Getting started® — Quick orientation (H1)

Welcome. This page is crafted to guide new and returning users through the essentials of safely managing crypto holdings. The language here aims to be fresh, concise, and helpful — new-word choices and precise phrasing make concepts approachable without losing accuracy.

Ledger Start — first steps (H2)

Ledger Start outlines the first actions to take after unboxing: verifying device authenticity, connecting to the official onboarding site, and creating a strong PIN. Authenticity checks prevent tampering and mitigate supply-chain risks.

Unboxing and verification (H3)

When you receive a hardware device, visually inspect the package for seals and manufacturer holograms. Connect to the official site using the exact address shown on the box and your setup guide. Using links within your content (like this one) reduces confusion and accidental navigation to unofficial pages.

Create a device PIN (H4)

Choose a PIN you can remember but that is difficult to guess. The device will lock itself after a few failed attempts — that behavior is intended. If you ever forget the PIN, your recovery phrase (seed) is the only route to restore funds.

Why this matters (H5)

The PIN protects local access; the seed protects ownership. Keep both separate and never share them online or with apps that request them.

Secure Wallet — storing private keys safely (H2)

The phrase Secure Wallet refers to a set of practices, not just a device. It includes physical safeguards, digital hygiene, and measured access control.

Physical safeguards (H3)

Keep the device in a safe location when not in use. Avoid leaving it plugged into unknown USB ports. Consider a fireproof safe for seed backups and important papers.

Digital hygiene (H4)

Only install official, signed firmware and use verified companion apps. Do not accept unsolicited instructions to transfer funds, and treat links in messages with suspicion.

Access control (H5)

Limit who physically touches the device. Use PIN attempts lockouts, and consider a passphrase for extra privacy if you understand the trade-offs.

Seed Backup — how to protect recovery (H2)

The Seed Backup is the ultimate safety net. It represents your ownership; if lost or revealed, funds can be irretrievably taken.

Write it down correctly (H3)

When prompted, write your seed phrase legibly, word-for-word, in the order presented. Use a pen and high-quality paper or, better, a metal seed plate designed to survive disasters.

Redundancy and location (H4)

Store copies in geographically separated, secure locations. Avoid storing plain-text backups on cloud drives or in email. Redundant copies protect against single-site loss but increase exposure risk if not well protected.

Threat models to consider (H5)

Think about theft, fire, flood, coercion, and mistakes. Each requires a different mitigation strategy — from hidden safes to multi-person custody.

Crypto Guide — practical next steps (H2)

Practical guidance makes complex activities predictable. The Crypto Guide below is a compact checklist you can follow.

Checklist (H3)

1. Inspect your device and packaging for authenticity.
2. Connect only to official onboarding pages and apps.
3. Set a strong PIN and write down the seed phrase correctly.
4. Store backups securely and never share them.
5. Use small test transactions when interacting with new apps or addresses.

Advanced practices (H4)

Consider multi-signature setups for large holdings, hardware wallets for each user in a household, and professional custody solutions for institutional scale.

Learning resources (H5)

Continue learning through official documentation, community resources, and up-to-date guides. A careful habit of verifying each step shrinks risk.