Welcome to Ledger.com/Start — Securely Start with Ledger

Why Ledger? The core promise

Ledger hardware wallets are designed to keep your private keys isolated in a secure, tamper-resistant element. Unlike exchanges or software wallets, a Ledger device stores your keys offline, which dramatically reduces the attack surface. Here you’ll find practical, actionable guidance — not marketing slogans — to get you set up correctly and minimize long-term risk.

Before you begin — what you need

• Your new Ledger device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or the model you purchased).
• A computer or mobile device to install Ledger Live (official Ledger app) and connect to the device.
• A quiet, private space to write down your recovery phrase and set a PIN without being observed or photographed.

Important: Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone — not support, not friends, not websites. Your recovery phrase is your backup; if someone else has it, they have your funds.

Step-by-step setup (concise & secure)

1. Unbox & verify packaging.

   Check the tamper-evident seal and the included contents. Only the official Ledger packaging and device should be used. If anything looks tampered with or altered, stop and contact the seller or Ledger support.

2. Install Ledger Live from the official site.

   Use ledger.com/start to download Ledger Live. Install the app and follow on-screen prompts. Avoid third-party download links or emailed files.

3. Create a new device or restore.

   When powering the device for the first time, choose Create a new device unless you are restoring from a verified backup. You will set a PIN — choose a PIN you can remember but that isn’t obvious.

4. Write down your recovery phrase.

   The device will display 24 words one-by-one. Write them on the provided recovery sheet exactly and keep the sheet offline. Don’t store them digitally, don’t take a photo, and don’t share them.

5. Confirm your recovery phrase on the device.

   The device will ask you to confirm several words. This ensures you copied them correctly. Only after confirmation is your device ready.

6. Install apps for the blockchains you use.

   Open Ledger Live, go to the Manager, and install specific blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Each blockchain app is required to view/manage the corresponding assets.

Everyday security: habits that protect you

Security is mostly habit. A few daily practices go a long way:

• Always verify the receiving address on the physical device before sending crypto. Your computer can be compromised; the device shows the true address.
• Keep your firmware and Ledger Live up to date. Updates patch vulnerabilities and add features.
• Use a passphrase (optional advanced feature) only if you understand the trade-offs — it creates a hidden wallet but if forgotten, funds are irretrievable.
• Limit who you tell about your crypto holdings. Privacy reduces social-engineering risk.

Recovery planning — the single most important step

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the ultimate key. Here are practical, non-boiler ways to protect it:

• Make two separate physical copies and store them in different secure physical locations (e.g., safe deposit box + home safe).
• Consider metal backup solutions for long-term durability if you expect the phrase to survive decades and harsh environments.
• Don’t use password managers, photos, or cloud storage for your recovery phrase.

Pro tip: Test a recovery by restoring to a second device if you’re comfortable doing so. That verifies your backup without risking your live wallet — but do this only if you understand the restore process and can keep both devices secure during testing.

Managing assets: what Ledger Live does for you

Ledger Live is the official companion app. It lets you:

• View balances and transaction history across multiple blockchains.
• Send and receive tokens while verifying addresses on the hardware device.
• Install/uninstall blockchain apps on your device and update firmware safely.
• Access supported integrations (staking, swap, DeFi connectors) — but always verify third-party integrations before approving large transactions.

Common beginner questions (brief answers)

Q: Can Ledger recover my wallet if I lose the device?

A: Yes — with the 24-word recovery phrase you can restore your wallet on another Ledger or a compatible recovery tool. Without the phrase, recovery is impossible.

Q: Is Ledger immune to hacks?

A: No product is absolutely immune, but Ledger’s hardware-based isolation and secure element significantly lower risk compared to online or custodial solutions. Combining the device with good habits is the safe path.

Q: Should I use a passphrase?

A: A passphrase creates an extra layer (like a 25th word) but also increases complexity. Use it only if you understand how it affects backup and recovery — losing the passphrase means losing access to the funds.

Next steps — practical checklist

• Finish setup and verify your 24-word recovery phrase today.
• Install Ledger Live from ledger.com/start and install the blockchain apps you’ll use.
• Make at least one small test transaction before moving large amounts: receive a small amount, then send it back to confirm everything works end-to-end.
• Create a secure recovery plan (two physical backups, consider metal backup if long-term storage).