Welcome — Start Your Ledger Device Safely
This Ledger.com/Start-style quick start guide helps you get started with a Ledger hardware device in a secure, dependable way. Follow steps to download Ledger companion apps, verify installers, initialize a new device or recover an existing device on-device, backup recovery words safely, and connect only to trusted applications. Keywords emphasized for discoverability: Ledger Start, Ledger.com/Start, Starting Up Your Device, Ledger start guide.
1 — Download official companion software
Before you start your Ledger device, download the companion application (desktop or mobile) only from official Ledger sources. Use a typed, bookmarked URL or the official support page; avoid search ad links, unknown mirrors, or third-party downloads. The right installer for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux) will ensure the Ledger start flow runs smoothly.
2 — Verify the installer (recommended)
Verifying installers reduces risk. If Ledger publishes checksums or signatures, compare them locally. Compute SHA256 or SHA512 hashes and match the vendor's published values. If a PGP signature is provided, validate it using the vendor's public key. If verification fails, redownload from the official start page — do not proceed.
# Example (Linux/macOS)
shasum -a 256 LedgerLiveInstaller.AppImage
# Windows PowerShell
Get-FileHash .\LedgerLiveSetup.exe -Algorithm SHA256
3 — Inspect your device & packaging
When you receive a Ledger device, inspect the packaging for tamper evidence. If packaging appears opened, compromised, or suspicious, do not start the device. Contact official support for guidance. Starting up your device only after verifying packaging minimizes supply-chain risk.
4 — Initialize or recover on-device
The start flow will ask whether to initialize a new wallet (generate a new seed) or recover an existing wallet (enter seed). Always perform initialization or recovery on the physical device using its display and buttons — never type or transmit your full recovery phrase into a host computer or smartphone. The device's screen and input are the authoritative channels for your seed.
Seed & passphrase notes
- Write your recovery phrase by hand on the recovery card or use a metal backup plate. Store it offline.
- Do not photograph, email, or upload your recovery words to cloud storage.
- If you enable a passphrase, treat it as an additional secret — record and store it separately and safely.
5 — Connect to trusted apps & confirm on-device
After initialization, use the official companion app or verified web flows to add accounts. When preparing transactions, always cross-check the destination address and amount on the device screen and approve using the device. The on-device display is the final authority — host UI can be tampered with, but the hardware screen cannot be overridden remotely.
6 — Firmware updates & maintenance
Ledger device firmware updates improve security and features. Only apply firmware updates via the official start/companion app prompts and confirm each step on the device. Always ensure you have secure backups of your recovery phrase before any firmware operation.
7 — Troubleshooting common start issues
If the device is not detected during the start flow: try another USB cable or port, restart the companion app and the computer, and ensure any required bridge/connector services are running. For browser-based flows ensure your browser allows the connector and that permissions are granted. If problems persist consult official support and avoid sharing sensitive info on public forums.
8 — Security best practices
A short list of essential safety tips when using Ledger during the start process:
- Always download installers from official domains and verify checksums/signatures when available.
- Confirm addresses and amounts on the device display before approving any transaction.
- Never share your recovery phrase — Ledger staff or official support will never ask for it.
- Back up your recovery phrase in multiple secure, offline locations (paper/metal).
- Keep companion apps and firmware up to date and use strong host-machine security (unique passwords, disk encryption, OS updates).
9 — Developer & advanced notes (optional)
Developers building integrations should use official SDKs, avoid logging sensitive payloads, and require on-device confirmation for all critical operations. When publishing instructions or utilities related to Ledger start flows, include reproducible verification steps, checksums, and signed releases so integrators can validate authenticity.
10 — Indexing & webmaster tips for Ledger start pages
To help a start guide like this get indexed by Microsoft Bing: host the page over HTTPS, include JSON-LD structured data (included above), use clear H1/H2 headings and meta tags, publish a sitemap.xml and submit it to Bing Webmaster Tools, and obtain a few authoritative inbound links. Keep content original and helpful, and include a prominent disclaimer if the page is not the vendor's official start page.