The Ultimate Presentation Guide to Securely Initialize and Use Your Ledger® Hardware Wallet
Start Official SetupCryptocurrency ownership comes with full financial sovereignty. However, with that sovereignty comes responsibility. Unlike banks, crypto networks do not provide password recovery or fraud reversal services. That’s why hardware wallets like Ledger® exist — to provide secure offline storage for your private keys.
The official setup portal, Ledger.com/start™, is the only safe place to begin configuring your Ledger device. This comprehensive presentation-style guide explains everything you need to know about starting your Ledger® device safely and confidently.
Whether you're new to crypto or an experienced investor, proper setup is essential for long-term protection.
Ensures you download genuine Ledger Live software without risk of malware.
Ledger performs authenticity checks to confirm your hardware wallet is legitimate.
Clear on-screen instructions guide you through PIN creation and seed backup.
When you receive your Ledger device, inspect the packaging carefully. Ledger devices ship without pre-configured PINs or seed phrases.
If your device comes with a pre-written recovery phrase, do NOT use it.
Visit the official website: https://www.ledger.com/start to download Ledger Live for your operating system.
Ledger Live allows you to:
Avoid downloading Ledger software from third-party websites.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable.
Select “Set up as new device.” You will then create a secure PIN code.
Your PIN protects the physical device from unauthorized access.
Your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is your master key.
Anyone with your recovery phrase can access your funds.
Ledger devices use Secure Element chips certified under Common Criteria EAL5+ standards.
Private keys never leave the secure hardware. Transactions must be physically confirmed on the device screen.
Learn more about Ledger’s security model at Ledger Academy.
After initialization, use Ledger Live to install blockchain apps such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.
Each app enables secure interaction with its respective blockchain.
When receiving funds, always verify the address displayed on your Ledger device screen matches the address in Ledger Live.
When sending funds, confirm transaction details directly on the device before approval.
Ledger supports optional passphrase protection. This creates hidden wallets layered over your recovery phrase.
Advanced users can enable additional security measures such as:
Yes. Always use the official website to avoid phishing scams.
You can reset the device and restore access using your 24-word recovery phrase.
No. Private keys never leave the hardware wallet.
Purchase a new Ledger and restore using your recovery phrase.
Whenever Ledger releases official updates for security or performance improvements.
Setting up your Ledger device correctly ensures your crypto remains secure against digital threats. By starting at Ledger.com/start™, following secure backup practices, and maintaining regular updates, you protect your financial sovereignty.
Hardware wallets represent the gold standard in crypto security. Use them wisely, protect your recovery phrase, and stay vigilant.
Visit Official Ledger® Website