Ledger.com/Start®®®®— Getting Started with Ledger™

Introduction

Welcome to Ledger®, a hardware-wallet ecosystem designed to help users maintain control over their digital assets and private keys. Ledger hardware wallets are designed so that private keys remain protected by the device rather than being exposed directly to an internet-connected computer or smartphone. Ledger’s official getting-started resources provide instructions for installing the companion wallet application, connecting a Ledger device, creating a PIN, and securing the Secret Recovery Phrase.

Official starting point: Ledger Getting Started

Before using any Ledger device, make sure you obtain it through Ledger or an authorized retailer, download software from official Ledger sources, and carefully verify information displayed on the physical Ledger device before approving transactions.


Getting Started — User Manual

1. Purchase and inspect your device

Purchase your Ledger device through Ledger or an authorized seller. When it arrives, inspect the packaging and device carefully. Avoid using a device if something appears suspicious or inconsistent with the expected product.

2. Install the official Ledger Wallet application

Download the official Ledger Wallet application using Ledger's official website and follow the installation instructions for your operating system. Ledger states that its wallet application is available for supported desktop and mobile platforms.

Never download wallet software from unofficial advertisements, unknown websites, file-sharing services, or links sent by strangers.

3. Connect your Ledger device

Connect your hardware wallet to your computer or compatible mobile device and follow the on-screen setup instructions. Your Ledger device should guide you through initialization.

4. Create your PIN

During setup, create a PIN that is difficult for others to guess. Do not reuse an easily predictable PIN or store it somewhere that other people can access. Ledger's terms specifically place responsibility for protecting the PIN and other wallet credentials on the user.

5. Secure your Secret Recovery Phrase

During initialization, your device generates a Secret Recovery Phrase. This phrase is extremely sensitive because it can be used to restore access to the wallet's private keys.

Write the words down accurately and keep the backup offline in a secure location. Never photograph it, email it, upload it to cloud storage, or type it into a website or computer. Ledger states that it will never ask you to provide your 24 words.

6. Verify every transaction

Before confirming a transaction, compare the transaction details shown on your computer or phone with the information displayed directly on your Ledger device. Ledger describes this principle as “Do not trust. Verify.”


Policies & Terms

Use of Ledger products and services is subject to applicable Ledger terms, policies, and product-specific conditions. Ledger's Legal Center provides official documentation covering website terms, privacy policies, hardware-product terms, user manuals, and other legal documents.

Ledger's services are generally designed around self-custody. This means users have significant responsibility for protecting their PIN, Secret Recovery Phrase, device, and transaction approvals. Ledger states that it does not store users' private keys, PINs, or Secret Recovery Phrases for its standard wallet services.

Important: This page is informational content and is not a substitute for Ledger's official terms, product documentation, or legal notices.


Security Warning ⚠️

Never share your Secret Recovery Phrase with anyone.

Ledger will not need your 24-word phrase to “activate,” “synchronize,” “verify,” or “unlock” your wallet. Anyone who obtains your recovery phrase may be able to control the associated crypto assets.

Be particularly cautious of:

If a website asks for your recovery phrase, stop immediately.


Useful Official Links

1. Getting Started: Ledger Start — Official Setup Page

2. Legal & Policies: Ledger Legal Center


Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Ledger?

Ledger provides hardware wallets and related software designed to help users securely manage digital assets and protect private keys.

2. Where should I download Ledger software?

Use Ledger's official website and official application distribution channels. Avoid downloading wallet software from unofficial websites or links received through unsolicited messages.

3. What happens if I lose my Ledger device?

A properly secured Secret Recovery Phrase can be used to restore access to the wallet on a compatible device. However, losing the recovery phrase can permanently prevent access to the associated assets.

4. Can I share my 24-word recovery phrase with Ledger Support?

No. Your recovery phrase must remain confidential. Ledger explicitly states that it will never ask you for your 24 words.

5. Should I approve a transaction without checking my Ledger screen?

No. Always verify the transaction details on the physical Ledger device before signing. This helps protect against malicious or misleading information presented by connected software.


Final Checklist

Before using your Ledger wallet, remember:

✓ Use official Ledger software
✓ Protect your PIN
✓ Keep your Secret Recovery Phrase offline
✓ Never share your recovery phrase
✓ Verify transaction details on the device
✓ Be cautious of phishing and impersonation
✓ Read the current official Ledger documentation and terms

Ledger security ultimately depends not only on the hardware and software, but also on careful user behavior. Take your time, verify before signing, and treat your recovery phrase as the master key to your wallet.