Ledger Start — Official Guide to Getting Started
This Ledger Start guide delivers concise, official instructions for initializing your Ledger device, using Ledger Live, and securing your recovery phrase with best practices for long-term custody.
What Ledger Start Means
Ledger Start refers to the initial setup and onboarding process for Ledger hardware wallets, including device activation, firmware verification, and first-time configuration in Ledger Live. Ledger Start is designed to ensure the device is genuine, the firmware is current, and the recovery phrase is created and stored securely.
Prepare for Ledger Start
Before you begin Ledger Start, unbox your Ledger device and verify package integrity. For Ledger Start you will need a computer or a mobile device with the latest Ledger Live application, an available USB port (or Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X), and a secure, private workspace to write down your recovery phrase. Avoid public Wi-Fi and never share your recovery phrase during Ledger Start.
Step-by-Step Ledger Start
This section outlines a concise sequence to complete Ledger Start confidently and securely.
- Install Ledger Live: Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and install it on your OS (macOS, Windows, or Linux) or mobile device. Ledger Start begins in Ledger Live.
- Connect your device: Connect your Ledger device via USB or Bluetooth. For Ledger Start, follow on-screen prompts and never accept unsolicited popups from unknown pages.
- Verify firmware: During Ledger Start Ledger Live will verify your firmware version. Approve only official firmware updates displayed in Ledger Live.
- Create PIN: During Ledger Start set a secure PIN on the device. This PIN protects physical access to the device.
- Generate recovery phrase: Ledger Start will present a 24-word recovery phrase on the device; write it down exactly in order on the provided recovery sheet. Do not photograph or store it digitally.
- Confirm recovery phrase: Ledger Start includes a confirmation step where you verify a subset of words on the device to ensure the seed is recorded correctly.
Security Considerations for Ledger Start
Security is central to every Ledger Start. Protect your recovery phrase by storing it offline in a physically secure place. Never share your recovery phrase or PIN. If a website, email, or chat asks for your recovery phrase during Ledger Start or at any time, treat it as a phishing attempt and decline immediately.
Confirm device authenticity during Ledger Start by checking the device's secure element prompts and verifying firmware signatures through Ledger Live. Use hardware security best practices such as tamper-evident storage, a dedicated offline safe, or a safety deposit box for long-term seed storage.
Troubleshooting Common Ledger Start Issues
If Ledger Start does not complete, verify connectivity (cables, ports, permissions), confirm Ledger Live is the official download, and ensure the device battery (for Nano X) is charged. If firmware update fails during Ledger Start, retry with a stable internet connection and consult Ledger's official support articles rather than third-party forums.
In cases of suspected device compromise during Ledger Start, stop immediately, do not enter your recovery phrase on any computer or phone, and contact Ledger support for next steps.
Ledger Start in Institutional or Multi-User Contexts
For teams and institutions, Ledger Start may include using Ledger's enterprise products or integration with custody platforms. During Ledger Start for institutional use, follow organizational policy for key backup, multi-sig setups, and audited storage. Use official Ledger documentation and certified partners for integrations to maintain compliance and operational security.
Next Steps after Ledger Start
After Ledger Start, add applications (Ethereum, Bitcoin, etc.) in Ledger Live, create accounts, and optionally migrate small test amounts to confirm configuration. For routine maintenance, keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date, review permissions for connected dApps, and periodically audit physical seed storage as part of your Ledger Start governance.
Conclusion — Ledger Start Summary
Ledger Start is a deliberate process intended to minimize risk while enabling secure access to digital assets. By following the official steps—install Ledger Live, verify firmware, set a PIN, record your recovery phrase offline, and follow security best practices—you complete Ledger Start with a strong foundation for long-term custody. When in doubt, consult Ledger's official support resources rather than unofficial advice.