Check your device
Use a device obtained through a trusted, official channel. Inspect the packaging and device for anything unexpected; never rely on a pre-filled recovery phrase.
A practical starting point
YOUR CRYPTO. YOUR KEYS.
Make your first move
with confidence.
A thoughtful, independent walkthrough for setting up a hardware wallet and building safer self-custody habits from day one.
Explore the setup guide ↓An educational resource · Not affiliated with Ledger
01 START WITH THE BASICS
OWN YOUR KEYS✳TAKE YOUR TIME✳VERIFY EVERY STEP✳OWN YOUR KEYS
01GETTING STARTED
Ledger.com/start, explained
A calmer way to begin
with a hardware wallet.
Setting up a hardware wallet is a short process with a few decisions that deserve your full attention. The Ledger.com/start address is commonly used as a starting point for device setup and companion software. This independent guide helps you understand what to expect, prepare your space, and recognize the security steps that matter.
Take the process in order. Your device should help you approve transactions while your recovery phrase remains private and offline. No support agent, website, or app needs that phrase.
See what to prepare ↗01—06
Setup is not a race. Give yourself a quiet moment and read each confirmation on the device itself.
ABOUT 15 MINUTES02BEFORE YOU BEGIN
A little preparation goes a long way
Set yourself up
for a good start.
Choose a private, unhurried place. Keep your device and a pen nearby, and make sure your computer or phone is up to date.
Find the right app
Navigate to the vendor's official website by typing the address yourself. Follow its instructions to download the companion app for your operating system.
Make a private space
Set up away from cameras, screen sharing, and other people. Have paper ready for the recovery phrase, and avoid storing it digitally.
03SECURITY, ALWAYS
THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE
Your recovery phrase
belongs to you alone.
The phrase is the master backup for your wallet. Write it down exactly as your device shows it, keep it offline in a secure place, and never share it—not even with someone claiming to be support.
- ✓ Enter it only on the hardware device when setup requires it.
- ✓ Never photograph, email, message, or upload it.
- ✓ Anyone who has the phrase may be able to access your assets.
PRIVATE
MEANS
PRIVATENO EXCEPTIONS
MEANS
PRIVATENO EXCEPTIONS
04YOUR ACCOUNTS
A clear view of your assets
Accounts are organized
one network at a time.
After initializing your device, follow the companion app's steps to add accounts for the networks you use. Each account is associated with a specific blockchain network; an address on one network is not interchangeable with an address on another.
Give accounts useful names and take a moment to confirm network labels before you receive or send funds. The app can display balances and activity, while your hardware wallet keeps the private keys used to approve transactions.
↗
Helpful habit
Start with one account and one network you understand. Add more only when you have a reason.
One app, many networks
Manage supported assets through compatible accounts and apps. Availability varies by network and device.
Approve on-device
Review transaction details on the device screen before confirming. The screen is your trusted checkpoint.
Keep a clear record
Account names and transaction history can make it easier to understand your activity over time.
05SENDING & RECEIVING
Slow is smooth; smooth is safe
Make every transfer
a deliberate one.
Receiving crypto
In the companion app, choose the matching account and request a receive address. Verify the address on the hardware device, then compare the full address with the sender's destination before sharing it.
Sending crypto
Confirm the destination address, network, asset, and amount. Be especially careful with copied addresses: malicious software can replace them. Check all details on your device screen and approve only if they match your intent.
Try a small amount first
When appropriate, send a small test transaction before moving a larger balance. Network fees and confirmation times vary, and transactions are generally irreversible once confirmed.
06WHAT TO EXPECT
A few useful capabilities
Designed around
your decisions.
A hardware wallet is one part of a broader security routine. Learn the tools available, and use each with care.
Physical confirmation
Transactions require interaction with your device, adding an intentional review step before approval.
Recovery planning
Your recovery phrase can restore access if a device is lost or damaged. Protect it as carefully as the assets it secures.
Clear portfolio view
Compatible software can help you view supported assets and activity without replacing your responsibility to verify.
07COMMON SETUP GUIDANCE
Good questions to ask
Before you call
it set up.
A few practical answers can make your first session easier.
Should I use a recovery phrase that came with the device?+
No. Initialize the device yourself and let it generate a new phrase. Never use a phrase supplied in advance by a seller, website, or another person.
Can I store my recovery phrase in a password manager?+
For a hardware wallet's recovery phrase, offline storage is generally safer. Digital copies can be exposed through compromised devices, cloud accounts, screenshots, or backups.
What if the app and device show different details?+
Stop. Do not approve a transaction if the on-device details do not match what you intend. Review the address, network, and amount, and consult verified support resources.
Is a hardware wallet a guarantee against loss?+
No. It can strengthen key protection, but scams, incorrect addresses, compromised recovery phrases, and user mistakes can still lead to loss. Security remains an ongoing practice.
A GOOD ROUTINE STARTS HERE
Pause. Verify.
Then proceed.
Take the next step only when you understand what you are confirming.
Review the setup basics ↑
YOUR KEYSYOUR RESPONSIBILITY