Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started

Overview — What this page covers (h2)

This short guide helps you get started with Ledger.com/Start. It presents clear steps, safety tips, and a small checklist you can use in a presentation or documentation. Headings from h1 down to h5 are used to show structure and hierarchy for both screen readers and visual design.

Why a getting-started guide matters (h3)

New users often need a single place to read trustworthy, actionable instructions. This document focuses on the essentials: account initialization, basic navigation, backup best practices, and troubleshooting common issues. The language is plain, so you can paste it into slides, handouts, or an HTML-based help portal.

Target audience (h4)

Beginners and intermediate users who are deploying a Ledger product for the first time or refreshing their setup. If you already have advanced knowledge of hardware wallets, skim to the checklist and security section.

Accessibility note (h5)

Headings, lists, and semantic elements are used to improve navigation for assistive technologies. Links include descriptive text and use rel="noopener" and target="_blank" where appropriate to maintain safety when opening external pages.

Step-by-step: Getting started (h2)

1 — Unbox and inspect (h3)

Open the Ledger packaging and check for tamper-evidence. If the seal looks compromised, do not use the device and contact support via the official site. Keep packaging and serial numbers for records.

2 — Power up & initial setup (h3)

Follow the on-screen instructions to power the device. Create a new PIN when prompted. Avoid using obvious numbers and never share your PIN. The device will then display a recovery phrase — write it down on the supplied card and store it offline.

Important: recovery phrase handling (h4)

Never store your recovery phrase digitally (not on cloud, email, or photos). Treat the phrase like a precious key: offline, physically secure, and in multiple geographic locations if redundancy is needed.

3 — Connect to Ledger Live (h3)

Download Ledger Live from the official site and follow the on-screen pairing process. Confirm the device prompts during every critical action. Ledger Live will help you install apps and manage assets.

4 — Install apps & add accounts (h4)

Use Ledger Live to install any blockchain apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Create accounts inside Ledger Live and receive addresses only after confirming them on-device.

5 — First transaction check (h5)

Send a small test transaction before moving large sums. Verify the receiving address on the hardware device screen and on Ledger Live; they must match exactly.

Troubleshooting & support (h2)

Common issues (h3)

If the device fails to respond, restart and try a different cable or USB port. If Ledger Live won’t detect the device, ensure you have the latest version installed and that the operating system recognizes the hardware. For firmware problems, follow official recovery steps only.

When to contact support (h4)

Contact official support if you suspect a compromised device, lost recovery phrase, or if you see unexpected prompts on the hardware. Always use official channels and avoid third-party services that ask for your recovery phrase.