Ledger Start — Your Complete Onboarding Guide

This long-form guide walks through the ledger start experience: what to expect, setup steps, security best practices, and practical tips for long-term crypto custody.

What is "Ledger Start"?

Ledger Start refers to the process of beginning to use a Ledger hardware wallet: setup, initializing a device, installing apps, and connecting to supported wallets. The purpose of this guide is to explain the flow so you can complete it confidently and securely without exposing sensitive secrets.

Pro tip: Always follow manufacturer instructions and download software only from official sources. This guide does not ask for any private keys or recovery phrases.

Step-by-step: Typical Ledger Start Flow

1. Unbox & Inspect

Check seals and packaging. Confirm there are no signs of tampering. Take note of included accessories like cables and recovery cards.

2. Install Official App

Download Ledger Live or the official onboarding app from Ledger's website. Verify the URL and certificate if possible.

3. Initialize Device

Power on the device and follow the on-screen prompts to create a new device or recover an existing one. Do not share recovery phrases online.

4. Install Coin Apps

Use the companion app to install the apps for coins you plan to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).

Advanced: Verification & Device Attestation

Ledger devices support attestation to confirm firmware authenticity. Use the official app to check the device's integrity if you want extra assurance.

Security Best Practices

Never enter or share your recovery phrase online or with anyone.
Keep firmware and companion apps up to date via official channels.
Prefer hardware wallets for long-term custody and diversify backups.
Use a strong, unique passphrase (if you understand the implications) — but understand passphrases are powerful and must be stored safely.

Item	Action
Device seal	Inspect for tampering
Software source	Ledger official site only
Recovery phrase	Write on a secure medium, never digitally

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover my wallet if the device is lost?

Yes — provided you have your recovery phrase and stored it securely offline. Recovery is done using a compatible Ledger device or another BIP39-compatible wallet.

Will Ledger ask for my seed?

No. During ledger start the device displays and you write down the recovery phrase — an authentic onboarding flow never requests you to enter it into a website or share it.