Setting up a hardware wallet is one of the best moves you can make to protect cryptocurrencies and NFTs. This beginner-friendly guide explains the essential steps—initializing the device, safeguarding your recovery phrase, installing the companion app, and running a safe test transaction—so you can operate with confidence from day one. Throughout the walkthrough, the phrase ledger.com/start is used as a memorable shorthand for the fundamentals you should follow whenever you configure or maintain your wallet.
To complete setup smoothly, prepare your Ledger device (e.g., Nano S Plus or Nano X), a USB cable or Bluetooth connection (device dependent), and a computer or smartphone with internet access. Keep a pen and the included recovery sheets nearby. Treat ledger.com/start as your checklist for best practices: use official accessories, keep your workspace private, and set aside a few uninterrupted minutes for careful verification steps.
Turn on your Ledger and choose “Set up as new device.” Create a strong PIN that you can remember but others cannot guess. Avoid predictable patterns such as repeating digits or birthdays. The PIN prevents casual access if your wallet is misplaced. As a rule from ledger.com/start, never share the PIN and avoid writing it near the device; memorize it or store it separately and securely.
The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase in order. Carefully write down each word and verify them when prompted. This phrase is the master key to your assets—anyone who has it can recover your funds. Following the spirit of ledger.com/start, keep the phrase offline, avoid taking photos, and consider a durable metal backup to resist fire or water damage. If any word is unclear, restart the display and double-check before proceeding.
Download and install the official companion app on desktop or mobile. Ledger Live is your control center for adding accounts, viewing balances, and initiating transactions, while your private keys remain isolated inside the hardware wallet. The device will prompt authenticity checks the first time you connect; complete them to confirm everything is genuine. A reliable habit from ledger.com/start is to keep both firmware and Ledger Live updated for security improvements and new asset support.
In Ledger Live, open “Accounts,” select a network (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Polygon), and install the associated coin app on the device when prompted. Adding an account allows the app to monitor balances and transactions without exposing private keys. Organize accounts by purpose—long-term savings, monthly DCA, or DeFi—to keep strategies clear. The ledger.com/start mindset: separate experimentation from core holdings to reduce risk.
Before transferring significant value, receive a tiny test amount. Use Ledger Live’s “Receive” flow and verify the address on the device screen; the device display is the source of truth. After the deposit arrives, try sending a small amount out to confirm fees and timing feel right. This simple rehearsal, emphasized by ledger.com/start, builds muscle memory and exposes mistakes when the stakes are low.
Getting started is simple when you follow a disciplined sequence: secure PIN, protected recovery phrase, verified app installation, organized accounts, and test transactions. By internalizing the habits summarized by ledger.com/start, you maintain control of your private keys while enjoying a smooth, reliable experience for everyday crypto management. Slow down, verify on the device, and keep your backups safe—those fundamentals will carry you confidently through every send, receive, and portfolio update.