Ledger Start — Secure setup for your Ledger device

Welcome to Ledger Start — your fast track to confident crypto ownership. Ledger Start guides you step-by-step to set up your Ledger device, secure your recovery phrase, and connect to decentralized apps and exchanges with clarity and control. This page is for anyone beginning their journey: whether you’re unboxing a Ledger for the first time, migrating funds from another wallet, or setting up a new account for long-term storage.

Getting started

Unbox your Ledger carefully and confirm the tamper-evident seal is intact. Each Ledger device pairs with Ledger Live, the desktop and mobile companion that manages firmware, apps, and accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of tokens. Before you power on, make sure you downloaded Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and that the USB cable and device appear undamaged.

Initial setup

Power on the device and follow the on-device prompts to create a new wallet. Choose a secure PIN and confirm it — this PIN protects your device’s interface and prevents unauthorized access if the device is lost or stolen. After PIN creation the device will generate a recovery phrase: a sequence of 24 words that is the single source of truth for your funds. Write these words down on the recovery sheet provided — never photograph the phrase, never store it digitally, and never share it with anyone.

Backup and storage

Secure the recovery phrase in multiple physical locations if possible. Consider splitting the phrase and using secure storage like a home safe, a safety deposit box, or a trusted, geographically separated location to reduce risk. For additional resilience, third-party metal backup plates are available to engrave or stamp your words, protecting them from fire, flood, and time. Remember: anyone who obtains your recovery phrase can access your crypto. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Connecting accounts

Open Ledger Live and choose the accounts you wish to add. Ledger Live guides you through installing cryptographic apps on your device — these small firmware modules let your device understand different blockchains. Only install apps you intend to use. When adding accounts, Ledger Live will display addresses you can use to receive funds. Always verify addresses on the device’s screen before sending funds, as device-side verification prevents display-level malware from hijacking payments.

Sending and receiving

Receiving is simple: use the receive flow in Ledger Live, choose the correct account, and verify the receive address on your device before sharing it with a sender. When sending funds, confirm the transaction details on the device screen — amount, network fee, and destination address — before approving. Some advanced transactions may require you to set custom fees or interact with smart contract parameters; if you’re unsure, consult Ledger’s help resources or seek experienced guidance.

Software hygiene & third-party integrations

Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date. Ledger regularly releases firmware and app updates to strengthen security, support new assets, and improve usability. Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger domain and authenticate any updates. Ledger works with select third-party wallets and decentralized apps to expand what you can do while retaining the private-key security of the Ledger device. When connecting to an external dApp, confirm the connection request on your device and only grant the minimum permissions required for the action.

Recovery and best practices

If your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can recover your accounts using a new Ledger device or compatible wallet by entering your 24-word recovery phrase. For multi-device resilience, consider setting up a secondary device as a redundant signer under advanced configurations. Test recovery procedures on a small amount before relying on them for full balances. Choose a strong PIN and never share it. Protect your recovery phrase offline and duplicate it in secure physical locations. Verify addresses and transaction details on your device before approving. Keep software and firmware updated from official sources.

Why Ledger Start matters

Starting securely is the most important step in protecting digital assets. Ledger Start focuses on simplicity without sacrificing security. The device places the signing process on a dedicated, isolated environment so your private keys never leave the hardware. This separation helps protect you from a wide range of remote threats and provides a defensible, user-friendly experience for long-term ownership.