Why choose a hardware wallet?
Hardware wallets like Ledger® keep your private keys offline in a secure element. For anyone serious about safeguarding crypto, hardware-based key custody is the most reliable approach available to retail users. Ledger Start focuses on the practical steps to make setup simple without compromising safety.
Where to purchase
Only buy from ledger.com or trusted resellers. Avoid secondhand marketplaces. On delivery, inspect packaging and confirm the device has not been previously initialized. Ledger Start emphasizes authenticity checks as the first line of defense.
On-device initialization
Follow on-screen instructions to create a PIN and reveal your recovery phrase. Carefully copy each word in order. Ledger devices prompt you to confirm the phrase to ensure you completed the backup correctly. Skipping or improvising at this stage invites future trouble.
Recording and storing your seed
Write your seed on the provided card or a dedicated seed backup product. Then, place backups in secure, geographically separated locations. Consider using a safe deposit box for one copy and a home safe for another. Keep a recovery plan — who will access the seed if you are unavailable—document in legal terms if necessary.
Using Ledger Live
Install official Ledger Live and only add accounts for the chains you use. Ledger Start encourages minimal exposure: install only needed apps and remove what you don’t use. When approving operations, always validate details on the device itself.
Phishing and social engineering
Phishing remains the dominant threat vector. Do not click links in unsolicited messages. Bookmark ledger.com and always use that bookmark for downloads. Never enter your seed into any site or tool; legitimate support will never request it.
Recoveries and what to do if seed is exposed
If you suspect that your seed is exposed, move funds immediately to a new seed generated on a fresh device. This can be stressful, so Ledger Start recommends periodic drills and checklists. Keep contact details of trusted security professionals or community resources, but never reveal secrets publicly.
Final checklist
- Buy from official sources;
- Initialize on-device and write the seed physically;
- Store backups securely and separately;
- Verify every transaction on-device;
- Keep firmware updated via Ledger Live.
Follow these steps and Ledger Start will have turned a complex process into dependable habit. The yellow theme is just for energy — the real protection comes from repeated, secure behavior.
Official setup checklist