START.

A practical first-step guide

Ledger.com/start

Setting up a hardware wallet for the first time can feel like a lot of new vocabulary. This straightforward guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and which security habits matter most.

Visit the official setup page Read the guide

Independent educational guide — not affiliated with Ledger.

An unbranded hardware wallet device resting on a softly lit stone desk
SETUP, MADE CLEAR01 — BEGIN HERE
THE ESSENTIALS, IN ORDERFIRST-TIME SETUP INDEPENDENT GUIDE

01 THE STARTING POINT

What does Ledger.com/start mean?

Ledger.com/start is the manufacturer’s entry point for setup guidance and software for compatible products. Steps and downloads can change, so use the official site for current, model-specific instructions instead of old videos or third-party downloads.

A hardware wallet keeps signing operations on a separate device and works with software for viewing accounts and preparing transactions. It protects keys; assets are represented on their networks, not stored inside the device.

Check the address. Type it yourself or use a trusted bookmark, and verify the domain before downloading or connecting.

02 BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Prepare for a calm, uninterrupted setup

Set aside time in a private place with a stable connection and your own computer or phone. Keep the device, cable, and official instructions nearby; update your operating system and close apps you do not need.

Buy from an official store or authorized seller and follow the manufacturer’s authenticity guidance. Create setup credentials yourself. If a recovery phrase is supplied in advance, stop and contact verified official support.

Never share your recovery phrase with support or enter it on a website. No person should ask you to disclose it.

03 THE GENERAL FLOW

A typical setup workflow

Screens vary by model, but most first-time setups follow a similar sequence. Treat this as context and follow the official instructions for your device.

  1. 01

    Get the companion app from the official source

    Use the setup page to find the correct app. Avoid sponsored links, third-party downloads, and unsolicited messages.

  2. 02

    Initialize and verify the device

    Connect as instructed and review prompts on the device. Follow current guidance for any genuineness check.

  3. 03

    Create a PIN and record recovery words

    Choose a PIN you can remember without making it easy to guess. If the device generates a recovery phrase, write it down privately and verify it using the device’s own process.

  4. 04

    Install only what you need

    Use the companion app to add supported accounts or apps for assets you intend to manage. Read each confirmation on the device itself before approving it.

04 PROTECT YOURSELF

Security habits worth keeping

Your recovery phrase is highly sensitive: anyone who obtains it may control the associated assets. Keep it offline, away from photos, cloud storage, email, and notes apps. Store the backup privately and protect it from damage or theft.

Confirm addresses and transaction details on the device. Be wary of unexpected support calls, messages, QR codes, and urgent links. Understand what each prompt authorizes, and decline anything you do not recognize.

05 PLAN FOR THE UNEXPECTED

Understand recovery before you need it

A recovery phrase can restore compatible accounts on a replacement device. It is not a password-reset code: if the device is lost, damaged, or reset, the phrase may be needed. A PIN is not a substitute.

Write the words in order and complete device verification. Store the backup privately, protected from fire, water, and theft, away from the device. Understand any specialized backup method before relying on it.

Never type the phrase into a website or share it in a support conversation. When in doubt, pause and consult the official recovery documentation for your device.

06 YOUR QUICK REVIEW

Beginner checklist

Before calling setup complete, take a moment to confirm the basics:

  • I reached the manufacturer’s official setup instructions and checked the domain.

  • I chose my own PIN and created the device setup myself.

  • I recorded and verified my recovery phrase privately, offline, and in order.

  • I know where the recovery backup is and who can access it.

  • I understand how to check transaction details on the device before approval.

07 GOOD TO KNOW

Frequently asked questions

Is Ledger.com/start the official Ledger setup page?

Ledger directs users to Ledger.com/start for setup resources. Check the spelling and domain before continuing.

Does a hardware wallet store my crypto inside it?

No. It protects transaction-signing keys; assets are represented on their networks and viewed through compatible software.

What if my device is lost or stops working?

It may restore compatible accounts on a replacement device. Keep it private; anyone with the phrase may be able to access the accounts.

Can customer support ask me for my recovery phrase?

No. Never disclose it to a person, website, or chat, even if the request sounds urgent. Contact support through verified channels only.

Should I use a recovery phrase I received with the device?

No. Generate it during your own device setup. If one is supplied in advance, pause and contact the manufacturer through verified support before using the device.

A FINAL NOTE

Go slowly. Verify as you go.

A secure setup is less about speed than careful habits: follow current official instructions, protect your recovery information, and review each approval on your device. When you’re ready, return to the verified setup page for the instructions tailored to your model.

Open Ledger.com/start