Ledger Start — Official Setup & Security Manual

Why Ledger Start? A short orientation

A Ledger device stores your cryptocurrency private keys in a secure, offline environment. This isolation — often called "cold storage" — dramatically reduces the chance your keys will be stolen by malware on your computer or phone. Ledger Start is the onboarding path: it takes you from unboxing a device to sending your first transaction, while teaching core safety practices along the way.

Throughout this guide you'll find exact steps for initialization, tips for safely storing the recovery phrase, instructions for firmware and app management, and clear procedures for responding to potential incidents (lost device, suspected compromise, or phishing attempts). The goal is to make security usable — not intimidating.

1 — Unbox & Verify: Start safe

Always unbox your Ledger in private and inspect the packaging for tamper evidence. Ledger devices are factory-sealed; any broken seal or suspicious packaging should prompt you to contact Ledger Support before proceeding. Do not initialize a device that appears tampered with.

When connecting the device for the first time, use the official Ledger Live application downloaded from ledger.com/start. Avoid third-party sites or links sent in email. If a link is provided by support, verify it matches ledger.com exactly.

2 — Initialize the Device (Step-by-step)

The device will guide you through firmware checks, PIN creation, and recovery phrase generation. Important practical steps:

• Choose a PIN you will remember but is not guessable. Do not use simple sequences like 1234.
• The device will generate a recovery phrase (usually 24 words). Write the words down in order on the supplied recovery sheet. Do not store the phrase electronically.
• Confirm the phrase exactly when prompted — this is the only way to ensure you copied it correctly.

Ledger Live also provides a firmware verification step; allow the device to install official firmware only. Confirm any firmware update prompts on the device screen.

3 — Recovery Phrase: Store it like your life depends on it

The recovery phrase is the ultimate backup. Anyone with access to it can recreate your wallet and move your funds. Best practices:

• Write the phrase on the supplied card or high-quality metal backup (for fire/water resistance).
• Store copies in separate secure locations (e.g., bank safe deposit box + home safe), but minimize the number of people who know where it is.
• Do not photograph or scan the recovery phrase; digital copies are easy to leak or be exfiltrated by malware.

Tip: Consider a steel backup plate to protect the phrase from physical damage — many third-party options exist that combine durability and tamper resistance.

4 — Firmware & App Management

Keep firmware up to date. Ledger periodically releases security and functionality updates. Ledger Live will notify you of official firmware updates; confirm updates only while connected to your device and verify the update message shown on the device screen.

Ledger Live manages blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) that run in the device environment. Only install apps from Ledger Live's library. Each app takes storage space on the device; removing an app does not remove your funds — your keys are preserved in the recovery phrase.

5 — Daily Use: Send, Receive, and Verify

When creating a transaction, always verify the destination address on the device screen. Malware can change an address on your computer before it reaches the device — device-side verification prevents this.

For receiving funds, generate addresses from Ledger Live and confirm them on the device. If you use third-party wallets with Ledger integration, still confirm addresses on the device.

6 — Advanced Protections: Passphrases & Multi-device Strategies

Ledger supports optional passphrases that create "hidden" wallets derived from the same recovery phrase. A passphrase adds an extra secret word that effectively creates a distinct wallet. This is powerful but risky if you forget the passphrase — you will lose funds. Use passphrases only if you understand the trade-offs and store them securely.

For ultra-high security, consider using multiple hardware wallets in combination (multi-signature setups) or custody solutions — these reduce single-device failure or theft risks.

7 — Phishing & Social Engineering — Recognize the traps

Ledger users are often targeted by phishing. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase or ask you to type it into Ledger Live or a website. If someone claims to be Ledger Support and asks for your recovery phrase, it's a scam. Always verify support links originate from ledger.com and prefer the support portal to email or chat messages from unknown accounts.

Tip: Bookmark ledger.com/start and ledger.com/support and always use those bookmarks rather than email links.

8 — Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Device — Immediate Steps

If your device is lost or stolen, use your recovery phrase to move funds to a new hardware wallet — act quickly. If you have reason to suspect the phrase was exposed, transfer funds to a new wallet using a new recovery phrase. Do not reuse the old recovery phrase.

For damaged devices, Ledger Support will guide firmware checks and potential RMA procedures; never share your recovery phrase with anyone even if they claim to be support.

9 — Third-party Wallets & Integrations

Ledger integrates with many wallets and dApps. Use integrations that support Ledger's hardware verification (i.e., require device confirmation for transactions). Avoid browser extensions or apps requesting full control of your device — always prefer read-only or transaction-signing flows verified on-device.

Closing & Practical Checklist

Quick checklist to finish setup safely:

• Verify device packaging and firmware before initialization.
• Create a unique PIN and store it in your memory (or secure manager for recovery).
• Write the 24-word recovery phrase on paper or steel — no digital copies.
• Enable firmware auto-updates and use Ledger Live from ledger.com/start.
• Confirm addresses on-device for every transaction.
• Use passphrases only if you can securely store them and understand the risks.

If you ever doubt an instruction or a link, pause and go directly to ledger.com/start or the official support portal before proceeding.