Welcome to Ledger Start — Your Secure Path Into the Crypto World

Protecting your digital wealth begins with taking full control of your private keys. Ledger Start is designed to guide you from the moment you unbox your device to your first secure transaction. Whether you’re new to crypto or an experienced holder seeking stronger security, this step-by-step guide will help you set up your device with confidence and peace of mind.

Why Security Starts Here

Digital assets are valuable and increasingly targeted. Exchanges, online wallets, and software-based solutions can be vulnerable to hacks, malware, and phishing attacks. A hardware wallet provides a physical security layer that isolates your private keys from the online world.

Ledger Start focuses on three pillars:

1. Ownership

You—not an exchange—hold your private keys.

2. Isolation

Your device keeps critical information offline, safe from malware.

3. Verification

Every action requires your manual confirmation on the secure screen of your device.

With these foundations, you’re ready to take control of your crypto life.

Step 1 — Unbox and Verify Your Device

When you open your package, you should find:

• Your hardware wallet device
• A USB cable
• A recovery sheet
• Quick-start instructions
• Additional security or warranty materials

Inspect the package carefully. Make sure it is sealed properly and hasn’t been tampered with. Legitimate devices never arrive pre-configured. If anything looks suspicious—like a pre-written recovery phrase—stop immediately and contact support.

Step 2 — Install the Official Companion App

To configure your hardware wallet, connect it to the official Ledger companion app. This app is your secure interface for managing crypto assets, installing apps, checking balances, and initiating transactions.

How to install:

1. Visit the official download page from a trusted source—never use links sent via email or social media.
2. Choose your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android).
3. Install and launch the application.
4. Plug your device into your computer or mobile phone using the provided cable.

Once connected, the app will detect your hardware wallet and begin the guided setup.

Step 3 — Set Up a New Device

When prompted, select “Set up as new device.” The device will ask you to create a secure PIN. This PIN prevents unauthorized access, so choose one that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.

• Use all available digits.
• Avoid repeating patterns.
• Never share your PIN.

The device will require the PIN whenever it powers on. Treat it with the same importance as the PIN for your bank card—possibly more.

Step 4 — Generate and Secure Your Recovery Phrase

This is the most important step.

Your hardware wallet will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. These 24 words are the master key to all your digital assets.

Keep it offline. Keep it secret. Keep it safe.

• Write the words clearly on the provided recovery sheet.
• Never take photos or screenshots.
• Never save it in emails, cloud drives, or notes apps.
• Never share it with anyone—not even support staff.

If your device is ever lost, stolen, or damaged, this phrase is what restores your assets. Anyone who has it can access your crypto.

Once you’ve written the words down, your device will ask you to confirm them in random order. This ensures you’ve copied the phrase correctly.

Step 5 — Install Crypto Apps

Inside the companion app, you can install applications for the cryptocurrencies you wish to manage. Each asset type—Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and others—requires its own dedicated ledger application.

Only install the apps you need. You can uninstall apps later without losing funds; the blockchain records your balances, not the device.

Step 6 — Receive Your First Crypto Safely

With your wallet configured, you can now generate a receiving address.

1. Choose the asset you want to receive.
2. Click “Receive.”
3. The companion app will display a deposit address.
4. Verify this address on your device’s screen.

This verification ensures that no malware or malicious extension altered your address before sharing it. Once confirmed, you can send funds from an exchange, another wallet, or a friend.

Your crypto will appear after network confirmations.

Step 7 — Make Your First Secure Transaction

When you want to send crypto:

1. Enter the recipient’s address in the companion app.
2. Choose the amount and confirm the network fees.
3. Review all transaction details.
4. Your device will display the details on its secure screen.
5. Press the device buttons to physically confirm.

This final hardware confirmation ensures no unauthorized transaction can be executed without your explicit approval.

Advanced Features and Tools

Ledger devices offer more than basic asset storage. Once your device is set up, you can explore:

Staking

Earn rewards by participating in blockchain validation for assets like Ethereum, Polkadot, Tezos, and others—always with your keys kept offline.

NFT Management

Store and view your NFTs securely. Manage digital collectibles with confidence and ownership fully preserved.

Swap and Buy

Use integrated partners to buy crypto or swap one asset for another, all while keeping your private keys safe.

DeFi Access

Interact with decentralized finance applications through secure connections that maintain device-level confirmation for every transaction.

Best Practices for Ongoing Security

Even with a hardware wallet, your behavior influences your safety. Follow these guidelines to stay protected:

• Always verify addresses on your device screen, not just in the app.
• Update firmware only from the official app.
• Bookmark the official website and avoid search-engine ads.
• Beware of phishing attempts, fake support accounts, or unexpected messages.
• Never disclose your recovery phrase under any circumstance.
• Store your recovery sheet in a fireproof, physical location—or upgrade to a steel backup.

Your security is strongest when both your device and your habits work together.

Troubleshooting and Support

If you encounter issues, the companion app offers built-in diagnostics to check connectivity, firmware versions, and app integrity. You can also access official support articles, step-by-step guides, and community forums.

Remember: Legitimate support will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Begin Your Path to Digital Independence

The future of finance is decentralized, and ownership matters more than ever. By completing your Ledger Start setup, you’ve taken one of the most important steps in securing your digital life.

Your crypto is now protected by industry-leading technology, verified actions, and the strongest form of control—your own.

Whenever you’re ready, dive deeper into the ecosystem: manage tokens, explore DeFi, collect NFTs, stake assets, and build long-term wealth with confidence.

Your journey starts here.
Your security starts with you.