Ledger.com/start — Starting Up Your Device | Ledger®

Setting up a new hardware wallet should begin with security, not shortcuts. If you have recently purchased a Ledger device, the official setup process is designed to help you initialize the device, protect access to your digital assets, and connect it with Ledger’s companion wallet application.

For the safest starting point, use the official Ledger.com/start destination and follow the instructions provided for your specific device. Ledger recommends obtaining its software from official sources and carefully checking website addresses before downloading anything.

What Is Ledger.com/start?

Ledger.com/start is intended to guide users through the initial setup of a Ledger hardware wallet. Depending on your device, the onboarding process can include installing the Ledger Wallet application, connecting your device, creating a PIN, recording your Secret Recovery Phrase, and completing security checks.

The setup experience is important because your hardware wallet is designed to keep private keys protected while allowing you to verify transactions on the physical device. Ledger’s current setup guidance emphasizes using the official Ledger Wallet application and completing the device verification process before managing assets.

Step 1: Get the Official Ledger Wallet App

Begin by downloading the official Ledger Wallet application through Ledger’s website. The application acts as the interface for managing supported digital assets and pairing your hardware device.

Avoid downloading wallet software from advertisements, unofficial websites, unknown links, or third-party file repositories. Fake wallet applications and phishing websites can be designed to steal sensitive information. Checking the domain carefully before entering any information is an essential security habit.

Once the application is installed, open it and follow the on-screen instructions for your Ledger model.

Step 2: Connect and Initialize Your Device

Connect your Ledger device as instructed by the setup application. New users will generally be guided through an initialization process where the device is configured for first use.

One of the most important parts of setup is creating your device PIN. Choose a PIN that is difficult for others to guess and never share it with another person. Ledger documentation describes the PIN as a protection layer for access to the physical device.

Take your time during this stage. Carefully read every instruction displayed on the device itself rather than relying solely on information shown on your computer or smartphone.

Step 3: Secure Your Secret Recovery Phrase

Your Secret Recovery Phrase is one of the most important pieces of information created during wallet setup. For a new wallet, the device generates a recovery phrase that can be used to restore access to the wallet if the hardware device becomes unavailable.

Write the words down exactly as displayed by your Ledger device and store the backup securely offline. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger specifically warns users to keep recovery information in a secure location and away from internet-connected devices.

A legitimate support representative will not need you to disclose your Secret Recovery Phrase. Anyone asking for it should be treated as a potential scam.

Step 4: Verify Your Device

Modern Ledger onboarding includes a genuine-device verification process. This helps confirm that the device is authentic before you proceed with managing your assets.

After completing setup, you can use the Ledger Wallet application to install supported applications and create accounts for the assets you want to manage. Ledger’s official onboarding material describes this general flow as setting up the wallet, securing the recovery phrase, installing applications, and creating accounts.

For additional guidance, you can explore the official Ledger Academy resources for explanations of wallet security, self-custody, and device setup.

Important Security Tips

When starting your Ledger device, keep these basic rules in mind:

Ledger’s security model is based on keeping private keys protected by the hardware device while allowing users to verify transactions before approving them.

Start Your Ledger Journey Safely

Getting started with a hardware wallet does not have to be complicated. The key is to follow the official instructions carefully and treat your recovery information as highly confidential.

If you are ready to initialize your device, visit Ledger.com/start and use the official setup instructions for your model. For broader information about managing digital assets, security practices, and self-custody, the Ledger Academy can provide additional educational resources.

Remember: the safest setup is a careful setup. Take your time, verify what you see on your physical device, and never share the information that controls access to your wallet.