Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started — Ledger

Welcome to Ledger.com/Start®, the official onboarding guide designed to help you set up your Ledger hardware wallet and take full control of your cryptocurrency securely. Whether you’re completely new to crypto or switching from a software wallet or exchange, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to begin using your Ledger device safely and confidently.

Ledger wallets are trusted by millions of users worldwide and provide the highest level of security through offline private-key storage, giving you full ownership of your digital assets and ensuring they remain protected from online attacks, exchange failures, or unauthorized access.

What Is Ledger and Why It Matters

Cryptocurrency ownership means responsibility. When you store funds on an exchange, those assets are technically under its control. If the platform is hacked, shut down, or freezes withdrawals, your funds may be inaccessible.

A Ledger hardware wallet solves this by storing your private keys offline, where they are safe from malware, phishing attacks, and hackers. The combination of Ledger hardware devices and the Ledger Live® app creates a secure ecosystem for managing crypto, NFTs, and Web3 services.

Key Benefits of Ledger Wallets

Cold storage security — private keys never leave the device

Secure Element Chip (EAL5+) for tamper-resistant protection

PIN and passphrase access to prevent unauthorized usage

24-word recovery phrase backup

Over 5,500+ supported coins and tokens

NFT support and staking availability

DeFi and Web3 access with safety controls

Ledger gives you true ownership and complete financial independence.

Unboxing and Device Verification

Inside the box of your Ledger Nano S Plus® or Ledger Nano X®, you will find:

Ledger hardware wallet

USB-C cable (or Bluetooth capability for Nano X mobile use)

3 recovery phrase cards

User and instruction card

Keychain accessories (model dependent)

Before beginning setup, verify:

Packaging is sealed and untampered

You purchased from an authorized reseller or Ledger directly

The device does not come with a pre-written recovery phrase

If you see a phrase already filled in, do not use the device. Report it immediately — it is unsafe.

Step 1: Visit the Official Start Page

Open your web browser and go to:

Ledger.com/Start®

This step is essential to ensure you are downloading the authentic Ledger software. Fake wallet apps are one of the most common methods scammers use to steal crypto, so avoid downloading from search results or third-party links.

On the page, choose your Ledger model and proceed to install Ledger Live®, the official management application.

Step 2: Download and Install Ledger Live®

Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS (Nano X only), and Android. After installation:

Open Ledger Live

Click Get Started

Select your hardware wallet model

Follow the security checklist

Ledger Live will automatically detect required firmware updates and guide you step by step.

Step 3: Initialize Your Ledger Device

Connect your device via USB or Bluetooth and follow the instructions displayed:

Set up a PIN code (never share or store digitally)

Generate your 24-word recovery phrase

Confirm each word carefully

The Recovery Phrase — Your Most Important Asset

The 24-word recovery phrase is your master key. Anyone with it can access your crypto, even without the device.

Security rules to follow:

Write it down carefully and store offline

Never take a photo or save digitally

Never enter the phrase on any website or app

Never share it with anyone — including Ledger support

Ledger will never ask for it.

Step 4: Set Up Ledger Live and Add Crypto Accounts

Once initialization is complete, return to Ledger Live and begin account setup.

To add a crypto account:

Open Accounts

Click Add Account

Select the cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)

Connect and unlock your Ledger device

Confirm the action on the device screen

You are now ready to receive, send, and manage funds securely.

Step 5: Receive and Send Crypto

Receiving Crypto

Select an account in Ledger Live

Click Receive

Verify the public address on the Ledger device screen

Share the address with the sender

Sending Crypto

Click Send

Enter the destination address

Verify and approve on the Ledger screen

The physical confirmation requirement prevents remote hackers from altering transactions.

Step 6: Manage Your Digital Portfolio

Ledger Live provides:

Real-time portfolio tracking

Market insights and pricing updates

Support for thousands of tokens across major networks

NFT management on Ethereum, Polygon, Solana networks

Your device must remain connected to confirm transactions, but basic viewing features are available anytime.

Step 7: Additional Ledger Live Features

Ledger Live offers access to advanced tools including:

Buy & Sell crypto through integrated providers

Swap & convert coins

Earn rewards through staking (ETH, DOT, SOL, ATOM, and more)

DeFi access with Wallet Connect-secured signing

NFT Galleries with secure signing protection

Ledger focuses on safety while providing flexible asset growth options.

Step 8: Maintaining Device Security

Follow these safety guidelines:

Never share your PIN or recovery phrase

Only update firmware using Ledger Live

Avoid connecting through public computers

Verify URLs before interacting with crypto platforms

Beware impersonation scams on social media

If something feels suspicious — stop and verify.

Support & Help Resources

For official support, visit the Ledger Help Center or open a support ticket. Ledger never provides support through WhatsApp or unsolicited messages.

Useful links:

Ledger.com/Support

Status updates & learning center

Hardware troubleshooting guides

Conclusion

Ledger.com/Start® is the safest and most reliable starting point for securing your cryptocurrency. By combining a Ledger hardware wallet with Ledger Live, you gain full control of your digital wealth, protected by industry-leading security and complete user ownership.

Whether you manage Bitcoin, Ethereum-based assets, NFTs, or DeFi tokens, Ledger empowers you to participate confidently in the digital economy.

With Ledger, your crypto is truly yours.