Ledger.com/start: your first steps into self-custody
Ledger.com/start is the official setup portal for your Ledger device, helping you securely initialize your wallet and manage crypto. Think of setup as a quiet but important ritual: take your time, check each detail, and make sure you are following instructions from Ledger itself.
Begin by typing ledger.com/start directly into your browser, rather than following an unexpected message or advertisement. Confirm the address carefully before continuing. The official page guides you to the appropriate Ledger software and device instructions. Download applications only from Ledger’s own website or verified app stores, and never rely on a link sent by a stranger.
Unbox your device yourself and follow the on-screen prompts. A new device should be initialized by you; do not accept a wallet that arrives already configured, or use a recovery phrase supplied in its packaging. Set a PIN directly on the hardware device, keeping it private and difficult for others to guess. Setup screens may differ by model, so use the instructions that match your exact device.
Your recovery phrase is the master key. Whoever knows it can take control of the assets it protects.
Protect the one thing no app can protect for you
Your recovery phrase is shown during setup and is the only way to restore access if a device is lost or damaged. Write the words down in the order displayed, using the method Ledger recommends. Keep the record offline in a private, secure place. Never photograph it, save it in cloud storage, type it into a website, or share it with anyone—including someone claiming to be support.
A genuine support agent will not ask you to reveal the phrase. Treat any request to enter it into a computer or mobile app as a warning sign. The hardware device is designed so sensitive actions can be reviewed on its screen; pause and read transaction details before approving. If an address or amount looks unfamiliar, reject the action and investigate independently.
Keep this in mind
Ledger cannot recover a phrase that you lose, and no legitimate helper needs you to disclose it.
Make good security a repeatable habit
Once your device is ready, use Ledger’s verified software to add only the accounts and networks you intend to use. Confirm the receiving address on the hardware screen before sharing it. Keep device firmware and applications current by following official prompts, and take a moment to understand a transaction before signing. A hardware wallet helps protect private keys, but careful decisions remain part of self-custody.
Before moving funds, start with a small test transaction when practical, then confirm it appears in the intended account. Check the network and recipient details on the device rather than assuming a familiar label in an app is enough. Keep a simple record of which accounts belong to which purpose, and avoid approving prompts you did not initiate. These small checks cannot eliminate every risk, but they can catch mistakes while you still have time to stop.
For clear instructions beyond this overview, consult the Ledger Support Center and the Ledger Academy. These resources explain device-specific steps, security practices, and common questions. Bookmark verified pages yourself; scammers often imitate brands and create urgency to make a false link feel routine.
Above all, move at your own pace. The goal is not to rush through setup, but to understand what each action does. Visit the official setup portal when you are ready, follow the instructions on your own device, and keep your recovery phrase entirely in your hands. That simple discipline is the foundation for managing digital assets with greater confidence.