Ledger.com/Start® – Begin Your Hardware Wallet Journey

A complete onboarding experience designed to help you initialize, protect, and manage your digital assets using a secure hardware wallet environment.

Introduction to Hardware Wallet Security

In today’s rapidly expanding digital economy, personal responsibility over asset security has never been more critical. A hardware wallet provides a physical layer of protection that isolates private keys from online threats, malware, and unauthorized access.

This setup guide walks you through the foundational steps of initializing your Ledger® hardware wallet safely and efficiently. Whether you are new to crypto or an experienced investor, following a structured setup process ensures long-term security and peace of mind.

Why Choose a Hardware Wallet?

Offline Key Storage

Private keys never leave the device, dramatically reducing exposure to phishing attacks and malicious software.

Verified Transactions

Every transaction must be manually approved on the device screen, preventing unauthorized transfers.

Multi-Asset Compatibility

Manage thousands of supported cryptocurrencies and tokens from one secure interface.

Long-Term Ownership

Maintain full control of your assets without reliance on third-party custodians or exchanges.

Getting Started: Device Setup Process

Unbox and Inspect Your Device

Carefully remove your hardware wallet from the packaging and ensure that it has not been tampered with. A genuine device arrives uninitialized and does not include a prewritten recovery phrase.

Install the Official Desktop Application

Download the official management application from the authorized source. This software acts as the control center for installing apps, managing assets, and performing updates.

Initialize as a New Wallet

When prompted, choose the option to set up a new device. This step generates your unique private keys directly on the hardware wallet.

Create a Secure PIN Code

Choose a PIN that is difficult to guess. This code is required each time the device is accessed, adding another layer of security.

Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

The recovery phrase is the master backup to your wallet. Write it down offline and store it securely. Never photograph or upload it digitally.

Managing Digital Assets Safely

Once your wallet is initialized, you can begin installing individual blockchain applications. Each app enables support for a specific cryptocurrency and operates independently within the secure environment of the device.

Asset balances remain visible in the companion software, while sensitive cryptographic operations always require physical confirmation on the wallet itself. This separation is what makes hardware wallets significantly safer than software-only solutions.

Best Practices for Maximum Protection

Troubleshooting and Ongoing Support

If you encounter issues during setup or daily use, official documentation and knowledge bases provide step-by-step guidance. Common topics include restoring from recovery phrases, resolving connection issues, and updating firmware safely.

Remember: no legitimate support representative will ever ask for your recovery phrase. Requests for such information are always fraudulent.

Ledgér.com/Start® | Start Your Ledgér Hardware Wallet Setup