H3 — Why start safely?
Starting up with Ledger.com/Start® - Starting Up Your Device® ensures your private keys remain offline and protected. Following the official startup flow protects you against phishing attempts and makes certain your recovery phrase is created and stored properly. This presentation highlights best practices, including verifying the device screen, using the official Ledger website for downloads, and never sharing your recovery phrase.
H4 — What you will need
1) Your Ledger hardware device (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, or compatible model).
2) A USB cable or Bluetooth-ready host for Nano X.
3) A computer or mobile device to visit Ledger.com/Start® and follow the on-screen instructions.
4) A quiet place to write down your recovery phrase and a secure storage method.
H5 — Quick start overview
Turn on your Ledger device and follow the on-device prompts. Visit Ledger.com/Start® from a secure browser URL and download Ledger Live if needed. Create a new wallet or restore from an existing recovery phrase. Confirm each step on your device screen, and never enter your recovery phrase into a website or app.
Step-by-step setup
Begin at Ledger.com/Start® - Starting Up Your Device®. The official page will check your device model and provide the correct Ledger Live installation. After installation:
- Open Ledger Live and select "Get started".
- Choose "Set up a new device" or "Restore device" depending on your situation.
- Follow the on-screen prompts and confirm every action by pressing the physical buttons on the device.
- Write your 24-word recovery phrase down exactly as shown — order matters.
- Complete the setup by creating a PIN on the device and installing any apps you need through Ledger Live.
Troubleshooting tips
If your device doesn't start, try a different USB cable or port. For Bluetooth issues with Nano X, ensure your host device has Bluetooth permissions enabled. Always verify you are on the correct site (Ledger.com/Start®) — phishing sites may use similar domain names. If you suspect your recovery phrase was exposed, move funds to a new wallet immediately.
Security reminders
Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for your 24 words. Keep your PIN private, and consider using a metal backup plate for long-term storage of your recovery words. Remember the phrase: device screen first — website second when confirming addresses and transactions.
H3 — Advanced options
Advanced users can set up passphrase protection (BIP39 passphrase) for an additional layer of security. This feature creates an additional virtual wallet tied to your device and recovery phrase plus the passphrase. Only enable this if you understand the extra complexity — losing the passphrase means losing access to that hidden wallet.
Conclusion
Following the Ledger.com/Start® - Starting Up Your Device® flow helps you establish a secure foundation for managing crypto assets. Start with official instructions, protect your recovery phrase, and verify all prompts on the physical device. That small diligence today protects your assets for years.