ledger.com/start is the official onboarding portal created to guide new Ledger hardware wallet owners through a secure, practical setup process. The page is designed to remove uncertainty from the first-time experience by presenting clear, step-by-step instructions for unboxing checks, downloading the companion application, applying verified firmware, generating or restoring a wallet, and establishing long-term backup and security habits. Its aim is to help users begin custody of digital assets confidently and correctly.
The onboarding flow begins with a few important preparatory steps. Users are encouraged to inspect the device packaging for signs of tampering and confirm the contents match the expected accessories. It is recommended to choose a trusted computer or mobile device for setup rather than a shared or public machine. Prepare a durable medium to record the recovery phrase—paper, metal plate, or similar offline material—and avoid storing seeds on phones, email, or cloud storage. These precautions reduce the risk of compromise during the most sensitive moments of setup.
A key action on the start portal is acquiring the official Ledger companion application. This application serves as the trusted interface for device initialization, firmware management, account creation, and transaction preparation. The portal explains how to select the correct edition for your operating system and emphasizes verifying software authenticity. Using the official companion app ensures that the device receives verified firmware and that setup steps follow the recommended security model.
When connecting a Ledger device for the first time, the onboarding process typically checks for required firmware and guides users through installing verified updates. Firmware updates contain security patches and feature improvements, and the portal explains the verification steps so users can be confident they are applying legitimate code. Device authentication during this phase confirms the unit is genuine and untampered, helping to prevent usage of compromised devices that might endanger private keys.
After firmware is applied, ledger.com/start walks you through creating a new wallet or restoring an existing one from a recovery phrase. During new wallet creation the device generates a recovery phrase that must be recorded offline. The portal stresses safe handling of this phrase: write it down on durable media, keep copies in separate secure locations, and never photograph or store the seed digitally. For wallet recovery, the guide explains secure entry procedures so that seeds are not exposed to networked devices.
The start flow includes configuring a PIN to protect access to the device and describes optional passphrase functionality for advanced users. The PIN prevents unauthorized physical use if the device is lost or stolen, while the passphrase acts as an additional secret that can derive hidden wallets for compartmentalization or plausible deniability. The portal outlines tradeoffs and responsibilities: passphrases increase security but also increase recovery complexity because they are not stored by Ledger and cannot be recovered by a third party.
Once the device is initialized, the portal shows how to add accounts for supported cryptocurrencies inside the companion app and how to transfer funds from exchanges or software wallets into addresses controlled by the Ledger device. Guidance focuses on verifying receiving addresses on the device screen before sharing them and reviewing transaction details on the hardware before approval. This two-step verification model — in-app review plus on-device confirmation — helps prevent address substitution and transaction manipulation.
The start portal anticipates common setup obstacles, such as connection issues, firmware interruptions, or software compatibility problems. Troubleshooting tips cover simple remedies like changing USB cables or ports, restarting the companion app or host device, and reinstalling verified software when necessary. For persistent problems the portal encourages following documented recovery flows and contacting official support channels rather than using risky ad hoc fixes that could expose seeds or credentials.
Beyond initial setup, ledger.com/start emphasizes habits that maintain security over time: keep firmware and the companion application up to date, verify transaction details on the device, store recovery seeds offline in secure locations, and avoid performing sensitive tasks on untrusted machines. The portal also points to educational resources for advanced topics such as multisignature setups, secure geographic backup, and integrations with third-party services, enabling users to expand their custody practices safely.
ledger.com/start consolidates the essential steps needed to initialize and use a Ledger hardware wallet securely. By guiding users through authenticity checks, official software downloads, firmware verification, wallet creation or recovery, PIN and passphrase setup, and safe fund transfers, the portal builds a strong foundation for long-term custody. Following these structured steps helps ensure private keys remain protected and gives users confidence managing digital assets with hardware-backed security.