Welcome — a short map for newcomers
Starting at Ledger.com/start is less about clicking and more about understanding. This page is a compass: it points you to the essentials of setting up custody, recognizing risks, and shaping a routine that protects value over years. Whether you are migrating a small test holding or safeguarding a long-term allocation, the steps are deliberate and forgiving.
What you’ll do first — an approachable checklist
- Unbox your Ledger and verify the tamper seal. If anything looks off, pause and check the packaging.
- Power the device and jot down the recovery phrase exactly as shown — write it, don’t photograph it.
- Install the companion app on your computer or mobile device to manage accounts and apps.
- Create labeled accounts for different purposes (savings, spending, experimentation).
- Run a small test transaction to make sure the flow and confirmations behave as expected.
Why Ledger.com/start is different from a quick setup guide
Many onboarding flows rush you to 'done' — this one asks for a moment of attention. Instead of skipping confirmations, Ledger.com/start encourages a test-first mindset: confirm the tiny things before the big ones. That pause is lightweight insurance against both scams and carelessness.
Comparison: Fast setup vs Start-right approach
| Approach | Fast setup | Start-right (this page) |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Minutes | 10–20 minutes |
| Risk | Higher (skipped checks) | Lower (test transaction) |
| Confidence | Low initial confidence | Clear, repeatable confidence |
Real story — a simple habit that saved months of regret
When Nora first moved her savings to a hardware wallet, she kept a messy digital copy of her seed phrase. A small laptop failure and a mis-synced cloud backup meant weeks of anxious recovery attempts. After that incident she switched to two physical backups in separate locations and a monthly recovery drill — a 10‑minute check that ensures the phrase still restores on a new device. The ritual transformed anxiety into manageable maintenance.
Advanced options — when you outgrow the basics
If you manage multiple accounts or treasury-like funds, consider:
- Introducing a secondary device for daily spending, while the primary device stays in cold storage.
- Using a passphrase (additional word) for hidden accounts — powerful, but adds complexity to recovery.
- Establishing a documented recovery plan for heirs or partners — think of a legal-safe plan that doesn’t reveal secrets online.
FAQ — common questions answered
- Do I need Ledger.com/start to use my device?
- No — the device can be used without this page. But the page exists to help reduce errors and build a reliable routine.
- What if I suspect my recovery phrase was exposed?
- Move funds to a new wallet with a fresh device and seed phrase immediately. Treat exposure as compromise.
- How often should I test recovery?
- Quarterly drills are sufficient for most users — more often if you change storage locations.
- Can I share the device across family members?
- Sharing a device is possible but risky. Better to create clear accounts and teach family members the safe steps instead of sharing the secret.
Closing — the ethos of starting well
Ledger.com/start is a small ritual: unbox, write, test, and label. Each step is intentionally simple so it becomes habitual. Over time, these tiny checks compound into real peace of mind. Start here, and you’ll find that safety becomes second nature — not a chore, but a craft.