Why use Ledger Start?
Starting with a hardware wallet is the single most effective step a crypto owner can take to protect funds from online threats. Ledger Start is designed to walk beginners through the essentials — from unboxing to sending and receiving assets — while emphasizing best security practices.
Key benefits at a glance
- Offline private key storage: your private keys never leave the Ledger device.
- Easy onboarding: intuitive setup helpers and guided steps for new users.
- Broad asset support: Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, and thousands of tokens via Ledger Live and partner apps.
- Recovery safeguards: best-practice guidance to securely back up and restore wallets.
- Ongoing updates: firmware and app updates keep your device compatible and safer over time.
Before you start — what to have ready
Gather the following tools and mindset before you proceed:
- A clean, trusted computer or smartphone — avoid public or shared devices for setup.
- The Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or similar) and the included USB/USB-C cable.
- A quiet, private location to write down and store your recovery phrase.
- A secure place (safe or safety deposit box) for your recovery sheet — and optionally a secondary offsite location.
Step-by-step: Setting up Ledger Start
Follow these steps closely. We keep security simple but strict — never skip secure backups or firmware updates.
- Check packaging and authenticity. Only buy Ledger devices from the official store or authorized resellers. Inspect the packaging for tamper-evidence and compare serials if provided.
- Install Ledger Live. On your computer or phone, download the official Ledger Live app from Ledger's website or your device's app store. Install and open the app; it will guide you through initial steps and firmware checks.
- Connect and initialize the device. Plug the Ledger into your computer/phone and follow on-device prompts: choose a PIN (memorize — don’t store it digitally), confirm it on the device, and let it generate your recovery phrase.
- Write down your recovery phrase — then verify it. Ledger will display a 24-word recovery phrase (or 12 for older flows depending on device). Write these words on the provided recovery sheet, in order, using a pen. Verify the words when requested. Never take photos or store the phrase digitally.
- Install apps for your coins. Use Ledger Live to install the specific cryptocurrency apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). These apps manage on-device accounts and allow transactions to be signed securely.
- Create accounts and receive a small test transfer. Add a coin account in Ledger Live, copy the receive address and send a small amount first to confirm everything works. Check the address on your Ledger device screen before accepting transfers to ensure it matches the Ledger Live display.
- Update firmware regularly. Ledger Live will notify you when firmware updates are available. Apply updates only via Ledger Live and confirm on-device prompts. Updates often contain important security improvements.
Security best practices — do these always
Protect your recovery phrase
- Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or website.
- Store it offline: on the supplied recovery sheet, a metal backup plate, or both.
- Consider geographic redundancy: keep a copy in a separate secure location.
Operational security
- Use a strong PIN and change it occasionally.
- Only use Ledger Live and official companion apps; avoid untrusted third-party signing tools unless you know what you're doing.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited messages asking for seed phrases, PINs, or device details — Ledger (and legitimate services) never ask for your seed.
Common tasks after setup
Once your device is ready, you'll commonly do the following:
- Receive crypto: Use the receive address shown in Ledger Live and confirm it on the device screen.
- Send crypto: Initiate the transaction in Ledger Live, then confirm details (amount, destination) on your Ledger device — signing happens offline on the device.
- Manage apps: Install/uninstall crypto apps via Ledger Live as you need support for different tokens and chains.
- Check portfolio: Ledger Live offers a portfolio view to track holdings and value changes.
Troubleshooting & common questions
- What if I lose my Ledger device?
- If you lose the device, your funds are still recoverable using the recovery phrase on a new Ledger or compatible wallet. This is why securely storing your recovery phrase is essential.
- What if I forget my PIN?
- After a limited number of wrong attempts the device will wipe. You will need your recovery phrase to restore accounts on a new device. If you don't have the recovery phrase, funds are irrecoverable.
- Can someone steal my crypto if they get my recovery phrase?
- Yes. Anyone who knows the full recovery phrase can restore the wallet and move funds. Protect it like cash or legal documents.
- Is Ledger Live required?
- Ledger Live is the recommended official manager for firmware updates, app installs, and account management. Advanced users may use third-party wallets for certain features, but always confirm transactions on the Ledger device itself.
Advanced tips (for users who want more control)
- Use passphrases for extra accounts: Ledger supports BIP39 passphrases to create hidden wallets. This is powerful but risky if you forget the passphrase — only use if you understand backup responsibilities.
- Consider multi-sig: For larger holdings, multi-signature wallets distribute signing across multiple devices/participants for stronger protection.
- Regularly audit account activity: Check publicly visible blockchain explorers to verify transactions and confirmations when necessary.
Ready to secure your crypto?
Ledger Start helps you move from curiosity to confident ownership. The most important things are: keep your recovery phrase offline, confirm addresses on-device, and install updates through Ledger Live. Do these, and you’ll drastically reduce your exposure to online threats.
Get started with Ledger Start