Overview — why start at Ledger.com/start
Beginning at Ledger.com/start helps you avoid counterfeit software, phishing pages, and common onboarding mistakes. The pages linked from Ledger.com/start provide checksums, firmware notices, official downloads, troubleshooting guides, and clear security explanations. Follow the concise steps below to complete your setup with minimal risk.
A short primer
Hardware wallets like Ledger keep private keys offline so that transfers require physical confirmation. That model is secure only when devices are initialized correctly. Ledger.com/start is where Ledger publishes the authoritative onboarding flow — use it as your source of truth.
Quick setup checklist
1. Inspect packaging
Compare what’s in the box to the images on Ledger.com/start/verify. If the seal or packaging looks tampered, stop and contact support.
2. Power on & create PIN
Create a PIN on-device. Avoid trivial sequences. Your PIN prevents on-device access without physical confirmation.
3. Write your recovery phrase
Record the 24-word recovery phrase offline. Do not photograph, screenshot, or store the phrase digitally. See best practices at Ledger.com/start/seed.
4. Download Ledger Live
Get Ledger Live only from Ledger.com/start/download. Verify the checksum before installing to ensure authenticity.
5. Update firmware
After pairing with Ledger Live, check firmware updates via Ledger.com/start/update. Apply updates promptly — they close security gaps.
6. Add accounts & test
Add accounts in Ledger Live, receive a small deposit, and confirm addresses on the device before larger transfers.
7. Use passphrases cautiously
Passphrases add privacy but increase complexity. Learn trade-offs at Ledger.com/start/passphrase.
8. Consider multisig for high value
For institutional or high-value holdings, multisig increases security. Official guidance at Ledger.com/start/multisig.
Security habits that stick
Adopt simple, repeatable routines: always verify download URLs, confirm addresses on your hardware screen, keep offline backups of your recovery phrase in secure locations, and revisit Ledger.com/start when you need authoritative steps or security bulletins.
Advanced topics
After you’re comfortable with basic operations, review advanced features such as passphrase wallets, third-party integrations, and multi-device setups. Each is covered in depth on specific pages linked from Ledger.com/start.
Adds a hidden wallet layer but increases recovery complexity. Docs: Ledger.com/start/passphrase.
Distributes signing power across devices. Guidance: Ledger.com/start/multisig.
Small troubleshooting primer
If your device doesn't pair or Ledger Live shows errors, start with the official troubleshooting steps at Ledger.com/start/troubleshoot. Common fixes include cable swaps, using a different USB port, and verifying firmware status.
Final recap
Make Ledger.com/start your bookmarked reference for setup and security. Its pages contain the latest official checksums, firmware notices, and support links. Bookmark the site and return whenever you need to verify instructions — it’s the fastest way to protect your assets.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is Ledger.com/start the official place to begin?
Yes — use Ledger.com/start for official downloads, verification instructions, and onboarding steps to reduce the risk of phishing and counterfeit apps.
2. Can I type my recovery phrase into Ledger Live?
Never type your recovery phrase into a computer or cloud service. Ledger.com/start repeatedly warns that recovery phrases must remain offline.
3. What if I lost my recovery phrase?
If the recovery phrase is lost and no backup exists, funds are irrecoverable. Ledger.com/start recommends making multiple offline backups and storing them securely.
4. Where do I download Ledger Live?
Download Ledger Live exclusively from Ledger.com/start/download. Verify checksums listed on that page.
5. How do I spot fake Ledger pages?
Check exact domain spelling, use bookmarks, and confirm SSL status. When in doubt, compare downloads and checksums on Ledger.com/start.