Ledger Start — Your Secure Path to Crypto Ownership
Welcome to Ledger Start, your dedicated setup guide for activating and securing your new Ledger hardware wallet. This page is designed to walk you through every part of the onboarding process with clarity, simplicity, and best-in-class security principles. Whether this is your first time entering the crypto ecosystem or you are transitioning from another wallet provider, this guide ensures you begin with the strongest possible foundation.
A hardware wallet is the safest form of self-custody because it stores your private keys offline, isolating them from digital threats. This setup experience serves not only as a technical walkthrough but also as a security orientation. You will learn how to maintain long-term protection of your digital assets, safeguard your recovery phrase, and confidently navigate the Ledger Live ecosystem.
What Makes Ledger Different?
Ledger devices use a Secure Element chip—the same type of chip used in passports and credit cards—to protect sensitive data. Your private keys never leave the device and cannot be extracted even if the computer you connect to is compromised. This "closed-environment" security model ensures every transaction must be physically verified by you, giving you complete control and eliminating the dependency on third-party platforms or centralized services. With Ledger, only you truly own your crypto.
Setup Progress
0 of 6 completedStep 1 — Open and Verify Your Device
Begin by unboxing your Ledger and confirming that it arrives in perfect condition. Ledger never includes a pre-written recovery phrase of any kind. If you find one in the box or receive any written words with the device, stop immediately. A valid device always generates a brand-new recovery phrase on the screen during setup. This ensures that you—and only you—control the master key to your wallet.
Step 2 — Connect the Device
Plug the Ledger into your computer using the included cable. When the device powers on, follow the on-screen prompts. Navigation is handled using the two top buttons: one for moving left, one for moving right, and both buttons at the same time to confirm. The interface is simple and intentionally minimal, allowing you to focus on important choices without distractions.
Step 3 — Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official companion software for your device. It allows you to install crypto apps, manage accounts, check balances, monitor your portfolio, and perform secure transactions. Once you download and install Ledger Live from the official source, launch the application and select the option to initialize a new device. Ledger Live will sync with your hardware wallet and guide you through the next stages of configuration.
Step 4 — Choose a Personal PIN
Your PIN protects your device if it is lost or stolen. Select a PIN code that is both secure and memorable. Avoid simple patterns or easily guessed combinations. If too many incorrect attempts are made, the device will reset as a protective measure. This ensures that even physical access to your wallet cannot compromise your funds.
Step 5 — Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
Your recovery phrase is the core of your digital identity. It restores your wallet in the event that your device becomes damaged, lost, or reset. These words are generated randomly by your Ledger device—never online—and shown only once. Write them down carefully and store them offline in a secure location. Do not store them digitally, and never share them under any circumstances. This phrase gives full access to your assets and must remain private at all times.
Step 6 — Install Apps & Start Managing Assets
Once your recovery phrase is confirmed, Ledger Live will finalize your setup and direct you to the main dashboard. You can now install apps for the cryptocurrencies you intend to manage and add accounts for each asset. From here, you gain access to real-time balances, transaction history, and portfolio insights—all backed by the safety of your hardware wallet. Every transaction you approve must be signed on the device itself, ensuring maximum protection.