Ledger.com/Start® | Starting Up Your Device® - Ledger®®
Introduction — Why this matters
This presentation explains, in clear non-technical language, how to start up your Ledger® device securely and confidently. The instructions focus on the important concepts — validating authenticity, safeguarding your recovery phrase, and using official channels (like Ledger.com/Start®) for firmware and setup.
What you'll learn
- How to verify your Ledger device and avoid scams
- Step-by-step initial actions (power, firmware check, Ledger Live)
- Best practices for storing recovery phrases and ongoing hygiene
- Where to find official support and templates for documentation
Intended audience
New device owners, small business treasurers, or anyone who wants a secure, reproducible way to initialize a hardware wallet and make that process easy to teach to colleagues.
Section 1 — Unboxing & first checks (H3 → H5 examples)
H4: Visual check and package authenticity
Ensure the package seal is intact and that the product is supplied directly by Ledger® or an authorized reseller. Never trust unsolicited links or emails claiming to "speed up setup." The only official starting point for setup is Ledger.com/Start®.
H4: Hardware check
Connect the device to power or a computer following the quick start card. If the device displays a different start screen than the one described in the official guide, pause and verify with Ledger support.
Section 2 — Initial device setup
H4: Install and open Ledger Live
Use only the official Ledger Live application available from Ledger's start page. Ledger Live is the companion app used to install apps on your device, update firmware, and manage accounts securely.
H4: Create or restore
When prompted, choose Create new device to generate a new recovery phrase if you are the original owner, or Restore device only if you already possess a valid recovery phrase. Never enter a recovery phrase into software on a laptop or phone—only into the Ledger device when it asks.
Section 3 — Recovery phrase & security hygiene
H4: What is a recovery phrase?
A recovery phrase (typically 24 words) is the single most important secret that restores access to your crypto if the device is lost. Treat it like the keys to a vault — store it offline, never photograph it, and consider metal backup options for disaster resilience.
H4: Storage best practices
- Write the phrase on the supplied recovery card or, better, on a durable metal plate.
- Store it in at least two geographically separated secure locations (safe deposit box, home safe).
- Do not store the phrase in cloud storage or on a phone/computer.
Section 4 — Firmware, updates, and phishing warnings
H4: Firmware updates
Only accept firmware updates initiated from Ledger Live after confirming the prompt on the device screen. Firmware updates are signed and verified — never follow instructions from unknown web pages to "install special firmware."
H4: Phishing & social engineering
Attacks often start with fake support pages, deepfake audio, or urgent messages. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. If someone asks for it — stop immediately.
Section 5 — Ongoing management & team practices
H4: Multi-user operations
For small businesses, limit who can access signing devices. Use multi-signature architectures where practical to distribute signing authority and reduce single-person risk.
H4: Auditable routines
Maintain a short checklist for each onboarding and sign-off step, record device serial numbers, and rotate access procedures yearly. Use printed, versioned checklists stored with corporate treasury documentation.
Section 6 — Troubleshooting & support
H4: If the device won’t boot
Try a different cable/USB port and confirm the device brand/model. If issues persist, contact Ledger support via the official site — do not follow non-official instructions. Look up serial and warranty details on Ledger's site for support context.
H4: Lost recovery phrase
If the recovery phrase is lost and the device fails, funds are unrecoverable. Plan ahead with redundant, secure backups and consider a custodial or multisig arrangement if you cannot accept the risk.
Final thoughts & call to action
Starting a Ledger device correctly is simple but critical. Follow official channels, protect your recovery phrase, and bake setup into your organization’s onboarding so the process is replicable and auditable. For step-by-step interactive setup, begin at Ledger.com/Start®.
Quick checklist (copyable):
- Confirm sealed package and authorized seller
- Install Ledger Live from the official start page
- Create device OR restore only from your known 24-word phrase
- Store recovery phrase offline and in multiple secure locations
- Never share your phrase — Ledger support will never ask for it