The ledger.com/start page is the official onboarding portal created to guide new Ledger hardware wallet owners through a secure and practical setup process. Its goal is to make the first minutes with a hardware wallet predictable, safe, and free of common mistakes. The page consolidates device-specific steps, software acquisition, firmware verification, backup procedures, and concise security advice so that users can initialize their device, secure their recovery backup, and begin managing assets with confidence.
The very first guidance on the start page focuses on unboxing and authenticity. Users are instructed to inspect packaging and the device for signs of tampering before connecting to a computer or phone. Confirming the device arrives sealed and intact reduces the risk of using a compromised unit. The portal explains basic visual checks and encourages users to halt setup if anything appears suspicious, because beginning the onboarding flow with a verified device is foundational to long-term security.
A central step described on the start page is acquiring the Ledger Live application, the official companion software for Ledger devices. Ledger Live is available for desktop and mobile platforms and serves as the primary interface to install firmware, add cryptocurrency accounts, and manage transactions. The start portal highlights that using the official app ensures compatibility and that device firmware and application software are matched, reducing the chance of errors during setup or operation.
Ledger devices often require an initial firmware installation or an update during onboarding. The start instructions detail how to apply verified firmware through Ledger Live and why firmware verification matters: updates include security patches, bug fixes, and improvements that harden the device against known vulnerabilities. The portal walks users through the update flow and explains how the app and device display work together to confirm authenticity before proceeding.
After firmware is applied, ledger.com/start guides users to either create a new wallet or restore an existing one. New wallet setup generates a recovery phrase—typically a set of words that serves as the sole backup for private keys—and the portal emphasizes writing this phrase down on a durable medium and keeping it offline. For users restoring an existing wallet, step-by-step instructions show how to input the recovery phrase via the device in a secure manner so that secrets are not exposed to the host computer.
The start flow includes configuring a PIN to protect the device against unauthorized physical use. The PIN must be entered whenever the device is connected and unlocked. Advanced instructions explain optional passphrase usage for added compartmentalization: a passphrase acts as an additional secret that derives hidden wallets associated with the same recovery phrase. Ledger cautions that passphrases increase security but also responsibility—losing a passphrase means losing access to the funds it protects.
Once initialized, the portal explains how to add accounts inside Ledger Live for different cryptocurrencies and how to transfer funds from exchanges or software wallets to addresses controlled by the Ledger device. The instructions emphasize verifying receiving addresses on the device screen and reviewing transaction details before broadcasting. This combined host-and-device confirmation prevents address substitution attacks and ensures private keys remain insulated from internet-connected systems.
Throughout the onboarding content, ledger.com/start repeatedly reinforces key security principles. Users are reminded never to share their recovery phrase, never to type it into websites or apps, and to keep backups in secure, offline locations. The portal also suggests keeping the device firmware and application updated, using trusted computers for sensitive steps, and verifying transaction details on-device to reduce phishing and malware risks. These reminders are placed at crucial steps in the flow to reduce human error.
The start page provides troubleshooting guidance for common setup problems such as connection issues, firmware errors, or synchronization problems. Typical remedies include checking cables, restarting the host application, confirming system compatibility, and retrying firmware flows. If problems persist, the portal points users toward structured support resources and documentation so they can resolve issues without compromising security.
ledger.com/start is intended to be the canonical first stop for anyone with a new Ledger device. By consolidating the essential tasks—authenticity checks, software download, firmware installation, wallet creation or recovery, PIN and passphrase setup, and secure fund transfers—the portal equips users with both the practical steps and the security mindset necessary to manage digital assets safely. Following the official guidance reduces setup risks and helps users adopt strong custody habits from day one.