A FIELD GUIDE TO SELF-CUSTODY
Ledger.com/start is the place to begin when you’re setting up a Ledger device. This independent guide walks through the first decisions—getting the right app, preparing your device, and keeping recovery information private—so your first steps feel considered, not complicated.
Visit Ledger’s official start page
A new hardware wallet is a small object with a serious job: it helps you keep control of the keys that authorize activity on your accounts. The device is only one part of that arrangement. The companion app gives you a place to view supported assets and manage everyday interactions, while your recovery phrase remains the private backup that can restore access if a device is lost or replaced.
Begin at Ledger’s official getting-started page, and check that the address is spelled exactly as expected before downloading anything. Choose Ledger Live from Ledger’s own site or from your phone’s official app store. Search results, sponsored posts, direct messages and unsolicited “support” links can lead somewhere else; a familiar logo is not proof that a download is genuine.
Make a little room for setup. Use a computer or phone you trust, connect to a reliable network, and give the process your attention. If a message or page rushes you, promises a shortcut, or asks you to disclose your recovery phrase, stop. That phrase is not a password for customer service, and it should never be entered into an unfamiliar website or shared with another person.
Open Ledger’s official website by typing its address yourself, or use the Apple App Store or Google Play on your device. Confirm the publisher and app details before you install. Keep your operating system and companion app current, and avoid installers passed around in chats or file-sharing links.
SOURCE BEFORE DOWNLOADTurn on your Ledger device and follow the instructions shown on the device itself and in the official companion app. Read each prompt; take time to understand PIN setup and recovery backup. The flow may change as products and software evolve, so use the current instructions rather than a saved screenshot or an old tutorial.
READ EACH PROMPTWrite the recovery phrase down only as directed during setup, then store it somewhere private and physically secure. Never photograph it, save it in cloud storage, paste it into a note, or send it to anyone. Ledger support will not need your phrase. If you are uncertain, pause and consult official support.
PRIVATE MEANS PRIVATEA BETTER KIND OF CHECKLIST
There is no prize for finishing setup in record time. A thoughtful pause can help you notice a suspicious prompt, confirm a web address, or catch a detail that deserves another look. Keep your device close, work through one instruction at a time, and use official help pages when a screen does not match what you expected.
When setup is complete, learn the basics before moving significant value. Explore the app, understand what a transaction asks you to approve, and verify important details on your hardware device. A device can help protect your keys, but safe habits still matter: secure your phone or computer, beware of impersonators, and check every destination before confirming.
Self-custody also means understanding the responsibility that comes with control. Take time to learn how backups work, what happens if your device is unavailable, and where to find reliable help before you need it. Keep your recovery backup accessible to you but out of view of others, and revisit your security habits as your needs change. Clear, patient choices are part of the setup too.
Explore Ledger Live informationStart from official Ledger destinations, then check the publisher again before installing. These links open Ledger’s own pages in a new tab.
This page is an independent educational guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ledger. Product names belong to their respective owners. Features, interfaces and instructions can change; always follow current official guidance. Never share your recovery phrase.