THE SELF-CUSTODY FIELD GUIDE / 6 MIN READ

A thoughtful start to self-custody.

Ledger.com/start is the place to begin when you’re setting up a Ledger device and its companion app. A few deliberate checks—before you download, connect, or confirm—can make your first experience clearer and help you keep control of your recovery phrase.

Open the official start page Read the guide

Ledger.com/start guideA practical, safety-first walkthrough UPDATED FOR NEW USERS

GOOD SECURITY STARTS BEFORE THE FIRST CLICKSCROLL TO EXPLORE

01THE QUICK START

Set up with a little more confidence.

A measured setup beats a rushed one. Keep the official instructions open and use this checklist as a companion—not a substitute for the prompts on your device.

Visit Ledger’s official start page

Start at the source

Type Ledger.com/start into your browser yourself, or use the link on this page to reach Ledger’s official website. Check the address carefully before proceeding. Avoid sponsored search results, unsolicited messages, QR codes, and download links shared by strangers. A familiar-looking page is not proof that it is genuine.

Choose the right companion app

Follow the current instructions for your computer or phone. Download the companion app only from Ledger.com or your device’s official app store, and confirm the publisher before installing. If a link or app listing feels unexpected, pause and navigate back to Ledger’s official site rather than guessing.

Set up your device yourself

Use a device you obtained from a trusted source and follow its on-screen setup flow. Create a new PIN privately, away from cameras and other people. Read each instruction before confirming it on the device. Never let a caller, chat contact, or remote-access helper take control of setup for you.

Protect the recovery phrase offline

Your recovery phrase is the backup to your wallet: anyone who gets it may be able to access the assets it protects. Write it down only as directed by your device, keep it private and offline, and store it somewhere secure. Do not photograph it, save it in cloud storage, type it into a website, or share it with anyone—including support staff.

KEEP IN MINDSetup screens and available features can vary by device, operating system, and region. If an instruction here differs from the current on-device prompt or Ledger’s official help, stop and follow the official guidance for your exact model. Never make a security decision based on a screenshot or a message from an unknown account.

FIELD NOTE02 / SAFETY

A SIMPLE RULE THAT MATTERS

Your recovery phrase belongs offline.

A legitimate setup should never require you to enter your recovery phrase into a website, send it in a message, or reveal it to someone claiming to help. If anything asks for it digitally, stop. Close the page or conversation and verify next steps through Ledger’s official support resources.

Visit official support

03BEFORE YOU FINISH

Small checks. Lasting habits.

Before moving on, make sure your device and app are ready—and that your backup stays yours alone.

✓

I reached the download from Ledger.com or an official app store.

✓

I followed the prompts on my own device, at my own pace.

✓

My recovery phrase is written down and stored offline.

✓

I know to stop if anyone asks me to disclose that phrase.

“

Self-custody is a practice, not a race. Keep the official instructions close, make each choice deliberately, and take a pause whenever something does not feel right.

A GOOD PLACE TO BEGIN

KEEP THESE CLOSE

Go directly to the source.

01 / GETTING STARTEDLedger.com/start 02 / COMPANION APPLedger Live 03 / HELP & GUIDANCELedger Support

This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for Ledger’s official setup or security instructions. Product screens and instructions may change; follow the current official guidance for your device.