Use a trusted source
Start by typing Ledger.com/start into your browser yourself. Check the spelling and domain before downloading software or following a link.
A considered start to self-custody
Make your first
move with confidence.
Ledger.com/start is a useful place to begin learning about setting up a Ledger hardware wallet. This independent guide breaks down what to expect, what to prepare, and how to protect your recovery phrase before you get started.
Start with official instructions. Never share your recovery phrase.
01 / PREPARE
LEDGER
LYOUR KEYS.
YOUR CONTROL.
YOUR CONTROL.
✳Small device.
Big responsibility.
Big responsibility.
KEEP
IT
OFFLINE
IT
OFFLINE
01 — THE BASICS
Your wallet is more than a device.
A hardware wallet helps you keep control of the private keys used to access your crypto. The device is designed to keep those keys protected while you review and approve transactions. Your assets remain recorded on their respective blockchains; the wallet helps you manage access to them.
Ledger.com/start is a starting point for official setup resources, not a shortcut around careful security. This page is an independent educational overview and is not affiliated with Ledger. Product names and setup screens may change, so follow the current guidance shown on Ledger’s own website and in Ledger Live.
Take a moment to understand the recovery phrase before you begin. It is the human-readable backup that can restore access to a wallet. Anyone who gets it may be able to control the assets it protects. Treat every word as confidential, and do not photograph it, type it into a website, or store it in cloud notes.
02 — BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Set yourself up
for a steady start.
A few simple checks can make your first setup clearer and safer.
Choose a private moment
Set up in a calm place where you can read each prompt without being rushed or observed. Have your computer or phone ready and charged.
Prepare offline storage
When your device displays a recovery phrase, write it down using the supplied recovery sheet or another durable, private method. Keep it offline.
Expect to verify
Setup can include checking the device, setting a PIN, recording a recovery phrase, and confirming it. Follow the instructions displayed on your own device.
03 — YOUR SETUP OVERVIEW
Four steps.
No need to rush.
Exact screens and options vary by device and software version. Think of these as milestones, not a substitute for the official instructions on your screen.
Start with the official guide
Visit Ledger.com/start and follow the links to current setup instructions and the official Ledger Live application. Avoid downloads from ads or unfamiliar sources.
Set up your device
Use the device itself to proceed through the on-screen setup. Choose a PIN you can remember, and enter it only on your hardware wallet when prompted.
Record your recovery phrase
Write down the phrase shown by your device in the correct order. Check it carefully, complete the device’s verification steps, and store it somewhere private and secure.
Learn before you transact
Explore account and app features, then take time to learn how transaction details appear. Start cautiously and verify the destination and amount on your device.
04 — A NON-NEGOTIABLE RULE
Your recovery phrase
belongs to you alone.
No legitimate support agent needs your recovery phrase. Never enter it into a website, share it over chat or phone, or give it to someone promising to “synchronize,” “validate,” or unlock a wallet. Anyone requesting it should be treated as a scammer.
Be cautious with unsolicited messages, sponsored search results, QR codes, and lookalike domains. If you think your phrase has been exposed, consult Ledger’s official support resources promptly using a trusted URL you enter yourself.
Visit Ledger SupportPRIVATE
MEANS
PRIVATE.
MEANS
PRIVATE.
05 — GO STRAIGHT TO THE SOURCE
Keep learning,
from official sources.
For current product instructions, policies, and security details, use Ledger’s own resources. Bookmark verified pages rather than relying on messages or search ads.
A BETTER WAY TO BEGIN
Slow down. Verify.
Then take the next step.
Self-custody starts with understanding what you control. Read the official guide, protect your recovery phrase, and give yourself time to learn.
Continue to Ledger.com/startThis independent guide is for general educational purposes only. It is not financial, security, or product advice, and it is not an official Ledger website.