Introduction — Why start at Ledger.com/start? 💡
Ledger.com/start is the canonical starting point to initialize your Ledger hardware wallet safely. It consolidates essential procedures, recommended configurations, and the security-first mindset you must adopt to steward private keys responsibly. This guide distills the critical steps and practical cautions so you can proceed with confidence.
Step-by-step setup (concise) ✅
1) Visit Ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live only from the official source. 2) Unbox and inspect your device. 3) Initialize with a new PIN; record the recovery phrase offline. 4) Confirm the 24-word phrase on the device. 5) Install apps via Ledger Live and test with a small transfer.
Security principles — non-negotiable ⚠️
Never share your recovery phrase. Never enter it into software on a networked device. Treat the physical recovery sheet as the ultimate key to your funds. Prefer a hardware-backed seed-storage method (steel plate) for long-term resilience.
Troubleshooting & best practices 🛠️
If Ledger Live does not detect your device, ensure USB cables are firm, use an official USB port (avoid hubs), and update drivers where necessary. For lost PIN scenarios, the recovery phrase is the sole path to restore access — keep it secure and accessible.
Advanced tip: Consider enabling passphrase protection for additional compartmentalization of funds. Use this only if you understand the recovery implications.