Ledger Start — Secure Your Crypto Safely | Official
Ledger Start is an easy-to-follow onboarding presentation that helps new and returning users connect a Ledger hardware wallet, understand the security model, perform initial setup, and adopt best practices for long-term custody. The goal is to make safe crypto custody approachable without sacrificing essential security principles.
Keyword: "Ledger Start"
Audience: New users & hobbyists
Tone: Clear, practical, official
Quick Summary
This page explains what Ledger Start does, what to expect during setup, and how to keep recovery secrets safe. It includes a responsive layout, a sign-in demo form for UI testing (email & password fields only), and a concise conclusion with next steps.
Overview
Ledger Start is designed to welcome users into hardware-backed custody. A Ledger hardware wallet stores private keys offline in a secure element, isolated from internet-connected devices. The Ledger device performs cryptographic operations such as signing transactions inside the hardware; only signed transactions leave the device.
What you need
Ledger device (Nano S / Nano X), a USB cable or Bluetooth (device-dependent), a computer or smartphone, and a secure location to store your recovery phrase.
Why it matters
Hardware wallets reduce exposure to online attacks by keeping secret keys offline and requiring explicit user confirmation for any transaction.
Who should use it
Anyone holding cryptocurrencies they can't afford to lose; custodial services and exchanges use institutional solutions, but individuals should consider hardware wallets for self-custody.
Setup: Step-by-step
Follow these steps to perform a secure initial setup of your Ledger device. Each step is short but important — don't rush the process.
Unbox and inspect: Ensure the packaging seal is intact and the device doesn't show unexpected markings.
Connect: Plug the device into your computer (or pair via Bluetooth for supported models).
Install Ledger Live: Use the official app to initialize the device and manage accounts. Download only from the official Ledger website.
Create a new wallet: Generate a new seed on-device; never enter an existing seed into a computer.
Write down your recovery phrase: Use the supplied recovery sheet or other secure medium. Store the phrase offline and in multiple secure locations if desired.
Verify recovery: Use the device's verification feature to confirm the phrase was recorded correctly.
Quick checklist
Official download of Ledger Live
Do not share recovery phrase
Test with a small transfer first
Security Principles
Ledger's security model relies on three pillars: secure key storage, explicit user confirmation, and recovery seed stewardship.
Secure Key Storage
Private keys reside in a secure element that resists tampering and extraction. Even if the host computer is compromised, signing requires the device's private key plus the user's physical confirmation.
User Confirmation
The device displays transaction details so users can verify recipient addresses and amounts before approving. This on-device verification is the most important defense against phishing websites or malicious wallets.
Recovery Seed Stewardship
Your 24-word (or 12/18-word depending on model) recovery phrase is the ultimate backup. Protect it like cash: keep it offline, do not photograph it, and consider splitting copies across secure locations if your threat model calls for it.
Common Scenarios and Tips
Below are real-world tips that make day-to-day use smoother and safer.
When installing new apps on the device, verify app names in Ledger Live and avoid third-party firmware.
Use a secure, updated operating system and keep Ledger Live updated to the latest release.
For large holdings, consider a multi-signature setup or hardware security module for institutional custody.
Practice a recovery drill: ensure you (or a trusted custodian) can restore from the recovery phrase if needed.
Conclusion
Ledger Start—Secure Your Crypto Safely provides a practical, approachable path to hardware-backed custody. The combination of secure elements, on-device confirmations, and careful recovery phrase handling gives users strong protections against common threats. Take the time to set up your device correctly, keep your recovery phrase safe, and use Ledger Live from official sources. With these practices, you significantly reduce the risk of loss or theft and gain peace of mind in managing your crypto assets.
Next steps: Download Ledger Live from the official site, initialize your device, and perform a small test transaction to verify your setup. Remember: safety first — never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or share it with anyone.