Your keys, protected
The device helps manage the credentials that let you control your assets, without storing cryptocurrency itself.
YOUR FIRST STEPS, MADE CLEAR
Ledger.com/start
for your digital assets.
A calm, practical guide to hardware wallet setup, responsible crypto management, and the security habits that matter from day one.
✓Independent educational guide
Never share your recovery phrase.
Never share your recovery phrase.
LEDGER
◇
YOUR KEYS
STAY YOURS
STAY YOURS
Private by design
✓Security starts with you
A secure foundation
Begins with careful setup.
Begins with careful setup.
01 THE BASICS
Build a secure foundation
for your crypto journey.
Digital currencies offer new ways to transfer value and interact with blockchain networks. But these opportunities come with an important responsibility: protecting the credentials that control access to your assets.
Ledger hardware wallets are designed to help protect your private keys through a dedicated physical device. If you recently purchased one, Ledger.com/start is the place to find the manufacturer’s current setup instructions and official software resources.
i
A careful setup can help you recognize suspicious websites, understand recovery procedures, and establish good habits before you send or receive cryptocurrency.
02 HOW IT WORKS
Understand what
your wallet does.
A hardware wallet is different from an online exchange account. It protects the private keys used to authorize transactions; your cryptocurrency remains recorded on its respective blockchain.
Review before approving
The companion application helps view accounts and prepare transactions. Check transaction details carefully on your device.
Hardware isn’t a substitute for caution
A compromised recovery phrase, incorrect address, or malicious transaction approval can still put assets at risk.
03 BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Take a moment
to prepare.
Set yourself up for a focused, uninterrupted first run-through.
01
Choose a private workspace and allow enough time to review each step carefully.
02
Have your Ledger device and a compatible computer or mobile phone ready, with internet access.
03
Inspect the device and packaging. Never trust a recovery phrase already written down or supplied by someone else.
!
If anything seems suspicious, stop and consult Ledger’s official support resources.
04 YOUR SETUP CHECKLIST
Five steps to
get started.
Follow the device prompts and official instructions at every stage. Take your time—there’s no need to rush.
01
Access the correct website
Type https://www.ledger.com/start directly into your browser. Check the spelling of the domain before continuing. Be cautious with search advertisements, unsolicited emails, social media messages, and websites that imitate a wallet provider.
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02
Install the official companion software
Follow the instructions on Ledger’s official website to download the appropriate application for your device. Install software only from a verified Ledger source or an officially identified distribution channel.
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03
Connect and configure your device
Connect your hardware wallet using a supported method and follow the prompts displayed by the device. Complete authenticity checks provided by the official application, then initialize your wallet and establish a private PIN.
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04
Protect your recovery phrase
Record the recovery words exactly as displayed by the device, in the correct order, and store them in a secure offline location. Never share the phrase, enter it into a website, email it, or save it in a screenshot or cloud document.
!Your recovery phrase is the key to your wallet. Anyone who obtains it may access your cryptocurrency—even without your physical device.
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05
Add supported crypto accounts
Use the official application to install the required blockchain apps and add compatible accounts. Available assets and features depend on your device, software version, and network. Review account and network details before transferring funds.
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05 EVERYDAY SECURITY
Good security is
a daily practice.
Protecting your wallet is an ongoing responsibility, not a task completed during installation. Keep device software updated through official channels and stay in control of your recovery backup.
!
Never approve an unfamiliar transaction simply because an application recommends it.
Keep your recovery phrase private and offline.
01Use a PIN that others cannot easily guess.
02Verify recipient addresses on your hardware device.
03Check the blockchain network before transferring assets.
04Ignore messages demanding urgent recovery phrase verification.
05Use official support channels when troubleshooting.
06Consider a small test transfer before sending a large amount.
07Blockchain transactions may be irreversible. Understand fees, network compatibility, and transaction permissions before confirming an operation.
06 IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG
Pause. Verify.
Then troubleshoot.
If your device won’t connect, an application displays an error, or an update fails, avoid downloading replacement software from unfamiliar websites. Check official troubleshooting documentation and confirm device and application compatibility.
Never disclose your recovery phrase to someone claiming to be a support representative. If you believe it has been exposed, use a trusted device and official security guidance to protect remaining assets as soon as possible.
L
07 A CONFIDENT START
Knowledge is your
first line of defense.
A reliable cryptocurrency routine starts with understanding your hardware wallet, protecting recovery information, and verifying every important action. Ledger.com/start is your starting point for current instructions; careful personal practices help reduce avoidable risks.
Visit the official Ledger setup page ↗Proceed carefully. Keep sensitive information private. Make informed decisions.NOTE IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, legal, tax, or cybersecurity advice. Cryptocurrency ownership involves risks, including price volatility, phishing attacks, software vulnerabilities, transaction errors, and the possible permanent loss of digital assets.
This content is an independently written educational guide. Unless expressly authorized, the publisher is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting as an official representative of Ledger. Ledger is a trademark of its respective owner. Product names are used solely to identify the products discussed.
Readers should verify setup instructions, downloads, product details, and support information through Ledger’s official website. No guarantee is made that following this guide will prevent every form of loss or security incident. Users are responsible for their own devices, recovery information, transactions, and financial decisions.