Ledger.com/Start – Official Ledger Wallet Setup Guide

1. Unbox & verify

What to expect

When you receive your Ledger device, it should be sealed in official Ledger packaging bearing Ledger branding. Inside you will find the hardware wallet, a USB cable, a recovery sheet, and quick start materials.

Verification steps

1. Only start setup using an official Ledger link: ledger.com/start.
2. Check tamper seals and packaging integrity.
3. If anything looks suspicious, do not proceed and contact Ledger Support immediately.

2. Safety first

Threat model basics

Ledger devices provide a secure, offline place for private keys. The device and its recovery phrase are the only keys to your funds—protect them like cash.

Rules of thumb

• Never share your recovery phrase or PIN with anyone.
• Only use official Ledger software (Ledger Live) and official website links.
• Do not enter your recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or website.

3. Install Ledger Live

Download & install

Ledger Live is the official companion app for managing your accounts and installing apps on your device.

1. Open ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live for your OS (Windows/Mac/Linux).
2. Install and open Ledger Live, then accept any permission prompts required for USB access.
3. Create or restore within Ledger Live only when instructed by the device.

4. Initialize device

Follow the on‑device prompts

Connect your Ledger device with the USB cable. Choose "Set up as new device" on the device screen unless you are restoring.

On‑device confirmations

• The device will display prompts; use physical buttons to confirm. Never accept prompts shown only on your computer.

5. Set a strong PIN

PIN guidance

Choose a PIN you can remember but that others cannot guess. Avoid simple sequences. If the device is lost, the PIN prevents immediate access.

Recovering access

PIN can be reset only by restoring from your recovery phrase on a new device.

6. Write down your recovery phrase

Critical: physical backup

The recovery phrase (usually 24 words) is the master key to your wallet. Ledger includes a recovery sheet—use it.

1. Write words in order, legibly, using the supplied sheet.
2. Store in at least two secure, geographically separated locations.
3. Consider stainless steel recovery backup products for fire/water durability.

7. Install apps & add accounts

Use Ledger Live Manager

From Ledger Live, open the Manager to install the cryptocurrency apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Each app is lightweight and specific to a blockchain.

Adding accounts

1. After installing an app, use "Add account" in Ledger Live and follow the device confirmations.
2. For multi‑asset use, install only the apps you need to conserve device storage.

8. Receive & verify addresses

Always verify on device

When receiving crypto, generate the receive address in Ledger Live and confirm the full address on the device screen. Never trust an address shown only on your computer.

Testing

Send a small test amount first to confirm everything works before transferring large sums.

9. Firmware updates & backups

Keep firmware up to date

Ledger periodically releases firmware and app updates. Use Ledger Live to apply official updates and follow on‑screen steps.

Backup checklist

• Recovery phrase stored securely and privately.
• Device firmware updated through Ledger Live.
• Store receipts of critical info separately (not digitally attached to recovery phrase).

10. Support, recovery & best practices

Where to get help

Official support and knowledge base are at support.ledger.com and the start page ledger.com/start.

Best practices summary

1. Use official links only. Bookmark https://www.ledger.com/start.
2. Never share recovery phrase or PIN.
3. Use passphrases only if you understand them—these alter wallet derivation and add complexity to recovery.
4. Test with small transfers before sending large amounts.
5. Consider multi‑signature and cold‑storage practices for very large holdings.