What is "Ledger Start"?
Ledger Start is the name we use here for the first steps anyone should take when they set up a Ledger hardware wallet. This guide covers unboxing, initial setup, seed phrase safety, and everyday best practices so you can protect your cryptocurrency from the beginning.
Quick Checklist — Before you begin
- Buy a Ledger device from an official source.
- Have a clean, private space for setup.
- Have pen and secure paper (or a metal backup plate) ready for your recovery phrase.
Step-by-step Ledger Start setup
Check the tamper-evident packaging and verify the device model. Never use a device that appears opened or altered.
Follow on-screen prompts to create a new wallet. Choose a PIN you can remember but that isn't easy to guess.
Write down the recovery (seed) phrase exactly in order — this is your last-resort backup. Keep it offline and separate from your device.
Install Ledger Live (official app) on your computer or mobile. Use it to manage accounts, install apps, and send/receive crypto.
Send a small amount of crypto first to confirm everything was set up correctly before moving larger sums.
Best practices after Ledger Start
Keep your recovery phrase offline, never share it, update firmware from official channels only, and consider a metal backup for disaster-resistant storage. If you need to move devices, use your recovery phrase only on trusted, genuine Ledger hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I store my recovery phrase digitally?
- No — storing the recovery phrase online (photos, cloud, email) risks theft. Keep it offline.
- Is Ledger Start the same for all Ledger models?
- Core steps (PIN, seed phrase, Ledger Live) are the same. Device screens and buttons vary, so consult the model-specific guide if needed.
- What if I lose my recovery phrase?
- If the recovery phrase is lost and you did not set up another backup, you may permanently lose access to funds. Always create multiple secure backups.