A PRACTICAL STARTER
A hardware wallet gives you a way to approve digital-asset transactions while keeping private keys protected by a dedicated device. Getting started is less about rushing through screens and more about understanding what each decision means. Use this overview as a companion, then rely on official Ledger instructions for device-specific details.
01 Start at the official page
Type ledger.com/start into your browser yourself, or use the official link on this page and inspect the address before continuing. Look for the exact ledger.com domain and a secure connection. Search ads, unsolicited messages, and lookalike domains can lead to convincing copies, so don’t use a setup link sent by a stranger.
The official getting-started page points you toward Ledger’s current setup process and software. Follow the steps that match your model and computer or phone. If a screen differs from this general overview, trust the current instructions shown by Ledger rather than attempting to improvise.
02 Prepare a clear workspace
Unbox the device yourself and set aside a few uninterrupted minutes. Use a personal computer or phone you trust, install companion software only from a link reached through Ledger’s official website, and keep your device close by. Make sure you can read the display comfortably; careful verification is easier when you are not multitasking.
Your device will guide you through its initial checks and setup. Read each prompt, confirm actions on the device itself, and pause if something is unexpected. Never share a PIN, recovery phrase, or device approval with anyone offering to “help” through a chat or phone call.
03 Treat recovery information as a secret
During setup, your device may generate a recovery phrase. It is a powerful backup: someone who obtains it could gain control of the assets associated with it. Write it down offline exactly as instructed, check each word carefully, and store it somewhere private and physically secure. Do not photograph it, save it in cloud storage, email it, or enter it into a website.
Ledger support will never need your recovery phrase. No legitimate support agent, app, or troubleshooting page should ask you to reveal it. If you see a request to type the phrase into a computer or phone, stop. Return to the official support site by entering its address yourself and seek guidance there.
04 If something feels off, pause
A setup delay, unfamiliar prompt, or connection problem is a reason to slow down—not to bypass a warning. Check that your software came from an official source, reconnect only as directed, and compare the on-device details with what you intended to approve. Never approve a transaction you do not recognize.
For model-specific questions, use Ledger’s support center rather than relying on a search result or unsolicited direct message. Keep your device PIN and recovery phrase private while describing the issue; ordinary troubleshooting should not require either secret.
Go straight to the source
For current steps and product-specific details, continue with Ledger’s official resources:
Your keys, your responsibility. Take the time to understand every step before you confirm it.