Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started | Support®®

Getting started with Ledger — Overview

This presentation is designed to be used as a "getting started" guide for new users arriving at Ledger.com/Start®. The layout uses a light green palette, distinct slide backgrounds, and clear heading hierarchy so it can be presented, printed, or published as a support article.

This page covers foundational concepts, recommended device choices, a detailed step-by-step setup, strong security hygiene, backup and recovery best practices, advanced user topics, legal and tax considerations, enterprise deployment notes, training modules, checklists, and appendices. Each main section contains multiple subsections and sample text you can expand to meet documentation or training length targets.

Why choose Ledger?

Ledger is a hardware wallet provider that emphasizes security by keeping private keys isolated on a physical device. Choosing a hardware wallet is about minimizing digital risk while retaining ownership and control of your crypto assets.

Value proposition

Hardware wallets like Ledger provide three primary benefits: keeping your private keys offline (air-gapped security), requiring physical confirmation for transactions, and offering a recoverable backup mechanism (seed phrase) that can restore access if the device is lost or damaged.

Who should use a hardware wallet?

Anyone who holds meaningful value in cryptocurrency — whether long-term holders (HODLers), active traders, developers, or enterprise custodians — should consider a hardware wallet as part of a layered security strategy. The balance between convenience and security will determine which Ledger model or configuration fits you best.

Core concepts and terminology

Understanding the core building blocks of cryptocurrency and wallets reduces mistakes during setup and usage.

Private key, public key, and addresses

The private key is a secret number that allows spending. The public key is derived from the private key and is used to create wallet addresses that other people use to send you funds. Ledger stores the private key securely in a hardware element and never exposes it to the host device or the internet.

Seed phrase (recovery phrase)

The seed phrase is a human-readable representation of your private key — typically 12, 18, or 24 words following a standardized format (BIP39). If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, restoring from the seed phrase onto a new device recreates your wallets and private keys.

Non-custodial vs custodial

Non-custodial: you hold your keys. Custodial: a service holds them for you. Non-custodial setups like Ledger grant you full control and full responsibility. Be mindful: with control comes the duty to secure backups and consider estate planning.

Choosing the right Ledger device

Ledger offers models suitable for different user profiles and needs. Choose based on storage capacity (number of apps), portability, and connectivity options.

For enterprise environments, Ledger also offers devices and services tailored for organizations that require multisig, HSM-like integrations, and management APIs. Contact Sales for tailored deployments.

Purchasing and receiving your device safely

Buy only from official channels and authorized resellers. Do not buy used or second-hand devices. Verify packaging and factory seals — tampering may indicate a compromised device.

Unboxing checklist

1. Order from Ledger.com or an authorized partner.
2. Inspect packaging for tamper evidence.
3. Verify that the device boots correctly and that the initial screen matches official Ledger instructions.

Delivery and handling

Keep the device and recovery materials separate. Use privacy-friendly shipping options and consider secure storage for the recovery seed such as a safe or deposit box if you hold significant value.

Device setup — step-by-step (detailed)

The setup process is critical. Do not skip steps. The following is a conservative, secure flow that balances usability and safety.

Step 1 — Verify official resources

Before you start, open a browser and navigate to the official Ledger setup guide from Ledger.com/Start®. Bookmark the guide and do not follow links from unsolicited emails or social media.

Step 2 — Power on and create a new device

Power on your Ledger device and choose the option to create a new wallet. Do not restore from an unknown or pre-provisioned seed from other sources.

Step 3 — Choose a strong PIN

Create a PIN of at least 4-8 digits depending on device constraints. Avoid simplistic combinations and do not write the PIN down with the seed phrase. If multiple users access the device, consider who knows the PIN and how it is protected.

Step 4 — Record the seed phrase

Write the seed phrase word-for-word in order on the provided recovery card (or a metal backup solution). Double-check each word for spelling, and store copies in separate secure locations. Never photograph or store the seed in a cloud service or digital note.

Step 5 — Test with a small transaction

After setup, install the required blockchain app via Ledger Live and perform a small test transaction (tiny amount) to confirm everything works end-to-end. Verify the receive address on-device before sending funds.

