Begin Your Hardware Wallet Setup
Activate your Ledger hardware wallet with a secure, guided setup experience. Protect your digital assets the right way from the very first step.
Getting Started the Right Way
Ledger.com/start is the official entry point for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you're new to crypto or upgrading from another wallet, this guide ensures your device is initialized correctly and your digital assets are stored in a secure, offline environment. Ledger hardware wallets are trusted because they keep private keys isolated from online threats, giving you full control of your crypto holdings without relying on centralized platforms.
Your Ledger device acts as a personal vault. Unlike software wallets that depend on your phone or computer, Ledger stores your private keys in a protected chip that is built to resist tampering. The setup process ensures your device is genuine, your recovery phrase is created securely, and your portfolio is managed through Ledger Live—the companion software that gives you a complete view of your assets in one place.
Why Ledger.com/start Is Important
Using Ledger.com/start guarantees that you are following the manufacturer's official instructions rather than relying on third-party guides, which may contain outdated or unsafe information. Crypto security begins with proper initialization. This includes verifying device authenticity, creating a secure recovery phrase, and connecting to the official Ledger Live application. These steps protect you from malicious actors, phishing websites, and counterfeit products that can compromise your funds.
Ledger's onboarding process is designed to be simple while reinforcing critical security habits. Every step you take helps ensure that your assets remain yours alone. No one—not Ledger, not any support agent, not any website—should ever ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. Keeping this phrase offline is central to maintaining control over your digital wealth.
Your Step-by-Step Device Setup
1. Connect and Power Up
Remove your Ledger device from its box and connect it to your computer or mobile device using the included cable. When the screen lights up, follow the prompts to begin the setup. You will be asked whether you are initializing a new wallet or restoring an existing one. Always verify that the packaging was intact before unboxing to ensure authenticity.
2. Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official interface that lets you manage your portfolio. From installing crypto apps to checking account balances, it serves as your digital dashboard. Download it only through the link provided on Ledger.com/start to avoid downloading modified or fraudulent versions from unofficial sources.
3. Secure Your Recovery Phrase
During the setup, your device will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the only backup to your wallet. Write it down exactly as shown, store it in a secure place, and never take a digital photo of it. If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, this phrase will allow you to restore your assets on a new Ledger device.
4. Verify Your Device
One of Ledger's most important security features is the authenticity check. Ledger Live automatically confirms that your hardware wallet hasn't been tampered with. This step protects users from counterfeit devices that could potentially compromise private keys or redirect transactions.
Best Practices for Long-Term Security
Once your device is set up, it's important to maintain good security habits. Keep your firmware updated through Ledger Live to ensure the latest protections and compatibility improvements are installed. Avoid connecting your device to unfamiliar computers or using unofficial charging hubs that may attempt attacks through USB.
When approving transactions, rely on the device screen—not the computer screen— to confirm all details. The Ledger display is immune to remote tampering, which makes it a reliable final checkpoint. If anything appears different from what you intended, reject the transaction immediately.
Ledger.com/start is your safe foundation for building strong crypto habits. By following the official setup steps and maintaining awareness of security best practices, you gain the confidence to explore, invest, and manage your digital assets with complete control.