Getting Started with Ledger — Ledger.com/start

Why use ledger.com/start?

Ledger hardware wallets are standalone devices designed to keep your private keys offline. The URL ledger.com/start is Ledger's official onboarding hub — it guides you through each step when you first set up your device. Following the official flow reduces the risk of mistakes, helps you verify device authenticity, and shows best practices for protecting your recovery phrase. Treat ledger.com/start as the starting line for a safer custody setup.

Unboxing and authenticity checks

When your Ledger arrives, inspect the packaging: the box should be factory-sealed and include clear tamper evidence. Inside you'll find the Ledger device (e.g., Nano S or Nano X), a USB cable, a keyring or lanyard, and recovery sheets. Before you plug anything in, go to ledger.com/start in your browser and follow the "Check my device" or authenticity steps. Ledger provides firmware and authenticity checks that compare your device's certificate to Ledger's servers — this helps ensure you're not using a tampered unit.

Installing Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion app (desktop and mobile) used to initialize the device, install coin-specific apps, and manage accounts. From ledger.com/start you’ll be prompted to download Ledger Live for your platform. Install the app, open it, and choose "Get Started." Ledger Live walks you through firmware updates and device setup. Use the official app only — avoid third-party downloads that claim to be Ledger Live. Keep the app up to date for security fixes and new features.

Initialize your Ledger: PIN and recovery phrase

When you begin initialization, the device will ask you to create a PIN. Choose a PIN you can remember but that isn't trivially guessable. The device will then generate your recovery phrase (also called seed phrase) — a set of 24 words (for most Ledger models) that is the ultimate backup to your private keys. Write these words on the supplied recovery sheet carefully and in order. Never store the recovery phrase digitally (no photos, no cloud notes, no screenshots). Ledger devices generate the recovery phrase on the device itself — this is critical: the phrase should never be transmitted to a computer or phone.

Confirming your recovery phrase

After writing down the words, the device will ask you to confirm a few randomly selected words. This step ensures you recorded them correctly. Only when confirmation succeeds will the device consider the initialization complete. Keep the recovery sheet in a safe place — a home safe, a safety deposit box, or other offline secure storage. Consider splitting the phrase using Shamir backup (if supported) or using multiple geographically separated copies for high-value holdings — but be cautious: splitting introduces operational complexity.

Installing coin apps and adding accounts

Ledger uses small on-device apps to support different cryptocurrencies. Through Ledger Live you can install the specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) onto your device and then create accounts that show balances in Ledger Live. Installing apps does not expose your private keys — keys remain stored on the device. If you switch devices later, use your recovery phrase to restore the same accounts on a new Ledger.

Security best practices

1) Never share your recovery phrase. 2) Don't enter your recovery phrase into any website or software. Ledger support will never ask for your full seed phrase. 3) Use a strong PIN and change it if you suspect compromise. 4) Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated. 5) For large holdings, consider a hardware security module or multisig setup for added protection.

Troubleshooting and common pitfalls

If Ledger Live fails to detect your device, try a different USB cable or port, restart Ledger Live, and ensure your OS recognizes the device. For Bluetooth models (like Nano X), ensure pairing is done only from Ledger Live and remove any unknown paired devices. If you lose your PIN, you can restore access by resetting the device and recovering with your recovery phrase — which is why secure storage of the phrase is crucial. If the recovery phrase appears incorrect during restore, double-check word spelling and order; Ledger uses BIP39 word lists, so small typos matter.

Advanced topics: multisig, passphrases, and custody

For advanced users, Ledger supports BIP32/39/44 standards, optional passphrases (a 25th secret word), and third party multisig configurations. A passphrase adds another layer of security but also increases the risk of permanent loss if you forget the passphrase. Multisig spreads control across multiple devices or cosigners to reduce single-point failure. These are powerful tools for institutions and sophisticated users but should be approached carefully and documented thoroughly.

Frequently asked questions

Q: "Can Ledger Live be trusted?" — Yes, use the official Ledger Live downloaded from ledger.com/start. Q: "What if my recovery phrase is stolen?" — If it's compromised, move funds to a new wallet generated with a different seed immediately. Q: "Should I write recovery words on paper or metal?" — Both are options; metal plates survive fire and water better than paper.

Checklist before you finish

Confirm device authenticity via ledger.com/start
Install Ledger Live from the official site
Create a secure PIN and write down your recovery phrase on the provided sheet
Install only the apps you need and enable firmware updates
Store backup(s) offline in secure locations

Closing thoughts

Using a hardware wallet like Ledger significantly increases the security of your crypto holdings when paired with good operational hygiene. Ledger.com/start is the safest path for onboarding — it reduces ambiguity and shows recommended steps. Keep learning, stay skeptical of unsolicited messages, and treat your recovery phrase like the most valuable secret you own.