Hardware wallet essentials

Ledger.com/start: Learn the essentials before your first transaction.

Setting up a Ledger hardware wallet is an opportunity to establish better digital asset security habits from the beginning. This independent learning guide explains how to approach device setup, understand account management, protect recovery information and verify transactions before approving them.

Continue to Ledger's official setup View the learning path

01 — Your learning path

Four stages to understand your wallet

A good setup is not just about installing software. It also involves learning which information is sensitive, how device confirmation works and where to find reliable instructions when questions arise.

Prepare your workspace

Have your hardware wallet and a compatible computer or phone ready. Choose a private place where you can read the device instructions without sharing sensitive information.

Follow official instructions

Navigate directly to Ledger.com/start and follow the steps for your particular device. Obtain companion software through official channels rather than third-party download pages.

Secure device access

Follow the device prompts to establish a PIN and complete the appropriate new-wallet or recovery process. Never use a recovery phrase provided by an unknown source.

02 — A closer look

What to expect during setup

Ledger's instructions may differ by model and software version. Treat the official device prompts as your primary guide and pause if anything unexpected appears.

Visit the starting page

Enter https://www.ledger.com/start in the browser yourself. Check the address before following any download links.

Choose your device instructions

Read the guidance for your specific hardware wallet and supported operating system.

Complete the initial configuration

Follow the trusted process for creating a new wallet or restoring an existing one. Set the device PIN when prompted.

Protect the recovery backup

If your device generates a recovery phrase, record it accurately and store it securely offline.

Learn to verify transactions

Before approving any transfer, compare the recipient and amount shown on the device with your intended action.

A critical recovery rule

Your recovery phrase is not an ordinary password. Anyone who obtains it may be able to access the wallet associated with it.

Never type the phrase into a normal website form.
Never send it through email, chat or social media.
Never disclose it to someone claiming to be support.
Keep your physical backup secure and private.

Important distinction

Your cryptocurrency exists on its blockchain. The hardware wallet protects the private keys used to authorize transactions; the companion software helps you interact with supported accounts.

03 — Everyday management

Become familiar with your account dashboard

Once the setup process is complete, spend time learning the interface before making large transfers. Features and asset support can vary by device and software version.

Account overview

Review supported accounts and balances. Market values may change and do not guarantee a particular financial outcome.

Asset compatibility

Confirm that the cryptocurrency and its network are supported. A token's name alone is not enough to identify the correct transfer network.

Transaction review

Inspect the destination, amount and network details before approving a transfer. Cancel whenever the information does not match your intentions.

Fees and services

Review network fees and any external service charges. Available buying, selling, swapping or staking features depend on asset and service availability.

Software maintenance

Check official release information and follow device-specific update instructions. Do not install firmware from an unfamiliar website.

Personal records

Keep useful transaction references and notes for your own records, while avoiding the storage of private keys or recovery words in ordinary documents.

04 — Security habits

Protect your wallet beyond the initial setup

Good security continues after the first day. Use trusted software, protect your recovery backup and verify important details every time you authorize an action.

Before sending cryptocurrency

Check the correct account and network.
Confirm the destination address.
Review the amount and transaction fee.
Read the device's transaction details carefully.
Cancel if anything looks unfamiliar.

When something seems suspicious

Ignore urgent messages demanding immediate action.
Do not trust a website only because it displays a Ledger logo.
Never reveal your recovery phrase to fix an error.
Navigate to official support independently.
Do not approve transactions you did not initiate.

Remember: A hardware wallet cannot prevent every user mistake or every form of fraud. Protect your recovery information and verify what you approve.

05 — Build a routine

A simple wallet maintenance plan

Review activity

Check recent account transactions periodically and investigate unfamiliar activity using trusted resources.

Review updates

Check official software and device notices. Follow the relevant update process instead of relying on unsolicited instructions.

Review backup security

Make sure your offline recovery backup remains private, legible and stored in a safe location.

06 — Help and answers

Frequently asked questions

Is Ledger.com/start a setup guide?

Yes. Ledger's official starting page provides access to setup information for its hardware wallets. Use the official domain and follow the instructions for your device.

What is the difference between the PIN and recovery phrase?

The PIN is used to access the device. The recovery phrase is a backup that can restore wallet access and must remain confidential and securely stored.

Can Ledger Support ask me for recovery words?

You should never disclose your recovery phrase to customer support or another person. Treat requests for the phrase as a serious security warning.

What if the device shows an unfamiliar transaction?

Do not approve it. Cancel and investigate the issue using official documentation. Only approve a transaction when its details match your intention.

Where can I find official assistance?

Type the Ledger website address into your browser and navigate to the official support section. Avoid links sent by unknown contacts or suspicious messages.