Official Setup Guide & Best Practices

Complete Guide to Ledger.com/start Hardware Wallet Setup

Follow our comprehensive walkthrough to securely initialize your hardware device, install the companion app, back up your recovery seed, and safeguard your cryptocurrency portfolio from online vulnerabilities.

Begin Setup Checklist

Verify Device Authenticity

Essential Security Notice: Protect Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

Never input your 24-word recovery phrase onto any computer, mobile device, website, or digital photo storage. Genuine hardware verification occurs exclusively on the physical device screen. Staff or support agents will never ask for your private key seed.

Step-by-Step Hardware Initialization

Follow four simple milestones to ensure complete control of your crypto assets

Inspect Packaging

Check the box seal and ensure the device arrives in factory condition without pre-written recovery sheets.

Install Desktop App

Download the verified companion management application directly to your desktop or smartphone operating system.

Configure PIN & Seed

Select a 4 to 8-digit security PIN and transcribe each word of your 24-word recovery phrase onto physical paper.

Add Crypto Accounts

Install desired blockchain apps, create asset accounts, and receive test transfers with device-verified addresses.

Secure Element Architecture

Military-grade certified chip technology safeguards cryptographic private keys offline, completely isolated from compromised operating systems or spyware.

Clear Signing Verification

Inspect every transaction detail, recipient destination, and token transfer fee directly on the physical display before authorizing any signature.

Multi-Asset Management

Seamlessly manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, and thousands of multi-chain tokens in one intuitive application without exposing sensitive keys.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know my device is genuine?

During setup, the official desktop app runs a cryptographic root-of-trust check against the Secure Element chip to verify the hardware has not been tampered with.

What happens if I lose my physical hardware unit?

Your crypto assets live on the blockchain, not inside the physical device. You can restore access immediately onto a replacement hardware wallet using your offline 24-word recovery phrase.

Can I connect my device to third-party web3 wallets?

Yes. Your hardware device can connect securely to supported decentralized applications and web3 extensions while keeping transaction authorization offline.

Disclaimer: This webpage is an independent educational setup reference and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Ledger SAS. All trademarks, registered logos, and brand names belong to their respective owners. Never share your recovery seed with any website.