Getting started: Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®

Welcome! This guide is written for anyone who wants a clear, well-structured introduction to Ledger’s onboarding (hypothetical start page) and general setup principles. The document demonstrates semantic headings (H1–H5), accessible markup, and includes bright, easy-to-use “office” links for quick navigation.

Why this guide (and why headings matter)

Good structure helps humans and machines. Headings (H1–H5) provide a semantic outline of your content — assisting screen readers, search engines, and readers who skim. Below we’ll walk step-by-step through the experience a new user might have on a “Ledger.com/Start” style page: preparation, unboxing, setup, security basics, and next steps.

Preparing before you start

Before touching any hardware or following any onboarding flow, prepare a safe, quiet workspace and a trusted device to follow instructions on. Use a laptop or desktop you control, ensure the browser is updated, and keep your internet connection stable.

Checklist (quick)

• Updated browser (Chrome/Firefox/Edge/Safari) — avoid public kiosks.
• Paper and pen for backup codes (or a secure password manager).
• A distraction-free environment for entering any recovery phrases.
• A small, fire-resistant place to store hardware and backups.

Why paper backups?

Digital backups on phones or cloud notes increase attack surface. A physical paper backup — stored securely — reduces the chance of remote theft. We recommend multiple copies saved in distinct secure locations (e.g., locked safe, safety deposit box).

Unboxing and first impressions

When you receive a device (or start an official onboarding page), verify packaging integrity. Genuine products usually feature tamper-evident seals, official branding, and clear instructions. On any start page, look for HTTPS, a correct domain, and easily accessible support resources.

Initial steps on the start page

A typical start page walks you through: creating an account, initializing hardware, generating a new recovery phrase, and optionally setting PINs or passphrases. Always read each on-screen prompt fully.

Creating your PIN

Choose a PIN that’s memorable to you but not easily guessed by others who know you. Avoid birthdays, repetitive digits, or sequences. If a start flow supports biometric unlock as a convenience, treat it as secondary to your physical device’s security model.

PIN vs passphrase

A PIN typically unlocks the device; a passphrase can act as a secret word that derives a different wallet. Treat passphrases as highly sensitive — losing them may make funds irrecoverable, but they add a strong privacy layer.

Generating and securing recovery phrases

One of the most critical moments in a hardware wallet setup is the generation of the recovery phrase (12, 18, or 24 words). This phrase is the full backup of the wallet: anyone with it can recover assets.

Best practices for recovery phrase handling

• Never photograph or store the phrase on a connected device.
• Write words in the provided order with a pen that won’t fade.
• Check for accuracy: many devices ask you to confirm words by re-entering a selection.
• Consider metal backup solutions for additional physical resilience.

Confirming your backup

During setup you’ll likely be asked to confirm random words from the phrase. Only confirm on the hardware itself when prompted — do not enter recovery words into websites or apps.

Social engineering risks

Attackers may impersonate support staff asking for recovery words. Legitimate support never asks for your full recovery phrase. If you receive such a request — do not comply and report immediately.

Connecting to apps and accounts

After device setup, you’ll connect to wallets and apps. Use official links and verify URLs. Ledger-style start pages typically guide you to install companion software and provide step-by-step connection steps. When connecting, check any permissions requested by the application before accepting.

Software updates

Keep device firmware and companion apps updated. Official updates deliver security improvements — but only accept updates from trusted, verified sources. Confirm the update flow on the device screen as well.

Verifying website authenticity

Look for HTTPS and proper certificate indicators. Bookmark official onboarding pages to avoid phishing. If offered a QR code during setup, verify the code’s context on the device screen before scanning.

Multi-device safety

If you have multiple devices, treat them as separate trust anchors — compromises on one device should not trivially compromise another. Use unique PINs and keep backups segregated.

Troubleshooting common issues

Problems during "start" are usually connectivity, browser misconfiguration, or user-error during recovery confirmation. The step-by-step approach below helps diagnose quickly.

Connectivity is flaky

• Switch to a wired connection if possible (less jitter).
• Restart browser and device; try another USB port.
• Ensure browser extensions aren’t blocking scripts (temporarily disable privacy extensions).

Device not recognized

Try a different cable, confirm device is powered, and consult official support docs. Use a trusted computer; avoid public machines.

When to contact support

If the device exhibits strange behavior (unexpected prompts, mismatched words during setup, or attempts to force updates from unknown sources), stop and contact official support using the contact link on the start page.

Security hygiene and ongoing maintenance

Security is a continuous practice. Regularly review your backups, rotate secrets if compromised, and remain vigilant about phishing and social engineering.

Layered security approach

Combine physical security (safes), digital hygiene (updated OS/browser), and mental caution (do not disclose secrets). Use passphrases and multi-sig setups for high-value holdings.

Periodic checks

Every few months: check backup legibility, verify stored copies, and confirm the device boots and unlocks correctly.

Estate planning & access

Plan how trusted people will access holdings if necessary. Use trusted legal instruments or secure custodial strategies; never share recovery phrases casually.

Advanced topics (brief)

Once comfortable, explore: passphrase-protected wallets, multi-signature wallets, air-gapped signing, and hardware wallet integrations with software like multisig coordinators. Each tool adds safety and complexity — learn one at a time.

Passphrases and plausible deniability

Using a passphrase creates additional derived wallets; choose whether the complexity matches your threat model. For some users, multiple passphrase wallets provide plausible deniability if coerced.

Multi-signature (multi-sig)

Multi-sig splits control among multiple keys — useful for organizations or high-value personal setups. It requires coordination but greatly reduces a single-point-of-failure risk.

Air-gapped signing

For maximal isolation, sign transactions on a device never connected to the internet (air-gapped) and transfer signatures using QR or USB drive. This is advanced and should be used with strong operational discipline.

Next steps: learning and community

Stay informed by following official documentation, engaging in community forums (with caution — never reveal secrets), and learning about cryptographic primitives. Good learning resources include official guides, reputable blog posts, and community-driven walkthroughs.

Resources

• Official documentation pages (bookmark them).
• Step-by-step videos from trusted channels.
• Community FAQs and troubleshooting threads.

Staying safe on social media

Be skeptical of instant giveaways and impersonators. Verify any “support” handle against official domain contact pages.

Final encouragement

Take your time. Security is a habit. The first setup may feel cautious or slow, but the confidence of a correct, secure setup is worth it.

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  <h2>Unboxing and first impressions</h2>
  <p>When you receive a device, verify packaging integrity and look for official support links.</p>
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