Ledger com Start — Secure Your Crypto

Welcome to Ledger.com/Start — a concise, friendly, step-by-step guide to begin using a Ledger hardware wallet and Ledger Live safely. This page explains the essentials: why a hardware wallet matters, how to set it up, best practices for recovery phrase protection, and how to manage your assets with minimal risk.

Why choose a hardware wallet?

A hardware wallet stores your private keys offline — away from malware, phishing sites, and the everyday risks that affect software wallets. Even if a computer is compromised, a Ledger device signs transactions inside the device itself, so your private keys never leave the device. For long-term holdings, large amounts, or any funds you're uncomfortable storing on an exchange, a hardware wallet is the modern standard for security.

Before you begin

Important: Always start at the official site Ledger.com/Start or scan the QR code included with your Ledger packaging. Never follow unsolicited links or attachments claiming to be Ledger. Ledger support will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase.

Quick start — step-by-step

1. Unbox and confirm authenticity. Check the packaging seal and that the device shows the Ledger logo when powered on. Only proceed if the product appears untampered.
2. Visit Ledger.com/Start. Open a trusted browser and go to the official start page for the latest instructions and Ledger Live downloads.
3. Download Ledger Live. Ledger Live is the companion desktop and mobile app that helps manage apps, receive and send assets, and update firmware.
4. Initialize your device. Follow the on-device prompts to create a new wallet. The device will generate a recovery phrase — write it down exactly, in order, on the supplied recovery sheet.
5. Store your recovery phrase securely. Your 24 words are the only backup to restore your wallet. Keep them offline, in multiple secure locations if necessary, and never photograph or share them.
6. Install Ledger Live apps. Use Ledger Live to install the native app(s) for the blockchains you use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Each coin app lets the device manage corresponding accounts.
7. Create accounts in Ledger Live. After installing apps, add accounts in Ledger Live to view balances and receive addresses.
8. Test with a small amount first. Send a small test transaction to confirm everything works before moving larger sums.

Protecting your recovery phrase

Treat your recovery phrase like cash: if someone finds it, they can spend your crypto. Best practices include writing it on the manufacturer-provided recovery sheet; using metal backups that resist fire, water, and corrosion; and splitting backups across trusted locations. Avoid digital copies (photos, notes, cloud storage). If you must use a third-party backup service, understand the attack surface and prefer multi-site cold storage for large holdings.

Common setup mistakes to avoid

• Entering your recovery phrase into any website or software — Ledger will never request it online.
• Buying hardware wallets from unofficial marketplaces — prefer official stores or authorized resellers.
• Skipping firmware updates — Ledger devices occasionally update to patch security issues. Read the release notes and update via Ledger Live.

Using Ledger Live safely

Ledger Live is your management UI. Use it to install coin apps, check balances, and sign transactions with the device. For extra security:

• Always verify transaction details on the device screen — the device displays the destination address and amount so you can confirm what you are signing.
• Keep Ledger Live up to date and only download it from Ledger.com/Start or the official app stores.
• Combine Ledger with a watch-only software wallet for convenience: watch-only wallets let you see balances without giving them signing power.

Advanced tips for power users

For users managing many assets or multisig setups, consider hardware-multisig solutions that distribute signing across multiple devices. Use passphrase features carefully: a passphrase can create additional hidden wallets, but if forgotten, access is lost forever. Consider using air-gapped setups for extreme security, where the device never connects to the internet directly and transactions are prepared on an offline computer.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you lose your device: use your 24-word recovery phrase to restore funds on a new Ledger device or other compatible hardware wallet. If you suspect compromise: move remaining funds to a new wallet after restoring to a trusted device. Contact Ledger support through the official website for guidance — they cannot recover your funds, but they can advise on next steps.

Simple checklist before holding large amounts

• Double-check vendor authenticity and packaging.
• Confirm you have a complete, legible 24-word recovery phrase.
• Make a small test transaction.
• Keep at least one offline metal backup for disaster resilience.
• Enable strong passwords and device PINs; do not reuse them elsewhere.

This guide aims to make Ledger.com/Start useful whether you're brand-new to hardware wallets or refreshing your security hygiene. If you'd like printable quick-start cards, example recovery backups, or a downloadable checklist, Ledger's official start page includes verified resources to help.

Ready to begin? Click the official start page and follow the on-screen steps at Ledger.com/Start. Always double-check URLs, and when in doubt, reach out to official Ledger support channels.