looks altered, stop and contact the seller. Do not proceed with a suspicious device.

3 — Installing Ledger Live (official companion)

Ledger Live is the official application that handles pairing, firmware, app installation, account creation, and transactions. Steps:

  1. Go to Ledger.com/Start® and select the correct installer for your OS (Windows/macOS/Linux) or mobile platform.
  2. Verify checksums or digital signatures if available — this reduces supply-chain risks.
  3. Install Ledger Live and open it to begin the guided onboarding.
Ledger Live is updated frequently; always keep it up to date to benefit from security fixes and new features.

4 — Firmware checks and updates

When you first connect, Ledger Live will check device firmware and, if applicable, prompt an update. Firmware updates are signed and should be applied only through Ledger Live. During updates, the device requires physical confirmation for critical steps — always read the device screen carefully.

5 — Initializing your device

You will be asked to Create new device or Restore from recovery phrase. For new users:

  1. Select Create new device on the device and in Ledger Live.
  2. Set a strong PIN using the device interface; do not write the PIN on your recovery card.
  3. The device will generate a recovery phrase (typically 24 words). Write each word in order on the supplied recovery cards. Double-check spelling and order.
  4. Confirm the phrase when prompted by the device.
Warning: Never type your recovery phrase into any computer, phone, or web form. Never photograph it. Treat it as the key to your funds.

6 — Passphrase — optional but powerful

A passphrase (sometimes called a 25th word) creates an additional hidden wallet derived from the same seed. It enhances privacy and plausible deniability but increases complexity and risk: losing the passphrase renders associated funds unrecoverable. Use passphrases only if you have a robust process for backing and testing them.

7 — Installing blockchain apps and creating accounts

Ledger devices use apps for each blockchain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). From Ledger Live’s Manager, install the apps you need and create accounts. Installing or uninstalling an app does not delete funds — keys are derived from your seed and remain intact.

8 — Receiving funds safely

When receiving funds, request an address in Ledger Live and always verify that the address shown in the desktop/mobile app exactly matches the address displayed on your Ledger device. The device screen is your final source of truth — it cannot be tampered with by host software.

9 — Sending funds: secure signing workflow

Ledger Live constructs transactions and sends them to the device for signing. Always verify the following on the device before approving:

  • Destination address (check character fragments if long).
  • Amount and currency.
  • Network and fee level.

Only approve the transaction on the device if everything matches your expectations. If something looks off, cancel and investigate — malware can attempt to alter the host’s display, but it cannot change what the device shows on its screen.

10 — Backups and storage strategies

Your recovery phrase is the most critical item. Backup options, from most to least durable:

  1. Steel backup plates: Resistant to fire, water, and corrosion. Best for long-term storage.
  2. Multiple printed copies: High-quality paper stored in separate secure locations (home safe, bank deposit).
  3. Shamir Secret Sharing: Split the seed into multiple shares with threshold recovery (advanced users/businesses).
Never store the seed in digital form (photo, file, cloud). That exposes you to theft and ransomware.

11 — Operational security (OPSEC) — daily habits

Adopt simple habits to reduce risk:

  • Keep your OS and apps updated; use reputable antivirus if appropriate.
  • Verify transactions on device — not only on your computer screen.
  • Use separate wallets for daily spending and long-term storage (hot/cold split).
  • Avoid discussing exact holdings or backup locations publicly.

12 — Advanced setups: multisig and institutional options

For high-value holdings, multisignature setups distribute signing power across multiple devices and/or individuals. Ledger devices integrate with third-party multisig wallets. Institutional custody typically combines hardware devices, key-management policies, audited workflows, and legal instruments to manage risk.

13 — Testing and rehearsals

Before transferring significant funds:

  1. Complete small inbound and outbound test transactions.
  2. Practice a full restore from your backup on a secondary device (not your main device) to confirm backups are correct.
  3. Document your recovery steps and consider a trusted contact who knows how to access funds in an emergency (without sharing the seed).

14 — NFTs, DeFi & smart contracts — extra caution

When interacting with NFTs, DeFi apps, or smart contracts, the device can only display limited information. For complex contract interactions, take these precautions:

  • Verify contract addresses and known interfaces via trusted sources.
  • Use small test operations when interacting with new contracts.
  • Consider using a dedicated, low-balance wallet for experimental DeFi activities.
Smart contract approvals can grant broad permissions — always review scopes and revoke allowances you don't need.

15 — Troubleshooting common issues

Common problems and quick fixes:

  • Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable or port; ensure the device is unlocked.
  • Firmware update error: Reconnect and retry using Ledger Live; contact official support if uncertain.
  • Forgot PIN: Factory reset required; restore from recovery phrase. Ensure you have the seed before resetting.
  • Restore issues: Verify word spelling and order; include passphrase if used.

16 — What to do if compromise is suspected

If you suspect your seed or device is compromised, act quickly but calmly:

  1. Generate a new wallet on a clean device and transfer funds to it.
  2. Do not enter your old recovery phrase into any online form.
  3. Document the incident and change your OPSEC and physical storage strategies.
If you believe an attacker has your recovery phrase, assume it is compromised and move funds immediately.

17 — Estate planning & legal considerations

Plan how heirs will access funds in the event of incapacity or death. Options include sealed instructions with a lawyer, trusted custodians, or legal vehicles like trusts. Balance security with recoverability: overly secret backups can make estate recovery impossible, while loose policies increase theft risk.

18 — Privacy and network choices

Ledger Live uses third-party services for pricing and swap functionality. If privacy is critical, minimize integrations, prefer trusted networks, or run your own node. Remember that blockchain transactions are public and can reveal financial activity.

19 — Short FAQ

Q: Can I restore a Ledger seed on other wallets?

A: Yes — many wallets support standard recovery phrases, but derivation paths and passphrase handling may differ. Test restores carefully.

Q: Is a 12-word seed safe?

A: While 12 words provide reasonable entropy, 24 words are standard for stronger entropy. Follow device recommendations.

Q: Should I store my seed in the cloud?

A: No — cloud storage is a significant theft risk. Use offline, physical backups only.

20 — Final checklist before moving large funds

  1. Device sourced from an official vendor and inspected.
  2. Ledger Live downloaded from Ledger.com/Start® and verified.
  3. Firmware updated via Ledger Live and signatures checked on device.
  4. Recovery phrase written and duplicated onto steel/paper backups.
  5. PIN set and memorized; passphrase planned and secured if used.
  6. Small test transfers completed and a recovery rehearsal performed.
Completing this checklist reduces the chance of accidental loss and prepares you for long-term custody.