A calmer way to get started
Ledger.com/start is the official place to begin onboarding a Ledger hardware wallet. It guides new owners through the first steps, including finding the appropriate companion software and preparing a device. Before following any instructions, check the address carefully: scammers often imitate familiar brands with lookalike pages, sponsored results, and urgent messages. Type the official address yourself or use a trusted bookmark, and make sure you are on Ledger’s real domain before downloading anything.
A few minutes of preparation makes setup more straightforward. Unbox your device in a private space, use a computer or phone you trust, and allow enough time to read each screen. Keep the device close by and connect it only as instructed by the official guide. If a prompt or download feels unexpected, pause and confirm it through Ledger Support rather than relying on a search result or a message from someone claiming to help.
Initialize the device at your pace
Follow the on-device prompts to configure a new device or, when applicable, restore access using a recovery phrase you already control. Read each instruction on the device itself and compare it with the official onboarding guidance. Set a PIN that is hard for others to guess but that you can remember. Do not let another person choose it, watch you enter it, or handle your device while it is unlocked.
During setup, Ledger’s software may ask you to install applications for the digital assets you want to manage. Only install through the official Ledger application and follow the current instructions for your specific model. A hardware wallet is one part of a broader security routine: your device protects private keys, while safe browsing, careful approvals, and secure backups remain your responsibility.
Make your recovery phrase truly yours
If your device generates a recovery phrase, write it down exactly as shown and store it offline in a secure place. Never take a photo, save it in cloud storage, email it, or enter it into a website, app, chat, or support form. No legitimate support representative needs your phrase. Anyone who obtains it may be able to access the assets associated with it, even without your physical device.
Check the written backup carefully before storing it, then keep it somewhere private and protected from loss or damage. Consider who could access that location and whether it is resilient to everyday risks. If you are restoring an existing wallet, use only the recovery process shown on the device and official instructions. Never share the phrase to “verify” a wallet, unlock a reward, fix an issue, or receive help.
Verify, then continue
Before approving a transaction, slow down and review the details displayed on your device. Confirm the address and amount on the trusted screen, not only in a browser or mobile app. If the information does not match what you expect, reject the request and investigate. Be cautious of unsolicited calls, direct messages, QR codes, and support accounts that create pressure or promise guaranteed returns.
Ledger.com/start is a useful beginning, not a substitute for ongoing judgment. Keep your device firmware and software current using official channels, protect your PIN, and learn the basics before moving valuable assets. When uncertain, stop. Visit the official support site by entering its address directly, and check Ledger Academy for educational material. A secure setup is not about rushing through a checklist; it is about understanding what each step protects.
Go straight to the source.
This page is an independent educational overview and is not an official Ledger support page. Product screens and setup steps may change; always rely on current instructions published by Ledger.