Start Your Device — Ledger Start Guide (Independent)

1. Prepare before you start

A little prep reduces mistakes and increases security.

• Choose a secure, private workspace and inspect the device packaging for signs of tampering.
• Have a pen and the provided recovery card (or a metal backup) to record your recovery phrase offline.
• Use a trusted computer and download any companion app only from the manufacturer’s verified download page.

2. Install the companion app & connect

Many devices require a companion app or manager on desktop or mobile. Download the app from the verified download page, verify checksums/signatures when available, and install. Connect the device with the supplied cable and open the app. On first launch, the software will guide you to initialize a new device or restore an existing recovery phrase.

3. Initialize & record your recovery phrase

During initialization, the device will generate a recovery phrase (12, 18, or 24 words, depending on model/options). Write these words down in order — do not photograph them or store them digitally. Consider making two independent physical backups stored in separate secure locations (e.g., a safe and a secure deposit box).

Never share your recovery phrase with anyone. Treat it as the key to your funds.

4. Set a PIN and optional passphrase

Choose a device PIN — this prevents casual access if your device is stolen. If you opt to use an additional passphrase, understand it's an extra secret layered on top of your recovery phrase: it increases security but also increases responsibility. If you lose the passphrase, funds protected by it are effectively lost.

5. First transactions & verifying addresses

To receive funds, generate a receiving address in your wallet app and verify the address on your device’s screen before sharing. When sending funds, carefully review the amount, fees, and destination on both the app and the hardware display. The device display is the final authority — always confirm details there before approving.

Backup strategies — durability & redundancy

For long-term security, consider metal seed storage (resistant to fire/water) and geographic redundancy. Use two or more secure locations and periodically (but carefully) check that your backups remain intact. Avoid placing all backups in a single location (single point of failure).

Troubleshooting — common issues

If your device isn't detected: try a different USB port or cable, relaunch the companion app, or reboot the computer. For Bluetooth models, re-pair the device and ensure permissions are granted on mobile. If you encounter unfamiliar prompts, disconnect immediately and verify official support resources before proceeding.

Bing indexing tips for this page

To help Microsoft Bing index this page quickly, include a clear title and meta description, use structured headings (H1/H2), add this page to your site's sitemap.xml and submit it via Bing Webmaster Tools, and include meaningful internal links. Use natural search phrases such as "Ledger start guide", "how to set up Ledger device", and "recovery phrase setup" rather than repetitive keyword stuffing. High-quality, helpful content ranks better and indexes more reliably than pages with aggressive keyword repetition.