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Ledger.com/Start® — Getting Started

Getting Started — Ledger.com/Start®

Welcome — this guide walks you through unboxing your Ledger hardware wallet, installing Ledger Live, initializing your device, securely storing your recovery phrase, and making your first safe transaction. It’s written as a practical starter that emphasizes security best practices and official resources.

Why Use a Hardware Wallet?

Hardware wallets keep your private keys offline in a secure element, reducing exposure to malware and remote attackers. Ledger devices pair a tamper-resistant chip with a verified software ecosystem called Ledger Live. Proper setup — verified downloads, firmware checks, and careful handling of the recovery phrase — is essential to benefit from this protection.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following:

  • Your sealed Ledger device and the original USB cable.
  • A computer or mobile phone for Ledger Live (desktop and mobile apps available).
  • A quiet, private workspace and a pen for writing the recovery phrase on the provided card or a steel backup if you have one.

Unboxing & Initial Inspection

Inspect the packaging for tamper-evidence and confirm included accessories (device, cable, recovery card). If seals are broken or the box appears altered, contact the vendor or support before proceeding.

Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official app to manage accounts, install apps on your device, and check firmware. Download Ledger Live only from Ledger’s official site. The app provides step-by-step setup guidance, firmware updates, and account management for many coins and tokens.

Device Setup: Step-by-Step

  1. Open Ledger Live and select Set up a new device when prompted.
  2. Connect your Ledger using the supplied cable. Follow on-screen prompts to confirm the device model and begin initialization.
  3. Create a PIN — choose a PIN that’s memorable but not easily guessed. The PIN prevents local physical access to the device.
  4. Write down the Recovery Phrase — the device will display a sequence of words. Write each word in order on the recovery card and verify it when prompted. This recovery phrase restores your assets if the device is lost or damaged.
  5. Install Firmware & Apps — Ledger Live will ensure your device firmware is current and allow installing coin-specific apps needed to manage different cryptocurrencies.

Recovery Phrase Best Practices

Your recovery phrase is the master key to your funds. Protect it like you would a bank safety deposit key:

  • Never store the phrase digitally (no photos, text files, or cloud backups).
  • Consider steel backups or multiple safe physical locations for redundancy.
  • Do not reveal the phrase to anyone — Ledger support will never ask for it.
  • Test your backup recovery on a spare device if possible, rather than trusting a single untested copy.

First Transaction — A Safe Test

Always perform a small test transaction before moving significant funds. Generate a receiving address in Ledger Live, verify the address shown on your Ledger device screen, then send a small amount from an exchange or another wallet. When sending out, confirm details on the device display before approving the signature.

Using Ledger Live — Interface Basics

Ledger Live lets you add accounts for supported coins, view balances, send and receive funds, and access exchange/swap services (third-party). Important sections include:

  • Manager: install or remove coin apps on your Ledger device.
  • Accounts: add and view balances for each cryptocurrency.
  • Send & Receive: create transactions which are signed on-device.
  • Settings: manage security options and app preferences.

Security Considerations

  • Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or website — recovery is performed on a device using the phrase on a separate device only when necessary.
  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated to ensure you have the latest security fixes and coin support.
  • Verify transaction details on the physical device display before approving; the device screen is the last line of defense against host compromise.
  • Beware of phishing: only use official ledger.com links and double-check URLs before entering sensitive information.

Troubleshooting

If Ledger Live doesn't detect the device or you face installation issues:

  • Try a different USB cable or port and avoid unpowered hubs.
  • Restart Ledger Live and, if necessary, reboot your computer or phone.
  • Ensure you downloaded Ledger Live from the official site and that your OS meets minimum requirements.
  • Consult the Support Center or community resources for device-specific guidance.

Advanced: Bluetooth, Mobile, and Additional Features

Certain Ledger models support Bluetooth for mobile use (e.g., Nano X). If using Bluetooth, pair only with trusted devices, and prefer the wired connection for firmware updates or sensitive operations when possible. For advanced custody, consider multi-signature schemes or split backups.

Checklist Before Storing Large Amounts

  • Recovery phrase written and stored securely offline.
  • PIN set and tested.
  • Firmware and Ledger Live up to date.
  • Performed small test transactions successfully.
  • Understood mobile/Bluetooth implications if applicable.

Official Resources

Start Guide Ledger Live Support Center Ledger Apps Recovery Phrase Info Firmware Updates FAQ Official Store Security Center GitHub

Final Notes

Starting up a Ledger hardware wallet carefully is the most important step you’ll take when securing crypto assets. Follow official downloads, verify firmware updates, protect your recovery phrase, and always confirm transactions on the device screen. With correct setup and disciplined practices, a hardware wallet offers one of the strongest ways to control your digital assets securely.