When you acquire a new Ledger Hardware Wallet, the first and safest step is to go to Ledger.com/Start. This is the official onboarding portal provided by Ledger that guides you securely through device setup, app installation, and crypto asset management. Using this trusted route protects you from phishing, counterfeit software, and malicious actors.
Your private keys remain under your control, stored offline on your Ledger device. You never relinquish ownership. It's the same core ethos seen with Trezor Hardware Wallets, where tools like Trezor Suite and setup flows via Trezor.io/start or Trezor Io Start emphasize securing your seed phrase and hardware.
Remove your Ledger device from its packaging. Ensure the tamper-evident seal is intact. Check that the accessories—USB cable, recovery sheet—are present. Any signs of tampering should be addressed immediately by contacting Ledger support.
Visit Ledger.com/Start using a secure browser. Download the Ledger Live app suitable for your operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android. Ledger Live becomes your control center for managing crypto assets.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile. The app will guide you to set it up either as a new device or restore from a recovery phrase if you already have one. Create a secure PIN code. This PIN ensures physical security if someone gains device access.
Your Ledger will display a 24‑word recovery phrase. Write it down in the exact order on the recovery sheet provided. Store it offline (not in photos or cloud storage!). This recovery phrase is the only way to restore your wallet if your device is lost or damaged.
Ledger Live will perform a genuine check to confirm your device is authentic. Then install any firmware updates available. This helps guard against vulnerabilities. Always keep both firmware and app versions up to date.
Write it down on physical medium. Keep multiple backups in safe places. Avoid digital storage under any form. Trezor workflows also emphasize these rules in their setup via Trezor.io/start and Trezor Suite.
Your PIN should not be obvious. Avoid simple numbers like “1234”. Confirm all actions (transactions, app installations) directly on the Ledger Hardware Wallet. This practice is central to both Ledger and Trezor ecosystems.
Always verify you're on Ledger.com/Start. Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages claiming Ledger requests. Similar danger exists with fake “Trezor Bridge” or “Trezor Login” clones.
Setup using your own trusted computer or mobile. Avoid public Wi-Fi when downloading or installing Ledger Live. Secure your computer/device with antivirus or anti‑malware tools.
Ledger’s onboarding via Ledger.com/Start is designed to be simple for beginners. Trezor’s setup flows via Trezor.io/start, and use of Trezor Suite, offer similar steps, but sometimes require Trezor Bridge to enable browser communication for certain features.
Both Ledger and Trezor hardware wallets use offline storage of private keys. Ledger Live + Ledger.com/Start ensures authenticity checking and firmware verification. Trezor Suite and Trezor Hardware Wallet do likewise with its secure boot and open‑source software model.