Why Ledger Start?
Ledger Start is designed to remove guesswork. It explains why an offline private key matters, shows exactly how to verify your device, and provides practical advice to avoid common onboarding mistakes that put funds at risk.
Quick overview — what you'll do
- Unbox and inspect your Ledger device for tamper signs.
- Initialize, set a PIN, and record your recovery phrase offline.
- Install Ledger Live (desktop & mobile) and add accounts.
- Verify addresses on the device and make a small test transaction.
Step-by-step setup (short)
Follow these condensed steps if you want to get up and running quickly—but be careful: each step has important security checks.
- Download only from ledger.com: Ledger Live installers are available on the official site. Do not use third-party links.
- Initialize safely: Choose a strong PIN on the device; the PIN is required for every action.
- Write down your recovery phrase: Use the supplied card or a metal backup — never take a photo or store the phrase digitally.
- Confirm addresses on-device: Always verify the receiving address shown on your computer against the address displayed on your Ledger device before approving.
Recovery & backups
Your recovery phrase is the only way to restore funds if your device is lost or damaged. Protect it offline, consider a metal backup for durability, and create redundant, geographically separated copies if appropriate for your risk profile.
Everyday best practices
- Use official channels for purchases and downloads.
- Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated; apply updates via Ledger Live only.
- Limit exposure: use different accounts for different purposes and avoid reusing addresses where privacy matters.