Going to Ledger.com/start is the first step toward configuring a new Ledger device. This page explains the process in plain language, so you can prepare calmly, recognize the important security decisions, and avoid shortcuts that put your assets at risk.
Start at the official address
Type ledger.com/start directly into your browser, or follow the address printed in official materials that came with your device. Check the spelling and domain before continuing. Search results, unsolicited messages, sponsored placements, and look-alike pages can lead to convincing imitations. If anything about a page or instruction feels unexpected, stop and navigate to the address yourself.
The start page is designed to direct you to the right setup path for your device. Follow its current instructions rather than an old video or a guide written for a different model. Features and screens can change over time, so the on-device prompts and official help center should be your reference whenever details differ.
Prepare a quiet, private setup
Before you begin, set aside a little uninterrupted time. Use a computer or mobile device you trust, connect to a reliable network, and make sure your Ledger device has enough power. Keep the recovery sheet supplied with your device nearby, along with a pen. Choose a private place where no one can read your screen or see the recovery words as they appear.
Open the official Ledger companion app only through links provided by ledger.com/start. Confirm the publisher and source before installing anything. Do not use a file-sharing link, a pop-up download, or an app recommended by a stranger. Your hardware wallet should arrive ready for its initial setup; if it appears preconfigured or includes a recovery phrase already written down, do not use it. Contact the official support channel instead.
Set up the device yourself
Connect or power on the device, then use its buttons or touchscreen to move through the welcome screens. Choose the option to set up a new device when prompted. The exact sequence varies by model, but the device will guide you through choosing a personal PIN and creating a recovery phrase. Read each screen before confirming; the hardware device is where these important choices should be made.
Select a PIN that is difficult for someone else to guess and keep it private. Avoid obvious number patterns or information another person could easily know. Do not share the PIN, and do not let another person choose or enter it for you. If the device offers a recovery check or security confirmation, complete it as directed. That check helps you catch a copying mistake before you rely on the backup.
Treat the recovery phrase like the keys
Your recovery phrase is the critical backup for restoring access if a device is lost, damaged, or replaced. Write each word by hand, in the exact order shown on the device, and check every spelling. Store the completed sheet somewhere private and protected from fire, water, and casual access. Consider the physical risks in your home and choose a storage place you can find again.
Never type your recovery phrase into a website, app, message, or support chat. No legitimate helper needs it. Anyone who obtains the words may be able to control the associated assets.
Do not photograph the phrase, save it in cloud storage, copy it to a notes app, or make a digital document. Do not enter it on your computer or phone, even if a page claims it is needed to activate, validate, or secure the wallet. If a prompt requests those words outside the device's intended recovery flow, stop immediately. Keep the phrase separate from the device and PIN, and never show it to someone offering to help.
Verify before you use your wallet
After the device setup, use the official companion app to add only the asset apps you need. Installing an app prepares the device to work with a network; it does not itself create an online balance or move assets. Keep the device software and companion app current by following the official update instructions, and install only what you need.
When you create a receive address, verify it on the Ledger device screen before sharing it. Do not rely only on a computer display, because malicious software can replace an address shown there. For a transaction, review the destination and amount on the device itself and approve only when every detail matches what you intended. Start with a small test transfer when appropriate, and wait for it to complete before sending more.
Build safe habits for the long run
Self-custody gives you more direct control and places more responsibility on you. Keep your device, PIN, and recovery phrase private. Be cautious around urgent warnings, unexpected calls, screen-sharing requests, and offers to repair or synchronize a wallet. Navigate to official resources yourself instead of following instructions from an unsolicited contact. Support staff cannot safely take custody of your recovery words.
Before making a significant transfer, pause and check the network, destination, amount, and fees. Crypto transactions are generally difficult or impossible to reverse once confirmed. If you are unsure about a prompt, decline it and consult official documentation from a trusted device. A few extra minutes of verification can prevent an irreversible mistake.
That is the essence of Ledger.com/start: begin from the official source, make setup decisions on your own device, preserve the recovery phrase offline, and verify every important action on-screen. Move at your own pace. The best setup is not the fastest one; it is the one you understand and can maintain securely.
Ledger will never need your recovery phrase. Keep it offline, private, and under your control.
This independent educational guide is for general information. Always follow the latest official instructions for your specific device and region.