Ledger.com/start | Getting Started: Secure Device & Setup

Setting up a Ledger hardware wallet is an important first step toward managing cryptocurrency with greater control over your private keys. The safest place to begin is Ledger’s official setup page, Ledger.com/start, which directs users to the current Ledger Wallet software and device-setup process. Ledger’s official site currently describes Ledger Wallet as the application for managing digital assets while keeping private keys offline.

Begin With a Secure Device

Before starting your Ledger setup, make sure your computer or smartphone is updated with the latest security patches. Use a trusted internet connection and avoid setting up your hardware wallet on a public or shared device.

Visit Ledger.com/start by typing the address directly into your browser instead of following unexpected links in emails, messages, advertisements, or social-media posts. Phishing websites can imitate legitimate cryptocurrency services, so checking the domain carefully is essential.

For additional protection, read our Crypto Device Security Guide before beginning the installation.

Download the Official Ledger Wallet App

Ledger’s current official setup information directs users to download the Ledger Wallet application for supported desktop and mobile operating systems.

Download the software only through Ledger’s official website. Avoid unofficial download pages or applications that claim to be modified versions of Ledger software.

After installation, open Ledger Wallet and follow the displayed instructions for your specific hardware-wallet model. The exact setup screens can vary between devices, so following the instructions shown by Ledger for your model is preferable to relying on an older tutorial.

Interlink 1: Ledger Wallet App Setup Guide

Connect and Check Your Ledger Device

Connect your Ledger hardware wallet using the appropriate cable or supported connection method. During setup, the software can guide you through device checks and initialization.

If you are setting up a new device, follow the on-device instructions carefully. Never use a PIN or recovery phrase supplied by another person. Your device should generate the wallet credentials during the setup process.

If the device appears to have been previously configured or asks for credentials you did not create, stop and verify the situation through Ledger’s official support resources before continuing.

Create and Protect Your PIN

Your Ledger device uses a PIN to help protect access to the hardware wallet. Choose a PIN that is difficult for another person to guess and never share it with anyone.

Do not write the PIN where it can easily be discovered alongside your hardware wallet. If your device is lost, a strong PIN provides an additional layer of protection against unauthorized physical access.

Remember that the PIN and recovery phrase serve different purposes. The recovery phrase is especially important because it can provide access to the wallet if the hardware device is lost or replaced.

Secure Your Recovery Phrase

The recovery phrase is the most sensitive part of your Ledger setup. Record it exactly as displayed by the device and follow Ledger’s instructions for confirming the backup.

Never photograph or digitally store your recovery phrase. Do not enter it into websites, emails, messaging applications, cloud storage, or computer files. Most importantly, never give the phrase to someone claiming to be Ledger support.

Anyone who obtains your recovery phrase may be able to control the associated crypto assets.

For more information, explore our Ledger Recovery Phrase Security Guide.

Install Apps and Add Accounts

After the device is initialized, Ledger Wallet can be used to install the applications required for supported cryptocurrencies and add corresponding accounts. The available options depend on your Ledger model and the assets you want to manage.

When receiving cryptocurrency, carefully verify the network and address before confirming a transaction. When sending funds, compare the transaction details on the Ledger device itself rather than trusting only the information displayed on your computer or phone.

Interlink 3: Crypto Send and Receive Security Guide

Stay Safe After Setup

Security should continue after your first setup. Keep Ledger Wallet and your operating system updated, protect the physical device, and be cautious with unsolicited support messages.

Never approve an unfamiliar transaction simply because a website tells you it is required. Take time to review what you are signing on the hardware device.

For broader protection, read our Hardware Wallet Security Best Practices.

Final Thoughts

Using Ledger.com/start as your starting point helps you follow Ledger’s current device-setup process and obtain the appropriate official software. A secure setup depends on more than installing an application: verify the website, protect your PIN, keep your recovery phrase offline, and carefully review every transaction before approving it.

Always check Ledger’s official documentation for the latest device-specific instructions because setup procedures and software features can change over time.