Welcome to Ledger Start — your simple, secure gateway to owning and controlling your crypto. Whether you’re opening your first hardware wallet, migrating assets, or refreshing your security habits, this guide walks you through the essential steps with clear explanations, practical tips, and confidence every step of the way.
Why a hardware wallet?
A hardware wallet is the safest place to keep the private keys that control your digital assets because it stores keys offline — away from phishing sites, malware, and online attackers. A Ledger device gives you peace of mind: your keys stay physically isolated while you still interact with apps and exchanges through secure connections.
What you’ll need before you start
- Your Ledger device (Nano S, Nano X, or another Ledger model).
- Ledger Live installed on your computer or phone — download only from the official source.
- A fully charged device and a reliable cable or Bluetooth connection (for supported models).
- A quiet, private place to write down and store your recovery phrase — never store it digitally.
Step-by-step setup (quick overview)
- Power & initialize: Turn on your Ledger and set a PIN. Choose one you can remember but that isn’t guessable.
- Write your recovery phrase: Your device shows a 12–24 word phrase. Write it on the recovery sheet and store it offline — this is the only way to restore your wallet.
- Install Ledger Live: Create a new profile, verify your device, and install firmware updates only through Ledger Live when prompted.
- Add accounts: Add Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported accounts to view balances and prepare transactions.
- Verify addresses: Always confirm receiving addresses on the device screen to prevent tampering.
Best practices for long-term safety
Never share your recovery phrase. Consider an additional hardware passphrase for hidden accounts, use geographically separated backups, beware of phishing links, and keep firmware updated. Small precautions now protect large balances later.
Common troubleshooting & tips
- Device not recognized? Try a different USB cable/port or another computer.
- Firmware/update issues? Reboot both device and computer, then use Ledger Live to retry.
- Lost recovery phrase? If you still have the device, immediately create a new wallet and transfer funds.
Common scams to watch for
Scammers impersonate support, send fake firmware, or request your seed phrase. If anyone asks for your recovery phrase, stop and verify through official support channels. If you suspect compromise, transfer funds using a new device and seed after confirming secure procedures.
Following these steps gives you a practical, secure foundation for managing crypto with confidence. Start slow, test with small amounts, and grow your setup safely.