Ledger Start — Official Guide to Begin Using Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

This official Ledger Start guide provides clear, authoritative steps for initializing your Ledger device, securing your recovery phrase, and performing best-practice setup for safe long-term custody of digital assets.

What is Ledger Start?

Ledger Start refers to the official process for first-time setup of a Ledger hardware wallet. The Ledger Start workflow covers unboxing, device initialization, PIN creation, recovery phrase generation (the 24-word seed), optional firmware update, and connecting to Ledger Live or compatible wallet interfaces. The Ledger Start procedure is intentionally deterministic and designed to minimise user error while maximising the security of private keys.

Before You Begin Ledger Start

Prepare for Ledger Start by ensuring you have a secure, private workspace and a fresh, trusted device. Only use the official Ledger box and accessories. Do not follow setup instructions from random websites, chat messages, or unsolicited support contacts. For Ledger Start you will need:

Step-by-Step Ledger Start Instructions

Follow the Ledger Start steps carefully. Each step is critical to maintain the security guarantees provided by the hardware device.

  1. Unbox and verify: Confirm packaging integrity and the authenticity seal. Only proceed if the box and tamper seals are intact.
  2. Power on and choose Setup: Connect the device and follow on-screen prompts. Select “Set up as new device” for a new wallet.
  3. Create a PIN: Choose a PIN you can remember but that is not easily guessable. This PIN protects device access.
  4. Write down the recovery phrase: Ledger Start generates a 24-word recovery phrase. Write every word in order on the provided recovery sheet; never store the phrase electronically.
  5. Confirm your recovery phrase: The device will ask you to confirm several words to verify the phrase was recorded correctly.
  6. Install firmware and apps: Connect to Ledger Live to check for firmware updates and install blockchain apps you intend to use.

Security Principles During Ledger Start

Ledger Start emphasises three core security principles: device authenticity, offline seed custody, and minimal attack surface. During Ledger Start, always validate firmware using Ledger Live, never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or phone, and treat the physical recovery sheet as the single source of truth for recovery.

If you suspect your device is compromised during Ledger Start—packaging tampered, unexpected prompts, or suspicious firmware messages—stop immediately and contact official Ledger support channels.

Restoring an Account During Ledger Start

Ledger Start also supports restoring an existing wallet from a recovery phrase. To restore during Ledger Start select “Restore configuration” and enter the 24-word seed generated when the original wallet was created. Only restore using a seed you control; if a third party provides a seed, do not use it.

After restoration, verify account addresses against expected addresses from your previous wallet to confirm an accurate restore.

Compatibility and Tools for After Ledger Start

Once Ledger Start is complete, you can manage assets using Ledger Live (desktop and mobile), or connect the device to reputable third-party wallets and dApps that explicitly support Ledger. Common industry tools compatible after Ledger Start include Ethereum wallets, Bitcoin software, and cross-chain platforms that integrate through WebUSB, WebHID, or Bluetooth (Ledger Nano X).

Always prioritise official integrations and verify third-party compatibility before approving transactions.

Troubleshooting Common Ledger Start Issues

Typical problems encountered during Ledger Start include connectivity errors, firmware update failures, and difficulties confirming recovery phrase words. Resolve these issues by:

For unresolved issues, consult official Ledger documentation or authorised support. Avoid following unverified community instructions that request you to disclose your recovery phrase.