Ledger Start — Secure Crypto Setup

A friendly, step-by-step guide to setting up a hardware wallet, understanding key features, and learning practical security habits so you can own your crypto with confidence.

Quick read • ~7 min
Get started

Why secure storage matters

When you own crypto, custody and key security are the difference between ownership and loss. A hardware wallet stores your private keys offline, protecting them from common online attack vectors. Below we'll break down what that means and show you how to start safely.

Core features you’ll value

  • 1
    Offline key storage — Private keys are generated and stored in a secure element inside a device that never exposes keys to the internet.
  • 2
    Physical confirmation — Transactions must be confirmed on the device itself, preventing remote actors from spending funds.
  • 3
    Recovery seeds — A human-readable recovery phrase lets you restore access if the device is lost, but it must be stored safely.
  • 4
    Wide compatibility — Works with many wallets and blockchains; you control which apps and accounts connect to the device.

How it works — in plain language

Put simply: your private keys live inside the hardware device. When you want to send funds, your wallet software creates a transaction and asks the device to sign it. The device checks the details and only signs if you confirm physically. The signed transaction is then broadcast — but the private key never leaves the device.

Ready? Step-by-step setup

  1. Unbox and inspect: Check the device packaging for tamper evidence and verify you received a sealed product from an authorized seller.
  2. Power on & create a PIN: Follow the on-device prompts to set a PIN. Choose a PIN you can remember but that isn't easily guessable.
  3. Write down your recovery phrase: The device will show a 12/18/24-word phrase. Write it down in order, on the supplied recovery card or another offline medium. Do not photograph or store it digitally.
  4. Confirm the phrase: The device will ask you to confirm certain words to ensure you copied them correctly.
  5. Install companion app: Use the official companion (desktop/mobile) app to add accounts and interact with your device. Only download official software from verified sources.
  6. Receive small test amount: Before moving large amounts, send a small test transaction to confirm everything works as expected.
  7. Store recovery securely: Put the recovery phrase somewhere safe and consider multiple offline backups locked in separate locations if appropriate.
Security tips

Top security practices (short list)

  • A
    Never share your recovery phrase. No legitimate service will ever ask for it.
  • B
    Buy from authorized sellers only. Avoid second-hand devices for the initial seed generation.
  • C
    Keep software up to date. Firmware and app updates patch security issues — apply them from official tools.
  • D
    Use passphrase (optional). An additional passphrase can create a hidden wallet for extra protection; treat it like a password, not a recovery phrase.

FAQs — quick answers

Can I recover my funds if I lose the device?
Yes — with your recovery phrase you can restore your accounts on another compatible device or software wallet that supports hardware recovery.
Is it safe to keep small amounts on exchanges?
Exchanges can be convenient but keep only what you need for trading. For long-term storage, self-custody with hardware wallets reduces counterparty risk.
What if I suspect my device is tampered?
Stop using it immediately, transfer funds to a new secure address using a device with a newly generated recovery phrase, and report any seller issues.
Need a printable quickstart? Use the "Print" function in your browser to save this page as a PDF.
This page is for educational purposes only.

Longer explanation — why this approach reduces risk

Storing private keys offline limits exposure to remote exploits — malware, phishing sites, and compromised software cannot extract keys that never touch the connected computer. The hardware device acts as a bouncer: it sees transaction details and proves cryptographic authorization without revealing sensitive secrets. Recovery seeds are the tradeoff that creates portability; because they are powerful, they must be treated like a vault key. Layering protections — a secure PIN, an optional passphrase, and safe physical storage of the seed — combines the convenience of self-custody with strong defenses against most common theft scenarios.

Common mistakes to avoid

Disclaimer

This page is a mock / educational landing page created to explain the typical "start" experience for hardware wallet users. It is not an official Ledger.com page, endorsement, or replacement for product documentation. Always consult the official product documentation and support channels for authoritative setup instructions, firmware updates, and security recommendations. If you plan to publish a page like this publicly, replace any placeholder links and brand elements with verified assets and include explicit legal and trademark notices as required by the brand owner.