Ledger Start — Secure your crypto, start with confidence

A practical, step-by-step guide to set up your Ledger hardware wallet, preserve your private keys, and reclaim control of your digital assets — no jargon, only action.

Why Ledger Start matters

Blockchains make ownership possible — but ownership is only real if you control the private keys. Ledger Start walks you through the one-time setup that keeps those keys offline and under your control. This is not a sales pitch; it’s a practical checklist that prevents the most common loss scenarios: hardware failure, phishing, lost recovery phrases.

What you'll do in the next 10–15 minutes

  • Initialize the device and create a secure PIN.
  • Generate and verify your recovery phrase using the device screen.
  • Install the Ledger Live companion, sync a wallet, and send a small test transaction.
  • Learn simple best practices to store and protect your recovery phrase.

Step-by-step

1
Unbox and power up
Confirm the tamper-evident seal, connect by USB or Bluetooth, and choose a PIN you won’t forget but no one else can guess.
2
Create & verify your recovery phrase
Write your 24 words on the included recovery sheet. Verify on-device — never store the phrase digitally.
3
Install Ledger Live and apps
Download Ledger Live to manage accounts. Install only the apps you use — less surface area, more security.
4
Send a small test transaction
Use a tiny amount to confirm receive/send flow. That single test prevents configuration surprises later.

Real protection, not theater

Security isn't a checklist you "finish" — it's a set of choices you make. Store your recovery phrase offline, prefer physical safes or split-storage with trusted people, and never share your private keys or PIN over email or chat. Legitimate support will never ask for your 24 words.

Start setup Security tips

Quick FAQ

Can I recover my wallet on another device?
Yes — any compatible wallet that supports BIP39/BIP44 recovery can restore your accounts with the 24-word phrase.
What if I lose my device?
If you have your recovery phrase safely stored, you can restore on a new device and regain access to funds.
Is Bluetooth safe?
Bluetooth is convenient for mobile use. For maximum security, use a wired connection when possible and keep firmware up to date.