Ledger Start — get set up, stay in control

A pragmatic, secure onboarding for your Ledger device — step-by-step, human-friendly, and built for long-term custody of crypto and keys.

Why Ledger Start exists

Crypto ownership begins the moment you create your first private key — and that responsibility can feel heavy. Ledger Start cuts through the noise: it’s a clear path to installing, initializing, and using your Ledger hardware so your private keys live where they should: offline, isolated, and under your control. This guide avoids jargon, shows practical choices, and highlights the small habits that keep funds safe for years.

What you’ll accomplish

  • Unbox and initialize your Ledger device confidently.
  • Create and securely record your recovery phrase using best practices.
  • Install Ledger Live and connect wallets for everyday use.
  • Adopt simple operational rules that reduce risk over time.

Core principles

Security doesn’t require paranoia — it needs repeatable, sensible habits. Ledger Start is built on three practical principles: minimize the attack surface (keep keys offline), make recovery simple (store the phrase safely), and plan for the long term (share access safely only when needed). Everything here is written to be actionable in under an hour for a first-time user.

Quick start — 6 focused steps

1) Inspect & unbox.

Check the packaging seal and quickstart leaflet. Only use the included USB cable and the official Ledger app.

2) Initialize device.

Power on, choose “Set up as new device”, and follow on-device prompts. Create a PIN that’s easy for you, hard for others.

3) Write your recovery phrase.

Write the words on the supplied card or a metal backup. Never store the phrase digitally. Treat it like the keys to a safe deposit box.

4) Install Ledger Live.

Download Ledger Live from the official source, install only the apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.), and keep firmware updated.

5) Receive a small transfer first.

Send a small amount to the new address to verify everything works before moving larger sums.

6) Plan for recovery & access.

Decide who (if anyone) needs access, prepare written instructions, and consider a metal backup stored separately from the device.

Advanced but pragmatic: make custody work for you

If you hold meaningful value, think in layers. Use your Ledger for everyday spending and a separate cold storage strategy for long-term holdings. Consider multisig when multiple trusted parties are involved, or split backups so no single lost piece compromises recovery. Avoid complexity for simplicity’s sake: the best security is the security you’ll actually follow.

Real-world examples

New users often make two repeatable mistakes: recording the seed phrase on a phone photo, or handing the device and PIN to a well-meaning friend. Both are avoidable. Follow the small checklist in this guide and you’ll reduce common loss scenarios dramatically. If you want, print the checklist and keep it with your safe-deposit instructions so future heirs can follow your recovery plan without guesswork.

Short FAQ

Is Ledger the same as an exchange?

No — Ledger is hardware for self-custody. You alone hold the private keys. Exchanges are custodial services; choose one or the other depending on your risk profile.

What if I lose my device?

Recover using your recovery phrase on a new compatible device or supported recovery tool. That’s why safe, offline storage of the phrase is critical.

How often should I update firmware?

Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated for security and compatibility. Updates are infrequent but important; review release notes before updating on mission-critical days.

Ready to begin? Click Start setup for a guided walkthrough with visuals, printable checklists, and a recovery planning template you can download.