Built around hardware security and intuitive software, Ledger Start centers on three core promises: ownership, clarity, and confidence. Ownership means your private keys live where you decide — on a device designed to resist remote attacks. Clarity means clear, friendly steps that demystify backups, recovery phrases, and account setup. Confidence comes from combining proven cryptography with a smooth setup and guided education that helps you act securely from day one.
Why choose Ledger Start?
- True ownership: manage your private keys offline so only you can sign transactions.
- Simple setup: step-by-step guided onboarding that transforms complicated concepts into clear actions.
- Multi-asset-ready: store popular cryptocurrencies and expand into NFTs and tokens with the same secure base.
- Recovery-first design: strong backup options and practical advice so you can restore access if needed.
- Ongoing education: in-app tips and security checks keep you informed without overwhelming you.
What you’ll do on this page
The onboarding flow walks you from unboxing to receiving your first transaction. You’ll initialize your device with a secure PIN, write down your recovery phrase using a clear, printable checklist, create or import accounts for the assets you care about, learn best practices for secure transfers and cold storage, and confirm a small test transaction to validate your setup.
Security explained — in plain language
Security is often presented as a wall of jargon. Ledger Start simplifies the essentials. Your device keeps private keys isolated in hardware — like a safe that never connects to the internet. When you approve a transaction, you confirm it physically on the device so remote attackers cannot sign on your behalf. Ledger Start also highlights common user risks and practical mitigations: avoid phishing links, never share your recovery phrase, use the official app and firmware updates, and consider a passphrase for added protection.
Practical tips for your setup
Pick a PIN you’ll remember but that others can’t guess. Avoid birthdays and simple sequences. Store your recovery phrase offline. Consider engraving or using a fire-resistant steel backup. Use a dedicated email and two-factor authentication on exchanges before moving large balances. Start small: confirm a micro-deposit first to make sure everything behaves as expected. Keep firmware updated: Ledger Start checks and prompts you when updates are available.
Helpful features you’ll meet
Guided recovery helps you restore from seed with clear prompts and verification steps. A portfolio overview gives a clean dashboard showing assets, recent activity, and market snapshots. Swap and manage features connect to vetted services for secure on-device transaction signing. Multi-account support lets you create separate accounts for different strategies or holdings. Activity verification ensures each transaction displays addresses and amounts on-device before signing.
Design and privacy principles
Ledger Start is designed to be transparent about data. No private keys ever leave your device unencrypted. The app requests the minimal metadata required to show balances, and optional telemetry can be disabled in settings. Visual design focuses on clarity: legible typography, explicit confirmation UI on device screens, and clear color cues for risky actions.
Learning while you onboard
We believe crypto should be accessible without losing security. Throughout the flow, short explainers appear — one at a time — that teach concepts like gas fees, on-chain confirmations, and token approvals. These are bite-sized, actionable, and link to deeper tutorials if you want to dig in.
For developers and power users
Power users can enable advanced features like custom derivation paths, passphrases, and developer mode. Ledger Start also supports connecting to widely used wallet protocols and developer tools for signing messages and custom transaction types. The advanced settings are tucked behind confirmations so casual users won’t be overwhelmed.
Common questions
Q: Can I use Ledger Start on multiple devices? A: Your recovery phrase can restore your accounts on any compatible Ledger device. Treat the phrase like the master key — never share it. Q: What happens if I lose my device? A: Use your recovery phrase to restore access on a new device or supported compatible wallet. If you suspect compromise, move funds to a new seed immediately. Q: Are my balances visible to Ledger? A: The app fetches public blockchain data to display balances; Ledger does not have access to your private keys. Optional telemetry is off by default.
Next steps
Ready to begin? Follow the on-screen checklist to initialize your device and record your recovery phrase. Take the time to complete the security checklist — it’s the single best investment you’ll make in protecting your digital assets.
Need help? Our support center includes step-by-step guides, videos, and community resources to help at every step. For security-critical questions, rely on official documentation and verified support channels.