Official Site® — Ledger.com/Start®
A friendly getting-started guide compatible with Ledger & Trezór® devices

Start your Ledger & Trezór® journey safely

This landing page gives a step-by-step setup and security-first checklist so you can initialize your hardware wallet with confidence. Whether you're new to hardware wallets or migrating from a software wallet, follow these best practices to protect your assets.

H/W
Compatible devices
Ledger Nano S / X, Trezor Model T / One — steps below cover common flows.
Quick start — 3 minutes
1
Unbox & connect
Connect your hardware wallet to a trusted computer or mobile device. Use the official cable and avoid USB hubs when possible.
2
Official app & firmware
Download Ledger Live or Trezor Suite from the official domains. Install the latest signed firmware only.
3
Create PIN and backup seed
Choose a strong PIN. Write down the recovery seed on provided material; store offline.

Ease of use

Intuitive apps guide you through account creation, receiving, and sending — with on-device confirmations for every sensitive action.

Open standards

Both Ledger and Trezór® support industry-standard recovery formats and wide third-party compatibility.

Flexible backups

Use a single seed, Shamir backup, or a metal backup depending on threat model and personal preferences.

Detailed setup & best practices

This section expands each step with practical advice and the rationale behind it. Understanding why these steps matter helps you make safer choices.

1. Unbox and inspect

When you first open the package, check for tampering. Trusted vendors and official packaging reduce risks. If the package appears opened or damaged, contact the vendor before proceeding.

2. Download official software

Head directly to ledger.com/start or trezor.io/start. Avoid third-party download links. The official app verifies firmware signatures and provides an audited interface for account management.

3. Initialize & set a PIN

Follow on-device prompts to set a PIN. This protects your device from casual theft. Pick a PIN that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess — avoid birthdays or obvious sequences.

4. Back up your recovery phrase

Your recovery phrase is the single most critical item. Write it on the provided card or consider a metal backup. Store copies in different secure locations if you need redundancy — but be mindful of the risk of theft if too many copies exist.

5. Firmware & app updates

Keep firmware and apps up to date to receive security patches. Always verify the update through the official app; do not install firmware from unknown sources.

6. Sending & receiving funds

Always verify the recipient address and amount on the device screen before approving. Devices show the final transaction details; this step prevents malware on your computer from altering transaction data.

7. Advanced protections

Consider using a passphrase to create hidden wallets or Shamir Backup for splitting recovery shares (if supported). These options increase security but also add complexity; document your chosen approach carefully.

8. Migration & compatibility

If migrating from a software wallet, start with small transfers to confirm access. Ledger and Trezór® support most major asset types — always check compatibility for specific tokens or chains before moving large balances.

Security checklist

  • Package appears untampered and firmware is verified.
  • Recovery seed written on physical media and stored offline.
  • PIN set and tested.
  • At least one small test transaction confirmed end-to-end.

Frequently asked questions

Can I store my recovery phrase digitally?

No — storing seeds digitally (photos, cloud storage, email) exposes them to hackers. Use physical backups or certified metal backups.

Is it safe to buy a used device?

A used device can be secure if you perform a factory reset and reinstall firmware using the official app. However, buying new from an authorized source is the safest option.

What should I do if I suspect compromise?

Immediately move funds to a new wallet whose seed you control and that you trust is uncompromised. Contact official support and review the security of your devices and environment.

Closing advice

Hardware wallets significantly reduce the risk of key theft compared to software-only solutions. However, they are not a substitute for careful operational security: safeguard your recovery phrase, verify everything on-device, and treat physical security as seriously as digital security.