Ledger.com/start provides a step-by-step process to initialize your Ledger hardware wallet safely. To begin, navigate to Ledger.com/start from a secure browser and download Ledger Live for your operating system. Install the application, open it, and when prompted connect your Ledger device by USB (or Bluetooth if supported). Ledger Live will guide you through firmware checks and an initial verification to ensure the device is genuine and not tampered with.
During setup you will be asked to create a PIN and generate your recovery phrase. This recovery phrase is the only backup to your crypto accounts — write it down on the supplied card or another offline medium and store it somewhere secure. Never store the phrase digitally, and never share it with anyone. Ledger will never ask for this phrase online.
After initialization, add accounts in Ledger Live for the blockchains you use—Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and more. Ledger Live displays balances, transaction history, and market insights while your private keys remain inside the hardware device. Each outgoing transaction requires confirmation on your Ledger device to sign, keeping your keys offline and protected.
For extra safety, review firmware updates directly in Ledger Live and always confirm update prompts on the device screen. If you suspect anything unusual, pause and consult official Ledger support pages.