ledger.com/start is the official onboarding hub for Ledger hardware wallet users. It is designed to walk new device owners through the process of securely setting up their wallet, from unboxing and verifying authenticity, to installing necessary software, creating or restoring wallets, and making their first cryptocurrency transactions. Its goal is to ensure that users establish best security practices from the very beginning so that their digital assets are protected properly.
The page offers step-by-step instructions for different Ledger device models. It explains how to download Ledger’s companion application, how to connect your device, how to install firmware, and how to generate or recover a recovery phrase. It also provides guidance on setting up security measures such as a PIN and optional passphrase. In addition, the portal helps you understand how to manage crypto assets securely using the Ledger Live app, including sending and receiving funds, tracking balances, and verifying transactions safely.
Before beginning setup, ledger.com/start recommends verifying that your hardware wallet device has not been tampered with’ packaging is intact and seals are unbroken. It suggests having a clean computer or mobile device to use during setup to reduce risk of malware. You will also need a stable internet connection to download required software. The guide makes clear that you should never share recovery phrases and that you should write them down offline rather than storing them digitally.
One of the first tasks is acquiring Ledger Live, the companion software used to manage your Ledger device. This is the app through which you can install firmware, initialize the wallet, restore using a recovery phrase, install or manage apps on your Ledger device, and view accounts and balances. Whether you use a desktop or mobile version, the setup flow through Ledger Live ensures that you are interacting with your device securely and that all sensitive steps require your device’s confirmation.
ledger.com/start explains how to apply firmware updates via Ledger Live, ensuring your device runs the latest version, which includes security fixes and feature improvements. The setup includes a genuine check, so your device’s authenticity is verified. These steps help prevent use of compromised or counterfeit devices. Firmware installation is guided in a way that displays status and progress on both the Live app and the device screen.
Once firmware is installed and the device is authenticated, you have the option to create a new wallet or recover an existing one using a recovery phrase. The recovery phrase is a critical backup that allows restoration of all funds if the hardware device is lost or damaged. The guide stresses that recovery phrases must be stored offline, written on paper or durable material, and kept safe from unauthorized access.
The system guides users in setting a PIN on their device, which is required every time the device is used. This prevents unauthorized physical access. For users wanting extra protection, there is often an option to enable a passphrase. This additional security layer means even if the device and PIN are compromised, the funds remain secure as long as the passphrase is private and remembered. The guide emphasizes taking care to store such credentials safely.
After setup, ledger.com/start shows how to use Ledger Live to create accounts for different coins, install necessary apps on the hardware wallet, and begin sending or receiving crypto. Users are guided to verify each transaction on the hardware’s own screen before confirming. The portal also teaches how to review balances, track transaction history, and monitor portfolio performance securely.
Throughout the onboarding steps, ledger.com/start emphasizes security best practices. These include never sharing recovery phrases, choosing strong PINs, verifying that all firmware and apps are from official sources, keeping software up to date, and using the hardware device’s own display to confirm critical actions. The guide also warns against entering sensitive information in untrusted environments or using unverified software.
The portal anticipates common problems such as connection issues (USB or Bluetooth depending on model), firmware update errors, or difficulties with account synchronization. It suggests basic remedies like checking cables or connections, ensuring the correct app is installed on the Ledger device, restarting the companion application, or reinstalling firmware. These troubleshooting tips help users overcome setup barriers without compromising security.
ledger.com/start is the foundational resource for Ledger hardware wallet owners. By guiding you through secure device setup, firmware installation, wallet creation or recovery, and safe practices for transaction management, the onboarding portal helps ensure your crypto holdings begin their life under solid protection. Following its recommendations gives greater confidence that your private keys remain offline, recovery backups are secure, and that you are using your Ledger device correctly and safely.