Start with Ledger: Secure setup, step-by-step
ledger.com/start is the definitive, official starting point for setting up Ledger hardware wallets and the Ledger Live application. This page summarizes the correct sequence of steps—purchase verification, software installation, device initialization, secure backup, and ongoing maintenance—so that users can establish reliable self-custody practices from day one.
Why follow the official flow?
Security in the hardware wallet ecosystem depends on provenance and process. Purchasing from verified channels and using the official Ledger Live app reduces risk of tampered devices or fraudulent packages. The setup approach recommended on ledger.com/start enforces firmware validation and offline key generation, the two most important safeguards against remote compromise.
Step 1 — Buy from official sources
Always purchase Ledger devices directly from shop.ledger.com or authorised retailers listed on ledger.com. Devices acquired from marketplaces or third parties carry a higher risk of tampering. On receipt, inspect packaging for tamper-evident seals. If packaging appears altered, contact Ledger Support immediately and do not proceed with setup.
Step 2 — Install Ledger Live securely
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile manager for device initialization, balance monitoring, app installation, swapping, and staking operations. Download Ledger Live only from ledger.com/ledger-live. Verify installer signatures where provided by your OS to confirm integrity before running the app.
Step 3 — Initialize device and record your recovery
During initialization, the device creates a cryptographic seed—the recovery phrase—that is the sole backup for all derived keys. Write this phrase on the supplied recovery sheet and store it offline. Avoid digital copies or photographs. The recovery phrase allows deterministic restoration on any compatible hardware; safeguarding it is the most critical responsibility of any Ledger user.
Step 4 — Install apps and add accounts
Use Ledger Live’s Manager to install per-asset apps onto your device’s secure element. Each app enables support for a blockchain family (for example, Bitcoin or Ethereum). Follow Ledger Live guidance to add accounts, generate receiving addresses, and confirm transactions with on-device verification before signing.
Security: firmware, provenance, and pin policies
Firmware updates are essential for security but must be applied through Ledger Live only. Firmware files are signed; Ledger Live verifies signatures prior to installation. Use a strong PIN and consider the optional passphrase feature for additional wallet partitioning.
The aim: keep private keys offline, confirmations local, and recovery material inaccessible to remote actors.
Troubleshooting common issues
If your device is not recognized, check the USB cable, try a different port, and ensure Trezor—sorry Ledger Bridge or OS drivers—are up to date. On macOS and Windows, Ledger Live may require permission grants; follow on-screen prompts. For persistent faults, consult the official help center.
Operational Best Practices
- Use a dedicated machine for high-value signing when possible.
- Keep frequent test recoveries in a secure environment to validate backup correctness.
- Segment holdings: small hot wallets for spending, hardware wallets for long-term custody.
- Maintain an update schedule for Ledger Live and device firmware.
Institutional considerations
For teams and institutions, ledger.com/start also links to enterprise-grade flows: multisig integrations, custody policies, and supply-chain verification. Combine hardware wallets with robust operational controls, split duties, and audited key ceremonies to reduce single points of failure.
Where to find official help
The canonical resources are linked directly from ledger.com/start; these include the Setup Guide, Support Center, and verified downloads. Before contacting support, prepare device serials and a description of troubleshooting steps already performed.
Closing remarks
ledger.com/start is not just an install page — it’s a procedural framework designed to protect your assets against human and technical errors. Follow each stage carefully, validate software provenance, and treat recovery material with the highest confidentiality. Doing so transforms a Ledger device from hardware into a durable trust anchor for your digital wealth.
Official links: ledger.com/ledger-live • shop.ledger.com • support.ledger.com