Ledger.com/Start®

(Official Guide) Starting your Ledger device — setup, security, and first transactions

Welcome — why start with Ledger

Ledger devices secure your private keys inside a tamper-resistant hardware module while keeping them offline. They’re designed to reduce the risk of remote theft, phishing, and malware by ensuring that every transaction is explicitly approved on the device itself. This guide walks you through starting your device safely, protecting your recovery phrase, and completing your first verified transaction.

Unbox and verify

1. Confirm official purchase
Only buy from ledger.com or authorised retailers. Check packaging for tamper-evident seals and ensure the box has not been opened or resealed.
2. Power on & check welcome message
When you first power the device it will display a welcome screen. Follow on-device prompts — the device will never ask you to enter your recovery phrase into a computer or phone during setup.
3. Create a PIN
Choose a PIN you can remember but is not easily guessable. The device will lock and require the PIN to be entered on-device to confirm access.
4. Write your recovery phrase
A 24-word recovery phrase will be generated on-device. Write these words down on the card supplied or on a durable backup. Never store the phrase digitally or photograph it.

Install Ledger Live and apps

Download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start and install it on your desktop or mobile device. Use Ledger Live to install blockchain-specific apps to your device, view balances, and send/receive funds. Ledger Live verifies firmware updates and helps manage connected accounts.

First transaction — test small

Always send a small test amount to any new receiving address. When you use Ledger Live to receive, the address will appear on both the app and the device screen — verify they match before sharing the address. When sending, confirm the destination address and amount on the device display before approving.

Protecting your recovery phrase

Treat your recovery phrase as the ultimate key to your funds. Keep physical backups in secure locations (home safe, bank safe deposit box). Consider using a steel backup plate to protect against fire or water damage. If someone gains access to your recovery phrase they can restore your wallet on any compatible device and access your funds.

Advanced options and threat modelling

For higher-security setups consider using a passphrase (an additional secret that creates hidden wallets), multisignature configurations across multiple devices, or air-gapped signing for the most sensitive operations. Choose protections based on your threat model — a casual user may find a PIN + offline seed sufficient, while high-value storage benefits from multisig and geographic backup separation.

Maintenance & firmware updates

Keep firmware up to date via Ledger Live. Firmware updates include security patches and improvements. Only install updates verified by Ledger; never install firmware from third-party sources. If you suspect tampering, contact official support and verify device authenticity before using.

Sample public test address (do not use for funds):
0x0000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Final reminders

Always validate addresses on-device, keep backups offline, and never disclose your recovery phrase. If you plan to hold significant value, architect your storage with redundancy (multiple backups, geographic separation) and consider professional custody or multisig arrangements.