Begin with authenticity
Ledger Start begins before you open the box: make sure you bought an authentic device from ledger.com or an authorized partner. Counterfeit or tampered devices can be pre-initialized to capture your seed; the first step in safe self-custody is buying genuine hardware.
Stepwise initialization
Power the device and follow the menus to select a PIN and generate your recovery phrase. Ledger devices guide you through the process—follow each prompt carefully. Confirm the phrase when prompted to ensure accurate backup. Never skip validation steps for the sake of speed.
Seed backup durability
Paper backups can fail. Ledger Start recommends at least one durable backup such as a metal seed plate to resist fire, water, and decay. Store copies in separate, secure locations. Think of the seed as your family’s digital will; plan access and legal arrangements accordingly to avoid future disputes.
Using Ledger Live safely
Download Ledger Live only from the official site, verify signatures if you can, and avoid unofficial third-party wallet apps that request seed entry. Ledger Live works with Ledger® devices to install blockchain apps, manage accounts, and sign transactions—always confirm actions on-device.
Address verification and transaction flow
Always check the recipient address on your Ledger® screen before approving. Malware on a computer can alter copy-pasted addresses; the on-device display is the canonical source. For recurring payments, verify addresses each time—the extra second pays off.
Recovery practice and drills
Performing a recovery drill on a spare device can validate your backup strategy. If you manage substantial assets, test recoveries in a controlled manner and document the process. Ledger Start encourages preparedness: rehearsed recovery reduces panic in real scenarios.
Security culture
Build a culture of security: limit who knows details about your holdings, avoid posting about holdings publicly, and consider splitting large holdings across multiple seeds or vault strategies. Use passphrases intentionally and only with clear documented procedures.
Closing
Ledger Start is a practical path to secure self-custody. Start with verified hardware, secure seed backups, on-device confirmation, and tested recovery plans. These measures convert theoretical security into daily reality.
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