Ledger.com/start — Extended Guide (Deep Dive)

The web is a dense forest of copycats. Ledger.com/start is the single authoritative trailhead Ledger publishes for new devices: official installers, firmware checks, step-by-step onboarding, and safety guidance. Beginning here reduces the most frequent attack vectors — fake installers, phishing landing pages, and compromised downloads.

In plain terms: go to the official start page to ensure the software you install and the firmware you accept are cryptographically signed by Ledger. That simple habit prevents a cascade of downstream risks.

Quick roadmap (what we'll cover)

• Safe-download habits & firmware verification
• Step-by-step Ledger Live + device initialization
• Advanced protections: passphrases, metal backups, split seeds
• Operational security for daily use: small-test transfers, address verification
• Comparisons, recovery strategies, and long-term custody patterns

Snapshot

Security starts with the purchase. Buy only from Ledger.com or an authorized reseller. If you receive a package with broken seals, unexpected accessories, or abnormal packing, pause. Fraudsters sometimes tamper with hardware in transit — rejecting suspicious packages is a small inconvenience that saves catastrophic loss.

Decide your recovery strategy before creating a wallet: are you storing your seed in a private safe, splitting it between trusted locations, or using a metal backup? This mindset shift — planning backup before creation — reduces errors under pressure.

Step 1 — Visit Ledger.com/start (safely)

Type the address manually or use an official bookmark. Avoid search ads or unknown links. From the start page, choose the correct Ledger Live binary for your OS (desktop or mobile). Ledger signs its installers; dependable sources ensure you get the right signature.

Step 2 — Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official interface. Install and open it, but don’t plug the device until prompted. Ledger Live will guide you through firmware updates, device checks, and app installations. Resist third-party companion apps for initial setup — always use Ledger’s toolchain first.

Step 3 — Initialize the device

Ledger Live will prompt you to create a new device or restore from seed. Choose create new if this is your first wallet. The device generates entropy on-device; record the 24-word recovery seed exactly as shown. Use a metal plate for long-term durability if you can — paper degrades.

The 24-word seed is the master key. Treat it as physical cash. Never photograph the seed. Never type it into a website. Ledger support will never ask for it. If anyone asks for your seed — immediately stop contact and report the attempt.

Consider these defensive options:

• Metal backup: Fireproof, waterproof, and resilient; ideal for estate planning.
• Seed splitting (Shamir-like): Divide the seed across secure locations; useful for corporate or family custody.
• Passphrase (25th word): Adds a hidden vault but increases operational complexity — only use if you understand consequences.

Step 4 — PIN & passphrase choices

Create a PIN that’s memorable but not trivial; avoid birthdays or repeated digits. The passphrase option creates a hidden wallet derived from your seed. It’s powerful (adds security) but unforgiving (lose it, you lose access). For most users, a secure PIN + metal backup is the simplest long-term approach.

Step 5 — Firmware updates & genuineness checks

Ledger Live will prompt firmware updates during first connection. These are signed by Ledger; accept only when initiated by Ledger Live. A genuineness check ensures the device's bootloader is authentic. If the check fails, stop and contact Ledger support.

Once set up, Ledger Live becomes your control center. But security is active — adopt safe habits:

• Small test transactions: Before moving large sums, send a small amount to confirm addresses and fees.
• Verify addresses on-device: Always confirm recipient addresses on the Ledger screen, not just on the computer.
• Limit daily exposure: Keep only operational amounts in hot wallets; place long-term holdings under cold custody.

Treat the device as the authority: if the device display and your UI disagree, trust the device.

Comparison: Ledger Nano S Plus vs Nano X

Advanced: estate planning & multi-sig

For significant holdings, consider multi-signature setups (distributed control between devices/people) and explicit estate instructions. Document recovery procedures for heirs without exposing secrets. Use a combination of metal backups, secure storage, and legal counsel where appropriate.