Welcome to ledger.com/start, the place where ownership of your digital assets becomes simple, secure, and in your hands. Whether you're new to cryptocurrencies, managing NFTs, or building a habit of long-term custody, this page walks you through essentials and gives you an actionable starting point.
Why ownership matters
Custody is more than technology—it's a promise. When you truly own a digital asset, you control the private keys that unlock it; you decide when, where, and how it moves. That control reduces dependency on third-party platforms, lowers counterparty risk, and preserves your right to access and transfer your assets whenever you need. Ownership means sovereignty: the ability to manage value, identity, and creative works on your terms.
How Ledger.com/start helps
This guide is intentionally practical. Skip vendor marketing or jargon and focus on the steps that matter:
- Understand keys and backups — how private and public keys relate to addresses and why secure backups protect you against loss.
- Choose the right device and workflow — evaluate hardware, software, and patterns that fit your needs: day-to-day access, long-term storage, or a hybrid approach.
- Set up a recovery plan — a clear plan prevents accidental loss. Decide who, if anyone, needs access and how to encode instructions without compromising security.
- Practice safe transactions — confirm addresses, update firmware, and avoid phishing attempts; small habits prevent large losses.
Practical setup checklist
- Purchase from an authorized channel or ledger.com to avoid tampered hardware.
- Inspect packaging and device integrity before unboxing.
- Initialize offline when possible; never enter recovery phrases into a connected computer or mobile browser.
- Record your recovery phrase physically, in multiple secure locations; consider metal backup plates for longevity.
- Enable device PINs and additional passphrase layers for multi-factor protection.
- Register and update firmware only through official applications; verify signatures when available.
A modern approach to convenience and safety
Ownership doesn’t have to be painful. Ledger.com/start explains workflows that balance usability with strong security:
- Air-gapped setup: initialize and sign transactions on an offline device, then broadcast with a separate connected machine.
- Hot-cold hybrid: keep a small operational balance on an accessible device for daily needs while storing the majority offline.
- Multisig and shared custody: distribute signing authority across multiple devices or parties to reduce single-point failure risk.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced users slip. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Reusing weak or predictable PINs.
- Storing recovery phrases as plain text or photos in cloud services.
- Sharing mnemonic phrases, passwords, or recovery files with unverified help sources.
- Ignoring firmware updates—many fixes address real security threats.
Recovery plan examples
Adapt one of these practical frameworks:
- Solo custodian: store one physical backup in a fire-safe and a second in a trusted family member’s safe deposit box. Use tamper-evident packaging and clear written instructions.
- Trusted custodian with instructions: create a legal instruction letter (separate from the recovery phrase) that explains access without revealing secrets.
- Institutional: use split backups or multisig across geographically dispersed custodians for redundancy and compliance.
Day-to-day security habits
Good security is a practice not an event. Adopt these routines:
- Verify transaction details on the device screen before approving.
- Confirm domain names and SSL certificates when using web applications; when in doubt navigate directly to ledger.com/start rather than following links.
- Regularly audit the addresses you control and the devices that can sign for them.
- Keep software minimal on devices used for transaction broadcasting.
What to expect next
After you finish the setup checklist, run a test transaction with a very small amount. Confirm that the funds reach the intended address and that you can restore access from your physical backup. Repeat the process until it feels routine; muscle memory is a powerful security tool.
Resources, troubleshooting & FAQs
Q: What if I lose my device?
A: Restore from the recovery phrase on a new compatible device. Keep backups physically secure and test recovery in a low-value trial first.
Q: Can I write my recovery phrase on a computer?
A: Never store your recovery phrase digitally. Physical recordings or hardened metal backups are far safer long-term.
Troubleshooting tip: If the device shows unexpected behavior, disconnect it, verify firmware and application versions, and consult official support. Scammers commonly impersonate support—verify URLs and never share mnemonic phrases.
Final note on trust
Trust is earned and verifiable: firmware signatures, official domains, and documented processes provide signals you can check. Treat your keys like the critical infrastructure they are. With consistent practices and sensible backups, your private keys become a durable, portable representation of ownership—accessible only to those you choose.
Start today: secure your digital assets, preserve your financial sovereignty.