Why use Ledger and Ledger.com/start
Ledger hardware wallets are designed to store your private keys offline — away from internet-based attackers — which makes them one of the strongest practical defenses for crypto owners. The official onboarding flow at Ledger.com/start walks you through the exact steps Ledger recommends for initializing your device and connecting to Ledger Live. The instructions in this article expand on that flow with context, examples, and security-focused reasoning so you move through setup intentionally rather than hurriedly.
Before you begin: quick checklist
This short checklist helps you prepare so the setup is smooth and secure.
What you'll need
- A brand-new Ledger device (or one you trust) and its official USB cable.
- A computer you control and trust; avoid public or shared machines.
- Access to Ledger.com/start and the official Ledger Live application download links.
- Paper and a pen for writing the recovery phrase (do NOT store it digitally).
- Time: plan for 20–40 minutes for the first run-through, longer if you read the explanations.
Step-by-step setup (follow the Ledger.com/start flow)
The following steps mirror the recommended official path but add tips and safety reminders you won't find in a short onboarding pop-up.
1 — Go to the official start page
Open your browser and type https://www.ledger.com/start exactly into the address bar or click one of the links below. Bookmark it so you can return if needed. Avoid links from social media or unsolicited emails; phishing pages can mimic the Ledger website.
2 — Unbox and inspect your device
Make sure the packaging is intact and that there's no sign of tampering. If anything looks off, contact the vendor or Ledger support — do not use it. Ledger ships genuine devices with tamper-evident elements; these are your first line of defense.
3 — Initialize your Ledger
Connect the Ledger device to your computer and power it on. You will be asked whether to create a new wallet or restore an existing one. Choose to create a new wallet unless you're restoring intentionally. Follow the on-device prompts to set a PIN; make the PIN long enough to resist casual guessing but memorable to you. Avoid PINs associated with easily discoverable personal info.
4 — Write down the recovery phrase, securely
The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (some Ledger models use 24 words). Write these words down in the exact order the device shows them. Don’t take photos, don’t store them in password managers or cloud notes, and don’t type them into websites. Keep the paper in a safe, private place — ideally split across two secure locations if you manage a large balance.
Secure backup & recovery
Understanding recovery and backups is the most important security step. This section explains options and trade-offs.
Recovery phrase storage best practices
- Write the phrase clearly on quality paper or on a durable metal backup solution designed for seed phrases.
- Consider storing copies in safe deposit boxes or with a trusted attorney for long term or estate planning needs.
- Never reveal the phrase to anyone or paste it into software — legitimate support will never ask for it.
What to do if you lose your device
If your Ledger is lost or stolen but you still have your recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger device or a compatible wallet that supports your seed format. If you lose both the device and the phrase, recovery is unfortunately impossible — which is why protecting the phrase is critical.
Daily best practices
After setup, the day-to-day habits you keep will either protect your crypto or expose it. Keep these simple rules top of mind.
Routine habits
- Always verify the website URL before connecting your Ledger to a site. Use bookmarks to access frequently used services.
- Keep Ledger firmware and Ledger Live up to date — updates include security improvements. Only update from the official app or instructions at Ledger.com/start.
- Be careful with browser extensions and third-party wallets. Some integrations are safe; others carry risk. Prefer Ledger Live or well-known integrations with strong community trust.
- When transacting, confirm the exact address and amount on your Ledger’s display — that’s the last trusted confirmation before signing a transaction.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Common issues and how to address them without losing your recovery options or exposing secrets.
Ledger not detected by computer
Try a different USB cable or port, reboot the computer, and ensure Ledger Live is installed. If that fails, consult the official troubleshooting guides on Ledger’s support site through the start page links rather than random web results.
Forgot PIN
If you forget your PIN, you will need to reset the device and restore from your recovery phrase. This is why secure storage of the recovery phrase is essential — without it, funds are unrecoverable.
Phishing & scams — how to avoid them
Always assume malicious actors are trying to trick you. Never enter your recovery phrase into websites or support chats. If someone claims to be Ledger support and asks for your recovery phrase, it’s a scam. Contact Ledger only through official pages linked from Ledger.com/start.
Advanced tips & integrations
When you become comfortable, you may want to explore additional security layers or integrations.
Passphrase (25th word) — advanced users only
Ledger devices support an optional passphrase added to the recovery phrase. This creates additional hidden wallets accessible only with the passphrase. While powerful, it dramatically increases complexity: if you forget the passphrase, funds tied to it are lost. Use it only after you fully understand the implications and have a secure recovery plan for the passphrase itself.
Multisig setups
If you're managing large funds or building shared custody, explore multisig wallets that require multiple signatures. Ledger integrates with several multisig solutions; follow official multisig guides and test small transactions first.
Resources and official links
Here are direct, colorful links to the official Ledger start page (repeated intentionally so you can copy or bookmark one). These link buttons are safe and point to Ledger's official onboarding page.
Conclusion — move slowly, set up confidently
Setting up a hardware wallet is both a practical and a psychological step: you’re adopting a process that treats your private keys as high-value, offline secrets. The official Ledger flow at Ledger.com/start is the starting point; this guide expands on it with best practices to reduce risk and help you act deliberately. Take notes, store your recovery phrase safely, and when in doubt, pause and double-check.