Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®

Welcome to Ledger Start

Thank you for choosing Ledger.com/Start® as your trusted gateway into the world of cryptocurrency security. This page guides you through every step—setup, protection, usage—so you can confidently manage your digital assets with peace of mind.

Ledger Start is designed for both new and experienced users. Whether you're setting up your first hardware wallet or integrating advanced features, this guide will walk you through in a clear, step‑by‑step way.

Step 1: Unbox & Inspect Your Device

Upon receiving your Ledger device, follow these initial checks to ensure integrity and authenticity:

• Confirm the box seal is intact and untampered.
• Check for genuine Ledger branding and holographic stickers.
• Verify the device’s firmware version when first powered on (it should prompt an update if new).
• Never plug in a device that looks damaged or modified—contact Support immediately.

Once inspection is complete, power on the device and follow the manufacturer’s prompt to begin setup.

Step 2: Initialize & Generate Recovery Phrase

Initialization is essential to get your Ledger device ready for use. This includes selecting a PIN and generating your recovery (seed) phrase. Your recovery phrase is the ultimate key to your funds—guard it with utmost care.

• Choose a secure PIN (6–8 digits) that’s not trivial or easily guessable.
• Write down the 24-word recovery phrase on the included card or on durable material.
• Never store your recovery phrase digitally (no screenshots, no cloud storage).
• Store the recovery phrase in a safe, offline location (e.g. safety deposit box, fireproof safe).

After writing the phrase, you will be asked to confirm it by selecting words in order. Only then will initialization complete.

Step 3: Install Ledger Live & Connect

Ledger Live is the desktop or mobile app serving as your control center. Download it from the official site only (never via links from unknown sources).

• Go to ledger.com/start or navigate from the official Ledger homepage.
• Download the version suitable for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS).
• Install and open Ledger Live; it will prompt you to connect your Ledger device via USB or Bluetooth (depending on model).
• Grant necessary permissions to communicate with the device securely.

Ledger Live also handles firmware updates, app installations, and provides account overviews.

Step 4: Add & Manage Crypto Accounts

With Ledger Live, you can add multiple cryptocurrency accounts (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, others) and manage them securely. Transactions must always be confirmed on your Ledger device—this ensures you maintain full control of private keys.

• Open Ledger Live → “Accounts” tab → “Add account.”
• Select the crypto asset or blockchain network you wish to add.
• Follow on‑screen prompts to synchronize and display balances.
• To send or receive funds, use the “Send” or “Receive” features—always verify addresses on your physical device screen.

Transactions can only be finalized after you physically approve them on your Ledger device. This protects you from remote malware or phishing attacks.

Step 5: Secure Your Device & Account

Security is at the heart of Ledger Start. Beyond initialization, there are additional best practices you should adopt.

• Always use the latest firmware and app updates.
• Enable “Passphrase” mode for added account privacy (optional, advanced).
• Use a strong password for Ledger Live and lock the app when not in use.
• Safeguard your recovery phrase; never disclose it to anyone—even support personnel.
• Beware of phishing: always check domain names (ledger.com) and never enter seeds on websites.

If your device is lost or stolen, your funds remain safe as long as your recovery phrase and PIN are uncompromised.

Step 6: Backups & Redundancy

The recovery phrase is your backup, but you may consider additional redundancy strategies:

• Make multiple physical copies of the recovery phrase, stored in separate secure locations.
• Use metal backup plates (e.g. stainless steel) to protect from fire, water, or degradation.
• Consider geographically diversified storage (e.g. one backup at home, another in a secure vault elsewhere).

Always avoid storing multiple backups in the same place, and avoid weak materials (paper that degrades, photos, etc.).

Step 7: Troubleshooting & Common Questions

Encounter an issue? Below are common problems and solutions.

• Device not recognized: Try different USB port or cable, ensure Firmware is up to date.
• Ledger Live not opening: Reinstall app, clear cache, restart computer.
• Recovery phrase mismatch: Ensure correct word order and spelling; redo entry carefully.
• Firmware update fails: Ensure stable connection and power, retry following instructions carefully.
• Suspected phishing link: Always navigate manually to ledger.com; do not click unsolicited links.

For assistance beyond common fixes, contact Ledger Support via official channels only. Never disclose your recovery phrase or seed to support.

Your Journey Ahead

You’re now equipped to begin your secure crypto journey using Ledger Start. With your hardware wallet set up, the software configured, and security best practices in place, you have robust control over your digital assets.

As you grow more comfortable, you can explore advanced features:

• Staking or earning yield (if supported for your assets).
• Multi‑account management and segregation.
• Integration with DeFi protocols while keeping keys offline.
• Using passphrase (25th word) for hidden accounts or plausible deniability.

Throughout your journey, stay updated via official Ledger resources, firmware announcements, and security advisories.

Ready to begin? Click the button below to launch Ledger Live and start securing your crypto assets.

Important Notices & Safety Reminders

Official Domains Only: Always ensure you're on “ledger.com” (and subdomains) when downloading software or seeking support.
No Recovery Phrase Sharing: Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase—ever.
Beware of Scams: Do not respond to unsolicited messages claiming to help or require login.
Update Cautiously: Only install firmware and app updates via Ledger Live or official site prompts.
Offline Security: Keep your recovery phrase and backups offline, in secure physical form.