Starting Up Your Device — Ledger Starter Guide (Independent)
A clear, practical, step-by-step educational guide to get your hardware wallet started safely and confidently.
Disclaimer: This is independent educational content and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any vendor. Always verify official downloads and instructions before performing critical actions.
Why careful startup matters
Starting a hardware wallet properly is the single most important step to protect long-term cryptocurrency holdings. The device generates and stores private keys offline; your job during setup is to ensure keys are generated on-device, the recovery phrase is stored securely offline, and the companion software you use is downloaded from trusted sources. Rushing setup or storing backups insecurely are common causes of loss.
Quick checklist before you begin
- Buy from an authorized retailer and inspect the packaging.
- Use a personal computer you trust (avoid public or shared machines).
- Have a pen and recovery backup media (paper or metal) ready.
- Allow 20–40 minutes for the entire secure setup — don’t rush.
Step-by-step setup
Check seals, packaging, and the device itself for signs of tampering. If anything looks altered, stop and contact the seller or vendor support.
Download the official companion software (desktop or mobile) from the vendor's site or an official app store. Verify HTTPS and be wary of third-party mirrors or links from social media.
Follow the on-device instructions to create a new wallet. The device itself must generate the recovery phrase—never import a phrase generated by a computer or phone.
Write the words in order on the supplied recovery card, or use a metal backup for durability. Never take photos or store the phrase in cloud services. Consider splitting backups across secure locations if desired.
Choose a PIN you can remember but that is not easily guessable. The PIN protects local device access; the recovery phrase protects the funds if the device is lost.
Use the companion app to install only the coin apps you need and add accounts inside the management software. Less installed software on the device reduces its attack surface.
Security practices you should adopt
Always verify addresses and transaction details on your device screen before approving. Keep firmware and companion software up to date via official releases. Use the device in a secure environment and avoid entering your recovery phrase into any device except during a verified restore on trusted hardware. Consider an optional passphrase only if you understand its backup implications—lost passphrase = lost funds.
Troubleshooting common startup issues
- Device not detected: Try another USB cable or port; avoid unpowered hubs.
- Companion app won't open: Reboot the computer, reinstall the app from the official source, and check OS permissions.
- Missing recovery card: Contact vendor support for guidance—do not create or restore wallets until you can securely back up the phrase.
Everyday operational tips
For regular use, keep a small “hot” account for daily transfers and store the majority of funds in your cold device. Use test transactions for new recipients. Limit sharing of device usage details publicly; knowledge about holdings can increase targeted risk. Periodically verify that your backup remains readable and intact.
When the worst happens — lost or stolen device
If your device is stolen but you have the recovery phrase, you can restore to another compatible device and move funds. If both device and recovery phrase are lost, funds are typically unrecoverable. Consider multi-signature setups for large, shared holdings to spread custody and reduce single-point-of-failure risk.
Quick reference
Do:
- Buy from authorized sources
- Initialize the seed on the device
- Store recovery phrase offline (paper/metal)
- Verify addresses on-device before sending
Don't:
- Store recovery phrase in photos or cloud storage
- Share your PIN or recovery words
- Use untrusted installers or links