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THE SELF-CUSTODY FIELD GUIDE

Your first steps
with Ledger.com/start

A clear, human guide to setting up a hardware wallet, finding your way around Ledger Live, and building the habits that help keep your crypto yours.

Start with the essentials Jump to security
8 minute read Updated for new users
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START HERE

A confident start,
one step at a time.

New to a hardware wallet? No jargon, no shortcuts. Here's the thoughtful path from unboxing to your first secure transaction.

01

Check your device

Buy from Ledger or an authorized reseller. Before setup, make sure the packaging is intact and the device is new to you.

Know what to check
02

Set up securely

Use Ledger's official setup instructions to initialize your device and create a PIN. Your device should generate a fresh recovery phrase.

Explore setup basics
03

Protect your recovery phrase

Write it down offline, in private, and store it somewhere safe. Anyone who has the phrase can control the assets it backs up.

Learn phrase safety
i

A quick but important note: This is an independent educational guide, not an official Ledger support channel. Ledger will never ask you to share your 24-word recovery phrase.

Official Ledger resources
YOUR SETUP, SIMPLIFIED READY WHEN YOU ARE
Initialize your deviceCreate a PIN only you know
DONE
02
Write down your recovery phraseKeep it offline and private
YOUR TURN
03
Verify your phraseConfirm it on the device itself
Your recovery phrase belongs to you alone.
SETUP WITHOUT THE STRESS

Take a moment.
Set it up right.

Getting started is less about speed and more about knowing what's happening. Take your time with each prompt, and use your device screen to verify sensitive actions.

  • Install Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website.
  • Let your device generate its own recovery phrase.
  • Never type your phrase into a computer, phone, or website.
Visit official Ledger setup
MEET YOUR COMPANION APP

Ledger Live, made
a little less mysterious.

Ledger Live is the companion app used with Ledger devices. It helps you manage accounts and explore supported crypto services—while your private keys remain secured by your hardware wallet.

Explore Ledger Live
LEDGER LIVE•••
YOUR PORTFOLIO ···
Your assets Manage securely with your device
MONTUEWEDTHUFRISATTODAY
₿BitcoinAccount overview
◆EthereumAccount overview
Confirm transactions on your device
YOUR EVERYDAY SECURITY

Small habits.
Stronger self-custody.

Security isn't a one-time setup. Keep these simple principles close, and pause whenever something doesn't feel right.

The five rules
01

Your recovery phrase is the master key.

Never share it—not with support, friends, or a website. Ledger support will never request it.

02

Verify on the device screen.

Check addresses and transaction details on your hardware wallet before approving.

03

Slow down around urgent messages.

Unexpected links, giveaways, and threats are common scam tactics. Go directly to official sources.

04

Keep your PIN private.

Choose a PIN you can remember and enter it where others cannot observe.

05

Practice with care.

Understand the network, asset, fees, and destination before making a transfer.

GOOD QUESTIONS

Before you get
started.

The basics, answered plainly. For device-specific troubleshooting, use Ledger's official support resources.

What is Ledger.com/start?

Ledger.com/start is Ledger's official onboarding destination. This independent page is an educational overview to help you understand the general setup journey. For the official, current steps for your device, visit Ledger's start page.

What is a recovery phrase, and why does it matter?

It's a sequence of words that can restore access to the crypto accounts associated with your wallet. Treat it like a master key: keep it offline, private, and protected from loss or damage. Never share it digitally.

Does Ledger Live hold my private keys?

Ledger Live is a companion application; the private keys for accounts secured by your Ledger device are protected by the hardware wallet. Always verify and approve transactions on the device itself.

What if someone asks me for my 24 words?

Do not share them. Stop the conversation and verify any claim by navigating directly to Ledger's official website. No legitimate support agent needs your recovery phrase.

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Start informed.
Stay in control.

Your first step doesn't have to be complicated. Take the time to learn, verify, and keep your recovery phrase to yourself.

Continue to Ledger.com/start Always use official Ledger channels for device setup.