This refreshed guide provides an expanded, clearer, and more comprehensive walkthrough for users who are beginning their journey with Ledger.com/Start. The goal is to help you understand every major step in setting up, securing, and maintaining your Ledger device with absolute confidence, especially if you are setting it up for the first time.
When you begin your setup process, your first priority should always be **device authenticity**. A Ledger device is a security tool meant to store your private keys offline, so ensuring that the device is genuine is the most crucial step. Inspect the packaging, verify that the box is sealed, and ensure the internal materials look correct and untampered. If anything looks suspicious, contact Ledger Support immediately.
After verifying the device, download the official Ledger Live application from the correct source. Ledger Live is the primary gateway that enables you to manage apps, update firmware, create accounts, and verify transaction paths. Always download Ledger Live from the official website only — never from third-party stores or unknown links.
Next, connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile phone. The device will prompt you to choose a PIN. Select a PIN that is strong, private, and difficult to guess. Avoid repetitively used numbers and never share your PIN with anyone. This PIN protects access to your hardware wallet, and selecting a secure one helps prevent unauthorized entry.
Once your PIN is set, the device will begin the most essential step: **creating your recovery phrase**. The recovery phrase, often 24 words long, is the ultimate backup to your wallet. It allows you to recover your crypto funds even if your device is damaged, lost, reset, or stolen. Write your recovery phrase on paper only. Do not store it on your phone, computer, or cloud storage under any circumstances. Physical copies reduce the risk of digital theft.
When writing the phrase, double-check each word and confirm its order. Many users make small mistakes such as misspelling a word or mixing the order — these mistakes can make recovery impossible later. Ledger devices guide you through a confirmation step to ensure accuracy. Pay careful attention during this part of the process.
After the backup process is complete, Ledger Live will guide you to install apps for the blockchains you want to use. For example, if you plan on holding Bitcoin, you will need to install the Bitcoin app. If you plan on holding Ethereum or ERC‑20 tokens, you'll install the Ethereum app. Each app connects your device with the appropriate blockchain protocol.
With apps installed, Ledger Live will allow you to create accounts. Accounts represent positions on the blockchain, and you may create multiple accounts for better organization. All private keys remain inside your Ledger device. Ledger Live only displays your balances and transaction history — it never holds your private keys. This makes the Ledger ecosystem extremely secure compared to software-only wallets.
Once your accounts are created, you can begin receiving cryptocurrency. Every time you receive funds, **verify the receiving address on your device screen**. Ledger hardware wallets always show the true address; if the address displayed on Ledger Live ever differs from what your Ledger device shows, stop immediately — your computer may be compromised. Verifying addresses reduces the risk of malware redirecting your funds.
Sending cryptocurrency follows a similar pattern. You will enter the recipient address in Ledger Live, choose the amount, adjust network fees, and then confirm the transaction. The Ledger device will display the transaction details, allowing you to verify the accuracy before approving. Never approve a transaction you do not recognize or fully understand.
Updating firmware is another key part of maintaining optimal device security. Firmware updates often include improvements that protect your device from evolving threats. Before updating, ensure your recovery phrase is backed up and accurate. Then, follow Ledger Live’s step-by-step firmware update guide. Never attempt to install firmware from any unofficial source.
For advanced users, Ledger devices support additional features such as passphrases, hidden wallets, and multi-chain account management. Passphrases provide an extra layer of protection by creating a hidden, secondary wallet. Hidden wallets are ideal for advanced operational security, but they should only be used by individuals who fully understand how passphrase-based wallets function. Losing the passphrase means losing access forever.
As part of good long-term security practices, consider storing your recovery phrase in a fireproof and waterproof recovery plate. Avoid storing multiple copies in the same location. For estate planning, some users also create legally documented recovery instructions stored in secure vaults or safes. Keep your phrase private even when planning inheritance.
If you encounter technical issues such as device detection errors, failed synchronizations, or app installation problems, Ledger Live includes built-in troubleshooting tools. Additionally, Ledger provides extensive guides, help-center articles, and official user community discussions where you can learn best practices or get assistance.
Finally, always maintain strong online hygiene. Avoid phishing links, never enter your recovery phrase into any website, and do not trust anyone claiming to be support who asks for sensitive information. Your Ledger is designed so that only you have control over your assets. Keeping your information private is your greatest defense.
Conclusion: By carefully following these steps — verifying authenticity, setting a secure PIN, backing up your recovery phrase safely, installing blockchain apps, verifying addresses, updating firmware, and practicing healthy security habits — you will confidently navigate the Ledger.com/Start setup process with maximum protection.