Complete Guide — Starting Up Your Device® (1000+ words)
Purpose and safety-first approach. Ledger.com/Start® exists to ensure that when you starting up your device you follow steps that preserve the cryptographic security model: keys are created and stay inside the secure element, on-device confirmation is required for signing, and backups are kept offline. The guidance here emphasizes physical control, verified software channels, and cautious operational habits so your crypto journey starts securely.
Unboxing and initial checks. Before you power on, inspect the box and accessories. Only proceed with Ledger.com/Start® if shipping seals and packaging appear intact. If you suspect tampering, stop and contact verified support channels. Genuine Ledger devices include manufacturer markings and tamper-evident design; Ledger.com/Start® recommends confirming these details using official documentation.
PIN selection. When the device boots, set an on-device PIN during starting up. Choose a PIN that balances memorability and entropy (avoid simple sequences). Your PIN is separate from your recovery phrase—do not use the same passphrase across different accounts. During Ledger.com/Start® PIN creation, never enter the PIN anywhere other than the device, and never share it.
Recovery phrase best practices. During starting up, the device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (or other length depending on model/config). Write every word down, in order, on the physical card provided or a dedicated seed plate. Ledger.com/Start® recommends at least two independent physical copies stored in separate secure locations (e.g., safe, bank deposit box). Consider metal seed backups for resistance to fire, water, and time. Do not digitalize the seed: no photos, no cloud notes, no email drafts; digital copies are easily compromised.
Pairing with Ledger Live. Ledger Live is the official companion application used after starting up to add accounts, install blockchain-specific apps on the device, and apply firmware updates. Download Ledger Live only from verified domains and avoid third-party mirrors. During pairing, allow the local bridge prompt only for Ledger Live and confirm any on-device messages. Ledger.com/Start® emphasizes verifying that Ledger Live is genuine by checking domain and release notes when available.
Manager & firmware updates. After pairing, the Manager in Ledger Live shows available blockchain apps and firmware updates. Firmware updates are essential for security — apply them through Ledger Live and verify update prompts on your device screen. Ledger.com/Start® warns against unofficial firmware sources and recommends testing critical updates on secondary devices when possible for organizations.
Transaction testing and first transfer. After finishing starting up, perform a small test transaction to validate the full flow: send a modest amount from an exchange or another wallet to your Ledger address, confirm the receive address on-device, then send a small outgoing transaction back to another address. Confirm every address and amount on the device screen to ensure no substitution or UI manipulation. Ledger.com/Start® encourages this test to build confidence.
Troubleshooting and support. If your device isn’t detected during starting up, try a different cable or USB port, ensure Ledger Live is up to date and the device is unlocked and on the home screen. If issues persist, consult official support resources; avoid community fixes unless they are verified. Ledger.com/Start® recommends keeping logs of update attempts and contacting support with clear device and firmware details for assistance.
Long-term practices after starting up. Regularly check for firmware and Ledger Live updates, audit your seed backup locations, and consider multi-sig or institutional custody solutions for significant holdings. For recurring operations, prefer hardware-backed flows and avoid exposing recovery materials. Ledger.com/Start® encourages periodic drills: test restores on a spare device to ensure backups are usable and that recovery steps are clearly documented for heirs or business continuity plans.