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Get started with Ledger — Ledger.com/start

A friendly, practical guide that walks you through hardware wallet basics, initial setup, secure backup, and everyday best practices so you can own and protect your crypto with confidence.

Introduction

Welcome! This guide is built to help anyone Get started with Ledger — Ledger.com/start. Whether you're opening your first hardware wallet or migrating from a software wallet, these steps focus on safety-first setups and immediate actions you can take today.

Why a hardware wallet?

A hardware wallet stores your private keys offline, dramatically reducing exposure to hacks or phishing. By following the instructions at Ledger.com/start you combine best-in-class hardware, an intuitive app, and proven recovery workflows.

Step-by-step setup (core)

H1 — Unbox & check

When your Ledger arrives, inspect the packaging and tamper-evident seals. Never accept a used or opened device as new. Then head to Ledger.com/start to download official software. This ensures you use authenticated apps without third-party risk.

H2 — Create a new wallet

Power on the Ledger and follow the device prompts: choose a PIN, write down the recovery phrase exactly as shown, and confirm it. Store the recovery phrase in a safe place — do not photograph it or store it digitally. This phrase is the only way to recover your funds.

H4 — Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live (the desktop/mobile app) manages firmware updates and app installs for different cryptocurrencies. Use Ledger Live to add accounts, view balances, and receive/send transactions. Always confirm addresses on your device screen before approving transactions.

H5 — Perform a test transaction

Before moving large amounts, send a small test transaction to confirm the setup is correct. This step verifies address accuracy and ensures you are comfortable signing using the device screen and buttons.

Backup & recovery

The recovery phrase is sacred. Consider writing it on a metal backup plate or storing a copy in a secure safe deposit. If you prefer redundancy, keep two physically separated backups. Remember: anyone with that phrase can access your crypto — lose it, and the funds are unrecoverable.

Daily operations and habits

Make a habit of checking transaction details directly on the Ledger device before confirming. Avoid entering your PIN on untrusted devices, and never disclose your recovery phrase to anyone — Ledger support will never ask for it. If you must interact with web-based dApps, prefer WalletConnect or the Ledger Live bridge rather than pasting private keys.

Troubleshooting & support

If you encounter firmware issues, only update using Ledger Live. If you lose your device but possess the recovery phrase, you can restore on a new Ledger or compatible wallet that supports standard seeds. If you do not have the recovery phrase, contact official Ledger support pages for account and device verification steps — but remember: they cannot restore funds without your phrase.

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Practical checklist — follow these now

  1. Unbox and inspect — confirm sealed package.
  2. Go to Ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live.
  3. Create a PIN and write down your recovery phrase securely.
  4. Install crypto apps and add accounts via Ledger Live.
  5. Send a small test transaction and verify on-device address.