Ledger.com/start — Secure Hardware Wallet Setup with Smart Habits
A concise, actionable 800-word presentation that walks new users through a secure hardware wallet setup and the everyday smart habits that keep crypto safe.
H1 — Why hardware wallets matter
Hardware wallets isolate your private keys in a secure device. Unlike custodial solutions, a hardware wallet gives you direct control of your crypto keys while keeping them offline from hostile software. This presentation focuses on Ledger devices and Ledger Live as the official way to set up, manage, and protect your assets.
H2 — First steps: what you need
- Purchase from the official store or verified reseller — counterfeit devices are a real risk.
- Download Ledger Live only from the official site and verify signatures when available.
- Find a private, well-lit workspace for the setup process.
H3 — Setup checklist (step-by-step)
- Open Ledger.com/start and follow the official guide to initialize your device. (Use only the official start page.)
- Install Ledger Live from the official download page and keep it updated.
- Create a strong PIN on the device — do not store the PIN digitally.
- Write your 24-word recovery phrase by hand on the official recovery sheet and store it offline in two safe locations.
- Use the Recovery Check app on the device to confirm your backup was recorded correctly.
- Update the device OS and apps through Ledger Live; firmware updates frequently address security hardening.
H4 — Smart habits for everyday security
Security is not a one-time task. Adopt daily and monthly habits: never disclose your recovery phrase, always verify URLs and app signatures, enable official device checks, and treat any unexpected prompts as potential scams. If a site ever asks for your seed phrase, stop immediately — it is always a scam.
H3 — Practical tips to avoid common traps
- Beware of fake Ledger Live downloads — always use ledger.com/ledger-live-download.
- Keep software up to date — check Ledger’s OS update page regularly.
- Use a dedicated secure location (fireproof/waterproof) for long-term backup storage.
- Consider using Ledger Recovery Key or multi-location backups for critical holdings, but understand the trade-offs.
H2 — Quick incident response
If you suspect your recovery phrase was exposed, move assets to a new wallet quickly and securely. Use official restore and recovery guides when restoring accounts; never follow advice from unverified sources.
H2 — Resources & official links
Use only official Ledger pages when downloading software, checking guides, or following security procedures. Ten helpful official links are below: