Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started — Ledger Support

Getting started with a hardware wallet is a meaningful step toward taking full control of your digital assets. The onboarding experience at Ledger.com/Start is designed to guide new users through secure ownership, responsible self-custody, and confident daily use of a Ledger wallet. This guide presents a fresh, non-repetitive explanation of the journey—from first unboxing to long-term management—without links, images, or technical code, and with a clear, reader-friendly flow.

Understanding the Purpose of Ledger Wallets

A Ledger wallet is a hardware device built to protect private keys offline. Unlike online wallets that store keys on connected devices, a Ledger wallet isolates sensitive data inside a secure chip. This design significantly reduces exposure to malware, phishing attempts, and unauthorized access. The goal is simple: give you direct ownership of your crypto while minimizing risk.

Behind the ecosystem is Ledger, a company focused on security engineering and self-custody solutions. The Ledger approach centers on the idea that users—not platforms—should control digital assets.

What Ledger.com/Start Represents

Ledger.com/Start is the official onboarding path for new users. Rather than leaving setup to guesswork, this starting point ensures every device is initialized correctly, firmware is authentic, and best practices are followed from day one. It acts as a guided checklist, helping you avoid common mistakes that can compromise security.

Importantly, beginning here reduces the risk of counterfeit devices, unofficial software, or unsafe shortcuts. The setup flow emphasizes patience and accuracy, reinforcing the principle that security comes before convenience.

Preparing for First-Time Setup

Before you begin, choose a quiet, private environment. Initial setup is the most sensitive stage because you will generate your recovery phrase. Make sure no cameras are present and no one can observe your screen or device.

You’ll need:

• A computer or mobile device you trust
• A stable internet connection
• A pen and paper for writing down recovery words
• Adequate time to complete the process without interruptions

Taking these steps seriously sets the tone for responsible ownership.

Installing the Companion Application

Ledger wallets work alongside a companion application called Ledger Live. This application acts as the interface for managing accounts, checking balances, installing apps for different blockchains, and approving transactions.

During installation, authenticity checks are performed to confirm your device is genuine. This step is crucial and should never be skipped. If the software flags any irregularities, the process should be stopped immediately.

Initializing the Wallet Device

Once connected, the device prompts you to create a new wallet. This involves setting a PIN code directly on the hardware. The PIN protects the device from physical access, and incorrect attempts trigger security safeguards.

Choosing a strong PIN is essential. Avoid predictable sequences and never share the code with anyone. This PIN is used frequently, so it should be memorable to you but difficult for others to guess.

The Recovery Phrase: Your True Backup

During setup, the device generates a recovery phrase, typically consisting of 24 words. These words represent the master backup of your wallet. Whoever controls this phrase controls the funds.

Key principles to remember:

• Write the words down exactly as shown
• Keep them offline at all times
• Never photograph or store them digitally
• Never share them with anyone, under any circumstance

Ledger does not store this phrase, cannot recover it for you, and will never ask for it. This design reinforces true self-custody.

Verifying the Recovery Phrase

To ensure accuracy, the device will ask you to confirm the recovery phrase by selecting words in the correct order. This step catches mistakes early. If the phrase is written incorrectly and later needed, assets may be permanently lost.

Verification may feel repetitive, but it is one of the most important safety checks in the entire process.

Adding Accounts and Supported Assets

After setup, you can add accounts for various cryptocurrencies. Each account corresponds to a blockchain application installed on the device. The Ledger ecosystem supports a wide range of digital assets, allowing users to manage diverse portfolios from one interface.

Adding accounts does not expose private keys. All critical approvals still happen on the hardware wallet, maintaining a strong security boundary between your computer or phone and your assets.

Sending and Receiving Assets

Receiving assets involves sharing a public address generated by the device. Before confirming, always verify the address on the hardware screen itself. This protects against malware that might alter addresses on your computer.

Sending assets requires physical confirmation on the device. Transaction details—such as the amount and destination—are displayed on the hardware screen, ensuring that what you approve is exactly what is sent.

This physical confirmation step is one of the defining strengths of Ledger wallets.

Firmware Updates and Maintenance

From time to time, firmware updates are released to enhance security or add features. Updates are optional but strongly recommended. They are initiated through the companion application and require confirmation on the device.

Keeping firmware current helps protect against newly discovered threats while ensuring compatibility with evolving blockchain networks.

Understanding Security Boundaries

Ledger’s design separates responsibilities:

• The computer or phone provides convenience and connectivity
• The hardware wallet protects private keys and approvals

Even if your computer is compromised, the attacker cannot move funds without physical access to the device and knowledge of the PIN. This layered approach dramatically reduces attack surfaces.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

New users sometimes make avoidable errors. Being aware of them can save significant stress later.

Common pitfalls include:

• Storing recovery phrases digitally
• Trusting messages claiming to be “support” requests
• Using unofficial software or downloads
• Skipping address verification on the device screen

A cautious mindset is your strongest defense.

Using Ledger for Long-Term Holding

For long-term investors, a Ledger wallet provides peace of mind. Assets can be stored securely without frequent interaction. Periodic checks, firmware updates, and safe storage of the recovery phrase are usually sufficient.

This approach aligns well with a long-term mindset, where security and reliability matter more than speed.

Everyday Use and Portfolio Tracking

For more active users, the companion application offers portfolio overviews, transaction histories, and asset management tools. While balances can be viewed easily, every outgoing action still requires hardware confirmation, ensuring that convenience never overrides security.

Privacy and Personal Responsibility

Self-custody shifts responsibility to the user. Ledger provides tools and safeguards, but final control rests with you. This includes:

• Protecting your recovery phrase
• Verifying every transaction
• Staying informed about common scams

This responsibility is empowering, but it requires discipline and awareness.

Traveling and Physical Storage

When traveling, consider whether to carry your device or leave it secured. The recovery phrase should always be stored separately from the device. Some users choose fire-resistant or metal backups for long-term durability.

Physical security complements digital security, and both are equally important.

Restoring a Wallet When Needed

If your device is lost, damaged, or replaced, funds can be restored on a new Ledger wallet using the recovery phrase. This process recreates the same accounts and balances, demonstrating that the phrase—not the device itself—is the true key.

This capability highlights why protecting the recovery phrase is non-negotiable.

Confidence Through Education

Ledger.com/Start emphasizes education as much as setup. By guiding users carefully, it builds confidence in managing digital assets independently. Understanding why each step exists makes it easier to follow best practices consistently.

Security is not a single action—it is a habit developed over time.

Final Thoughts

Getting started with a Ledger wallet is about more than plugging in a device. It is an introduction to self-custody, personal responsibility, and secure participation in the digital asset ecosystem. By following the guided setup thoughtfully, respecting the importance of the recovery phrase,