Purpose and scope

This page consolidates the essential, security-focused steps from ledger.com/start. The minimalist approach eliminates distractions — just the verified sequence for buying, installing, initializing, and maintaining a Ledger device. If you value a clean setup flow and want to avoid common mistakes, follow this guide.

Buy verified hardware

Acquire Ledger devices only from shop.ledger.com or authorized partners. Tampering risks arise when buying from unknown resellers. On arrival, inspect packaging seals; do not connect a suspicious device.

Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from ledger.com/ledger-live. The installer is the only trusted source for the app; verify signatures if provided by your OS. Ledger Live is the official management tool: it handles app installs, firmware updates, account creation, and swaps.

Initialize securely

Initialize the device using Ledger Live prompts. Choose a PIN on the device (never on-screen). Record the recovery phrase offline — physical media (paper, steel) is advised. Never store or photograph your seed.

Firmware integrity

Firmware updates are important; Ledger Live verifies signatures before applying them. Apply only updates originating from Ledger to avoid supply-chain attacks.

Login & unlock

When connecting, Ledger Live will prompt you to unlock the device via PIN. For web use, install the Bridge service from ledger.com/bridge to facilitate secure communication between browser and device.

Routine maintenance

Schedule periodic checks: verify Ledger Live versions, confirm firmware authenticity, and audit third-party integrations. Maintain an air-gapped backup of your recovery phrase in a controlled environment.

Threat model

Ledger’s threat model assumes a hostile host environment. The critical mitigation is keeping private keys in hardware, requiring physical confirmation for every signing operation. Even if the host is compromised, unauthorized transfers are blocked without physical approval.

Troubleshooting

  • Device not found — check USB cable, try a different port, or restart Ledger Live.
  • Firmware update failed — reattempt via desktop app and ensure a stable connection.
  • Bridge not installed — follow ledger.com/bridge instructions for your OS.

Conclusion

The minimalist flow reduces mistakes and emphasizes trustworthy sources. For advanced setups — passphrases, multisig, and institutional provisioning — consult Ledger’s official enterprise documentation.