Prepare your device
Unbox your hardware wallet yourself and inspect the package. Charge it if needed, and keep it with you during setup. Never use a recovery phrase supplied in a box, email, or message.
A CLEARER FIRST STEP
Ledger.com/start:
A Step-by-Step Introduction.
A calm, security-first guide to preparing your hardware wallet, finding trusted setup instructions, and building good habits from day one.
TAKE YOUR TIME. VERIFY EACH STEP.
PERSONAL SECURITY•••
⌑
YOUR KEYS
STAY WITH YOU✓
STAY WITH YOU✓
Private by designKeep recovery words offline
A little preparation makes
every step more considered.
every step more considered.
A GUIDE FOR FIRST-TIME USERS 01 / 04
Start informed.
Stay in control.
Getting started with a hardware wallet is easier when you know what to expect. Ledger.com/start is the best place to begin: use the official setup instructions for your device, follow them at your own pace, and keep security decisions in your hands.
This independent guide helps you prepare and recognize safe practices; it is not a replacement for device-specific documentation. For current steps, compatibility details, and troubleshooting, always refer to official Ledger Support.
GET READY 02 / 04
What to Know Before Starting
A few deliberate checks help you begin from a safer, more confident place.
✓
Verify every resource
Type Ledger.com/start directly into your browser and check the address carefully. Avoid sponsored search results, unexpected links, and support accounts that contact you first.
Check software requirements
Use a computer or mobile device supported by the current official instructions. Install Ledger software only from Ledger’s own website or the verified app store listing linked there.
Protect recovery phrase privacy
Write your recovery phrase offline and store it somewhere private and secure. Anyone with those words may be able to access the assets associated with your wallet. Never photograph, type, or share them.
Keep this rule in mind: legitimate support will not need you to reveal your recovery phrase. Anyone requesting it should be treated as untrusted.
Security guidance ↗A ROUTINE THAT LASTS 03 / 04
Setup is a beginning.
Good habits continue.
Ledger.com/start can orient your first session. Thoughtful routines help you maintain security afterward.
DURING SETUP
Prepare your environment
Choose a private place where you can focus. Keep the device, a pen, and suitable offline storage for your recovery phrase nearby. Read each prompt on the device and in the official instructions before proceeding. If anything differs from what you expect, stop and verify through Ledger Support rather than guessing.
- Use a device and connection you trust.
- Install software only from verified official sources.
- Never let another person dictate your recovery words.
AFTER SETUP
Maintain with care
Keep your recovery phrase confidential and physically protected from loss or damage. Confirm the destination and details on your hardware device before approving a transaction. Revisit official documentation when updating software, adding accounts, or changing devices—do not rely on an old screenshot or a stranger’s walkthrough.
- Keep your device and software updates in view.
- Review transaction details on-device.
- Re-check instructions through Ledger.com/start.
WHEN IN DOUBT 04 / 04
Common setup
questions, clear answers.
Trust the source, not the urgency. Current instructions should be reachable from Ledger’s official site, and you should feel comfortable pausing to verify.
Find current instructions ↗“
How do I identify legitimate documentation?
Navigate directly to ledger.com and follow links from there. Check the full domain before entering information, and avoid pages sent through unsolicited direct messages or email.
Where can I find the latest steps?
Start at Ledger.com/start, then use the linked official support articles for your device and software. Always check the publication context and revisit the page when your setup changes.
GOOD TO KNOW QUICK REFERENCE
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to keep your first steps grounded in safe habits.
01Where should I begin?+
Start by entering Ledger.com/start in your browser. From there, follow the official instructions for your particular device and operating system.
02How can I tell if instructions are legitimate?+
Check that the browser address is exactly on ledger.com and that you reached it directly. Be cautious of lookalike domains, unsolicited messages, QR codes, and requests to disclose recovery words.
03Where do I find current instructions?+
Use Ledger.com/start and the official Ledger Support documentation linked from Ledger’s website. Steps and supported software can change, so use the latest guidance rather than an old saved tutorial.
04Should I enter my recovery phrase into an app?+
No. Treat the phrase as a private offline backup. Do not enter or share it on a website, in a message, or with someone claiming to be support.
05What if my device or software behaves unexpectedly?+
Pause before approving anything. Disconnect if appropriate, then consult official Ledger Support from a verified ledger.com page. Do not follow instructions from unsolicited callers or messages.
06Can I skip a step if I have used a wallet before?+
Read the instructions for your current device and setup. Previous experience may not reflect current software or device-specific steps; never bypass a security prompt you do not understand.