Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started™ | Ledger®

Setting up a Ledger hardware wallet is the first step toward managing digital assets through a self-custody solution. For new users, the most important part of the process is not simply connecting the device—it is making sure the device, software, and recovery information are handled correctly from the beginning.

Ledger.com/Start is the starting point users commonly associate with Ledger's device onboarding process. The setup experience is designed to guide users through installing the appropriate Ledger software, connecting their hardware wallet, initializing the device, and establishing the security credentials needed to manage supported crypto assets.

Whether you are setting up a Ledger device for the first time or learning how hardware wallets work, understanding the process before moving funds can help prevent costly mistakes.

Begin With the Correct Ledger Setup

Before installing any wallet software, verify that you are using Ledger's genuine website and official software. Cryptocurrency users are frequent targets for phishing pages that imitate legitimate wallet brands, so downloading applications from random websites or links received through messages can create unnecessary security risks.

Start by manually entering the Ledger website in your browser rather than relying on an unsolicited link. From the official Ledger ecosystem, follow the current setup instructions for your particular hardware-wallet model.

The available steps and terminology can change as Ledger updates its products, so the current instructions shown by Ledger should take priority over older screenshots or third-party tutorials.

What You Need Before Getting Started

A smooth setup begins with a little preparation. Keep your Ledger hardware wallet nearby and use a trusted computer or mobile device. You should also have a secure, private location where you can complete the setup without anyone watching or accessing your information.

Most importantly, prepare a safe method for recording your Secret Recovery Phrase if your device generates one.

Your recovery information should remain private at all times. Do not photograph it, save it in a cloud document, email it to yourself, or type it into a website. Anyone who obtains the recovery information may potentially gain access to the associated wallet.

Connect and Initialize Your Ledger Device

After installing the current Ledger software, connect your hardware wallet using the supported connection method for your device.

The onboarding process will guide you through initializing the device. If you are creating a completely new wallet, follow the instructions for setting up a new device rather than importing an existing wallet.

The hardware wallet itself is an important part of this process. Pay attention to information displayed directly on the device and do not approve instructions that differ from what you intended to do.

Create a Secure PIN

During setup, your Ledger device will prompt you to establish a PIN. This PIN helps protect the physical device from unauthorized access.

Choose a PIN that is difficult for another person to guess and keep it confidential. Do not share it with anyone claiming to be customer support.

Your PIN and Secret Recovery Phrase serve different purposes, so protect both independently.

Secure Your Secret Recovery Phrase

The Secret Recovery Phrase is one of the most important elements of a self-custody wallet.

When a new wallet generates its recovery information, write the words down carefully and in the exact order presented by the device. Follow the verification procedure provided during setup to make sure the backup was recorded correctly.

Never give your recovery phrase to another person.

A website, support representative, email, phone caller, or social-media account claiming that it needs your recovery phrase to “verify,” “synchronize,” “unlock,” or “restore” your wallet should be treated as a serious warning sign.

Add Your Cryptocurrency Accounts

After the device has been initialized, you can use Ledger's software to add accounts for supported cryptocurrencies.

The available assets and account-management features depend on the current software version, hardware model, and supported blockchain networks.

Take care when selecting networks and assets. Different networks can use similar asset names, and sending funds through an incompatible network can create problems.

Before making a significant transfer, it can be sensible to learn the receiving and sending process with a small amount first.

Receiving Crypto With Ledger

When receiving cryptocurrency, open the appropriate account and generate the receiving address.

For important transactions, carefully verify the address using your Ledger device when the current software provides that option. Do not rely exclusively on an address copied from an unfamiliar website or message.

After sending funds to the address, allow the relevant blockchain network to process the transaction. Confirmation times and network fees vary depending on the cryptocurrency and network conditions.

Sending Crypto Safely

Sending cryptocurrency requires additional attention because blockchain transactions are generally irreversible.

Before approving a transaction, check the recipient address, cryptocurrency, network, amount, and transaction fee. Compare the information shown in the software with the information displayed on the Ledger hardware device.

Only approve a transaction when you understand what you are authorizing.

If a website suddenly asks you to approve an unexpected transaction or signature, stop and investigate before continuing.

Avoid Fake Ledger Support

One of the most important security practices is recognizing fraudulent support requests.

Scammers may imitate Ledger branding and contact users through email, search advertisements, social media, messaging services, or fake support websites. Their objective may be to obtain a recovery phrase, private information, or direct control of cryptocurrency.

Be especially cautious of claims that your wallet has been suspended, compromised, frozen, or selected for verification.

Never transfer cryptocurrency simply because someone claims that doing so will unlock or validate your wallet.

Keep Your Setup Secure

After completing the initial setup, continue protecting your device and wallet information. Keep the Ledger software updated through legitimate sources, use a secure computer, and carefully review unexpected wallet prompts.

Your hardware wallet provides an important security layer, but safe self-custody also depends on your own decisions. A secure device cannot protect funds if a recovery phrase is voluntarily disclosed to a scammer.

Final Thoughts

Ledger.com/Start is associated with the beginning of the Ledger hardware-wallet setup journey, but successful onboarding involves more than downloading software. Users should verify the source of their software, initialize the correct device, establish a secure PIN, carefully protect their Secret Recovery Phrase, and review every transaction before approving it.