How to get started, step by step, with strong security in mind
Welcome to the official guide for “Starting® Up® Your® Device®.” This walkthrough is designed to help you set up your hardware wallet securely, step by step. Throughout this guide, we will also reference important features and keywords such as Ledger.com/start, Ledger Live, Ledger Live Login, Ledger Login, Ledger Live Desktop, and Ledger Live App to highlight parallels and security practices, as many users also use Ledger devices.
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Your hardware wallet is the root of your trust chain. If it is compromised or misconfigured initially, no downstream security measure can fully protect you. That is why a careful set‑up is essential.
Some common risks include:
Before you begin, ensure:
Plug the device into your computer via USB (or via a supported connection). Ensure the cable is intact and the connection is stable.
The device should show a “Welcome” screen or prompt you to verify firmware. Always confirm the manufacturer’s authenticity — verify holograms, checksums, or serial numbers. The device should display the genuine firmware version and show a “secure chip” indicator or similar.
The device will generate a seed phrase (typically 12, 18, or 24 words). Write this seed phrase down **manually** on paper (or on metal) — do *not* store it on a computer or phone. Confirm the seed phrase words in correct order when prompted.
Choose a PIN (usually 4–8 digits or more). Some advanced users may add a passphrase (aka “25th word”), but only if they fully understand the security implications. Keep PIN and passphrase secret.
To manage your wallet and accounts, install the companion software from the official source. In the case of Ledger devices, that would be via Ledger.com/start. In our context, you should use the official “Start” portal to fetch the correct app and firmware. Once installed, you’ll interact with it via Ledger Live (desktop or mobile) — so your device is ready to talk to software securely.
The companion app (akin to Ledger Live) is the interface through which you manage accounts, send/receive assets, and monitor balances. It serves as a secure bridge between your hardware device and the blockchain network.
Many users enjoy using Ledger Live Desktop (on Windows, macOS, Linux) as a full-featured interface. Others prefer the mobile version, Ledger Live App, for convenience. Both versions support core features like balance viewing, account management, and transaction signing.
To access the application, you will perform a login or device-authentication. We refer to this generically as Ledger Live Login or Ledger Login. It often involves granting the app permission to talk to your hardware, unlocking it, and confirming actions on the device itself.
The first time you connect, the app may search for your device, verify firmware, and register a secure tunnel between hardware and software. Only after this “pairing” can you manage accounts, sign transactions, and view balances.
Always keep both the device firmware and app (desktop or mobile) up to date. For Ledger-like systems, you might use Ledger.com/start to find the latest versions of Ledger Live, and updates often require physical confirmation on the device to prevent remote tampering.
Your seed phrase, PIN, and passphrase are your ultimate keys. Never share them with anyone, including individuals claiming support. Legitimate teams never ask for your full seed.
Always download companion apps (like Ledger Live) or firmware only from official sources (e.g. Ledger.com/start) and verify checksums. Avoid third‑party mirrors or links.
Whenever sending or approving a transaction, always verify the details (recipient, amount, fees) on the device screen itself, not just in the app.
While a passphrase can add a layer of security, losing it can mean losing access. Use it only if you fully understand how to back it up and recover.
Periodically check account balances, review device firmware status, ensure backup copies are intact, and confirm no unauthorized access has occurred.
If the device is not detected:
If a firmware update fails mid‑step:
If you cannot perform Ledger Live Login or Ledger Login:
If your balance or account history does not show correctly: