Ledger · Start

A practical, no-fluff guide to owning your crypto securely — hardware-first, clarity-forward.

Why start with Ledger?

Ledger helps you separate the keys that sign transactions from the internet itself. This page walks you through what that means and how to begin — without jargon.

Own your keys, control your assets

At the heart of digital ownership is one idea: possession of the private key. If a third party controls your key, they control your funds. Ledger places those keys inside a discreet, tamper-resistant device. That means you can sign transactions without exposing your secret to an online environment. The device is small, simple to use, and built to be the single source of truth for your crypto identity.

Security that fits your life

Security must be practical. Ledger is designed for everyday people and power users alike — from someone buying their first bitcoin to an experienced holder managing multiple accounts. You keep a recovery phrase offline; you use the device to confirm operations; and you connect it only when you need to sign. That pattern reduces accidental exposure and keeps routine interactions straightforward.

What to expect on this Start page

This page walks you through three clear steps: evaluate (what Ledger secures), set up (how to initialize your device), and operate (daily best practices). Each section provides concrete actions, not abstract warnings — so you leave with a working setup and a sensible security habit.

Begin setup FAQ

Quick setup — 7 practical steps

1
Unbox in a safe place.
Inspect the box seal. Only proceed if packaging is intact.
2
Install official apps.
Use Ledger Live or the recommended vendor app to initialize — do not install third-party firmware.
3
Write your recovery phrase.
Record it offline on the provided card. Never store the phrase as a photo or cloud note.
4
Test a small transfer.
Send a tiny amount first to confirm the flow and address correctness.
5
Enable firmware updates.
Keep the device firmware updated through official channels only.
6
Set a PIN.
Choose a PIN you can remember but that isn’t guessable from your social info.
7
Practice recovery.
Understand how to restore the device from the recovery phrase before moving large sums.

Daily habits that matter

Use the device for signing only. Treat your recovery phrase like a spare house key — keep it safe, offline, and distributed in a way that survives loss and theft. Avoid custom or unknown apps that ask for seed phrases. Regularly check firmware notifications from the device vendor and verify update prompts carefully.