Ledger Live — step-by-step walkthrough

Ledger Live is the official software interface for managing accounts, installing blockchain apps, and monitoring portfolio balances. The app never exposes private keys.

Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from the official site. Choose the appropriate OS (Windows, macOS, Linux) or use the mobile app (iOS/Android). Verify checksums on downloads where provided.

Add accounts

Use Ledger Live to add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported blockchains. Ledger Live will derive addresses from the device and display balances without the private keys ever leaving the secure element.

Installing apps on the device

Each blockchain requires an app installed directly onto your Ledger device. Install only what you need. The device has limited app storage — uninstalling an app does not remove the underlying crypto assets — you can reinstall later without loss using the seed phrase.

Receiving and sending funds — secure flow

Always confirm addresses on your hardware device. Confirm amounts and recipient addresses visually on-device before signing transactions.

Receive workflow

1. Open Ledger Live and select Receive.
2. Choose the account (e.g., Bitcoin).
3. Connect and unlock your device and verify the address shown in Ledger Live matches the address displayed on your device screen.

Send workflow

1. Compose the transaction in Ledger Live or another compatible wallet.
2. Confirm the transaction details on the device screen and approve by pressing the device buttons.
3. Check the network fee and expected confirmations before broadcasting.

Security best practices — deep dive

Security is a set of practices layered together. Below is a comprehensive list of practices for individuals and organizations.

Seed storage methods

Store seed phrases offline on tamper-resistant media. Options include high-quality paper (kept in a safe), metal backups (for fire/water resistance), and split-seed strategies (Shamir Secret Sharing) for enterprise-grade protection.

Passphrase (25th word)

Adding a passphrase increases security by creating an additional, hidden wallet. However, it introduces management complexity — losing the passphrase means permanent loss of funds. Use with extreme caution and document recovery procedures securely for heirs or trusted parties.

Phishing and social engineering

Always verify URLs and communications. Ledger will never ask for your seed phrase. Train team members to recognize social engineering tactics, and use email security tools and safe browsing habits.

Device hygiene

• Keep firmware and Ledger Live up-to-date via official channels.
• Do not connect your Ledger to untrusted or jailbroken devices.
• Regularly audit installed apps and remove anything unnecessary.

Backup and recovery strategies

A backup plan ensures access even if the device is lost, damaged, or destroyed. The seed phrase is the primary recovery mechanism — secure and multiple backups are essential.

Multiple backups

Create at least two secure backups in separate physical locations to prevent single-point-of-failure scenarios (e.g., one at home, one in a bank safe deposit box). Consider geographic diversity to mitigate local risks.

Test recovery procedures

Periodically test restoring from a backup on a new device or test environment (using small amounts). This validates both the integrity of the backup and your recovery process documentation.

Documenting access for heirs

Work with legal counsel to create an estate plan that includes instructions, encrypted access information, and safe documentation that does not expose private keys in plaintext. Consider multi-step legal and technical approaches to safeguard access while preventing unauthorized use.

Advanced topics

For advanced users and organizations: multisignature wallets, passphrase management, APIs, developer integrations, and compliance workflows.

Multisignature (multisig)

Multisig distributes signing authority across multiple keys, requiring multiple approvals for transactions. Use multisig for corporate funds, treasury management, and high-value storage to avoid single-person access risks.

Integration & APIs

Enterprises may integrate Ledger solutions via APIs and management platforms (consult Ledger Enterprise documentation). This enables device provisioning, app management, and monitoring at scale while maintaining hardware-level security.

Developer & testnet workflows

Developers should use testnets for experiments and validate signing flows with Ledger devices. Avoid using production seed phrases for development to prevent accidental exposure.

Troubleshooting and support

Common problems and safe responses. When in doubt, consult official support channels — do not share seed phrases.

Common issues

• Device doesn't power on: check cable/charging, try different USB ports, verify battery (if supported).
• Ledger Live not recognizing device: update Ledger Live, check USB drivers, try different cables and ports.
• Missing funds in an account: verify public address on a blockchain explorer; check if assets are on a different chain or