LedgerStart

Secure your crypto — the simple hardware wallet guide

A step-by-step, modern guide to set up your hardware wallet, manage assets with LedgerStart tools, and keep your recovery phrase safe. Practical, visual, and security-first.

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  • Works with thousands of tokens
  • Offline private keys
  • Compatible with LedgerStart Live & Wallets

Choose a secure hardware wallet

Simple comparisons so you can pick the right device for your needs.

Essentials

Compact & affordable

  • Basic secure storage
  • Simple setup
  • Best for small portfolios
Learn more

Advanced

Bluetooth & extra features

  • Mobile-friendly
  • More integrations
  • Recommended for active traders
Learn more

Pro

For professionals

  • Enhanced security controls
  • Multi-account workflows
  • Large portfolios
Learn more

Complete setup guide — LedgerStart (modern step-by-step)

By LedgerStart Team · Updated:

This guide covers everything from unboxing your hardware wallet to advanced best practices: initial setup, firmware, recovery phrase handling, integrating wallets, and ongoing operational security (OpSec). It is written for beginners and power users alike.

1 — Prepare & check packaging

Always receive hardware wallets sealed. If anything seems tampered with, pause and contact support. Have a clean, offline surface and a pen for your recovery sheet (never store recovery digitally).

2 — Initial setup (step-by-step)

  1. Power on the device and follow on-device prompts to create a new wallet.
  2. Choose a secure PIN on the device (use 6–8 digits). Avoid repeated digits or predictable sequences.
  3. Write the recovery phrase on the supplied recovery card or a durable metal plate. Verify the phrase by using the device's confirm step.
  4. Install the companion app (LedgerStart Live) on your trusted desktop or mobile device and connect using the official channels.

3 — Firmware & app hygiene

Only update firmware from within the official companion app. Check firmware release notes and verify you are using the most recent, official application. Avoid third-party firmware.

4 — Connecting wallets & integrations

LedgerStart supports multiple wallets and third-party apps (e.g., decentralized exchange interfaces). Use "connect to hardware wallet" features and allow only the permissions necessary. When in doubt, cross-check an address before approving a transaction on-device.

5 — Receiving & sending assets

Always verify the receiving address on the device screen before confirming. For swaps and DeFi interactions, use a small test transaction if it's the first time you interact with a contract or address.

6 — Recovery phrase best practices

  • Never store your recovery phrase online or in cloud storage.
  • Use a metal backup if you expect long-term storage in varied climates.
  • Consider a geographically separated backup if you hold large value.
  • Test recovery on a spare device (or a device reset) to verify your backup works.

7 — Operational security (OpSec)

Segment your holdings across multiple accounts/devices if you need both security and liquidity. Use different devices for cold storage and active trading. Use a strong, unique password for companion apps and enable device-level PINs.

Advanced topics

Multi-coin management

LedgerStart supports thousands of tokens. Use the companion app to install coin-specific apps and manage them separately — this isolates vulnerabilities and simplifies upgrades.

Using with third-party wallets

When connecting to Web3 wallets, prefer wallet connect flows or direct 'connect hardware' options. Keep your hardware wallet's screen visible while confirming addresses so you never approve a transaction blind.

When to use a passphrase

A passphrase (25th-word) can create hidden accounts. Only use a passphrase if you fully understand recovery complexities — losing the passphrase means losing access permanently.

Ready to set up your wallet? Follow the checklist above and bookmark this guide.

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