Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®

Overview — what you’ll achieve

This short presentation-style guide explains the first steps: verifying your device, initializing it, creating a secure backup, and connecting to Ledger Live. It also highlights best practices for security and routine maintenance so you can use your crypto hardware wallet with confidence.

Why start at Ledger.com/Start?

The official start page centralizes verified resources, firmware updates, and step-by-step tutorials. Beginning there reduces risk from scams and imitators and ensures you use the latest, supported tools for initialization and recovery.

Who should follow this guide?

Anyone who has a Ledger device in the box, is about to unbox one, or needs to re-initialize an existing device safely. It assumes basic familiarity with desktop or mobile apps and a secure place to store a recovery phrase physically.

Safety first — essential warnings

Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or website. Ledger will never ask for your full 24-word phrase. Keep backups offline, in at least two secure places, and consider metal backup options for long-term durability.

Step-by-step getting started

Unbox and verify — Confirm packaging seals and the device authenticity stickers. Only proceed if packaging is intact and the seller is reputable.
Visit https://www.ledger.com/start on a secure device and follow the guided setup that matches your model.
Initialize device — Choose a PIN, write down the recovery phrase exactly as presented, and confirm the phrase on-device.
Install Ledger Live — Download from the official site. Ledger Live lets you manage apps, accounts, and firmware updates.
Install apps and add accounts — Use Ledger Live to add the cryptocurrency apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum etc.) and then import accounts.
Test with a small amount — Before larger transfers, send a small transaction to confirm everything works as expected.

Common troubleshooting

If the device does not boot, try a different USB cable or port. If Ledger Live reports firmware mismatch, follow the official firmware update flow. For persistent issues, use official support resources available from the start page.

Maintenance and best practices

Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date — updates include security patches and new features.
Use a dedicated password manager for exchange/account credentials, but never store recovery phrases digitally.
Consider multi-location backups (home safe, safety deposit box) for your recovery phrase.
Verify transaction details on the device screen before approving.

Advanced notes

Power users may enable passphrase features for hidden wallets, but understand the trade-offs and backup complexity. Multi-sig setups are recommended for higher-value holdings and require coordination with compatible wallet software.