Ledger.com Start — practical onboarding and protection checklist
Ledger.com Start is the official onboarding route that guides you to safely download Ledger Live and configure Ledger hardware wallets (Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus). Proper onboarding reduces risk — attackers often exploit careless download sources, insecure backups, and skipped verification steps. This guide explains exactly what to do, why it matters, and how to recover if things go sideways.
Download Ledger Live safely
Always open Ledger.com/start. Choose the app for your OS and verify the file when Ledger publishes checksums. Avoid search ads and third-party sites — those are common trick vectors. If your browser warns about unknown files, pause and verify the source before proceeding.
Initialize a new device — PIN & seed
When setting up, choose “Set up as new device.” Create a PIN you can remember but isn't obvious. The device displays a 24-word recovery phrase — write it down exactly and store it offline. Never photograph it or keep it in a cloud note. Use professional metal backups for long-term safety if you have significant holdings.
Why verification matters
Firmware and installer verification ensures the binaries you run are legitimate. Ledger Live verifies firmware signatures; confirming checksums guards against tampered installers. Confirming on-device addresses protects against host-level malware changing addresses shown on your computer.
Practical first steps after setup
- Add an account for the crypto you want to receive.
- Send a small test amount from an exchange and verify the address on-device.
- Confirm transaction success on-chain and then move larger sums.
- Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date only via Ledger.com/start.
Recovery planning & advanced options
Consider using a passphrase only if you fully understand recovery tradeoffs — losing the passphrase means irreversible loss. For ultra-secure custody, evaluate multisig or distributed backups and document recovery steps for trusted heirs without exposing seed material.