Ledger Start — Securely begin your crypto journey

A friendly, step-by-step guide to setting up your Ledger device, protecting your recovery phrase, and making your first secure transaction.

Why Ledger Start matters

Whether you’re buying your first cryptocurrency, safeguarding long-term holdings, or simply exploring decentralized apps, the very first steps you take determine your security baseline. Ledger Start focuses on clarity: small, practical actions that remove confusion and reduce risk. This guide explains what to expect when you unbox your Ledger device, how to initialize it safely, and how to keep control of your crypto over time.

What you’ll learn

  • How to set up your Ledger device and create a secure PIN.
  • How recovery phrases work and how to protect them.
  • How to install apps on your device and connect to Ledger Live or compatible wallets.
  • Practical tips for sending and receiving crypto securely.

Quick safety checklist

  1. Buy devices only from authorized sellers.
  2. Set your PIN in private, never share it.
  3. Write down your recovery phrase by hand and store it offline.
  4. Never enter your recovery phrase into a website or software app.

Step-by-step setup

1
Unbox and inspect

Confirm the Ledger packaging is sealed and contains the device, a recovery sheet, and official documentation. If anything looks tampered with, contact support before proceeding.

2
Power up & choose a PIN

Turn the device on and follow on-screen prompts to create a PIN. Choose a PIN you can remember but isn’t easily guessed. The PIN is the first layer of protection if your device is lost or stolen.

3
Record your recovery phrase

The device will show a 24-word recovery phrase. Write the words down on the provided recovery sheet in the exact order shown. Store this sheet in a safe location; it’s the only way to recover your assets if the device is lost.

4
Install apps & connect

Install Ledger Live or use a compatible Web3 wallet. Through the Ledger interface, add the crypto apps you need. Each app manages a different blockchain and must be installed to interact with that chain securely.

5
Try a small transaction

Send a small amount first to verify everything works as expected. Confirm addresses on the device screen before approving any operation; the device is your single source of truth for transaction details.

Detailed notes & best practices

This section dives deeper into security concepts that will help you make informed decisions:

Recovery phrase — the most important secret

The recovery phrase represents your private keys in a human-readable format. Anyone who has those words can fully restore and control your funds. That’s why physical protection and privacy are essential. Think of your recovery phrase as cash in a vault; treat it with equal care.

Firmware & software updates

Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live up to date. Updates may contain security patches and improvements. Apply updates only through official channels and verify instructions on the official site before proceeding.

Advanced users: passphrase and multi-device strategies

For stronger security, add an optional passphrase to your recovery phrase (creating a "25th" secret word). Be aware: a passphrase increases security but also increases complexity; losing it means you cannot recover funds. Some users prefer multiple devices or split-seed techniques; these approaches should be tested thoroughly in a low-risk environment before relying on them for large amounts.

Final words

Your journey with crypto will be easier and safer when your foundation is strong. Ledger Start is designed to demystify the setup process and give you clear, defensible practices to protect your assets. Take your time, follow a checklist, and keep security simple and consistent.