Ledger.com/start: Your Complete Guide to Getting Started with Ledger

Welcome to Ledger, a global leader in hardware wallet technology and secure cryptocurrency management. If you’re ready to take control of your digital assets and move beyond online wallets or exchanges, Ledger.com/start is the official place to begin.

Ledger helps you protect your cryptocurrency by keeping your private keys offline and under your control. This guide walks you step by step through setting up your Ledger device, installing Ledger Live, managing your accounts, and following essential security best practices so you can use crypto confidently and safely.

Why Choose Ledger for Crypto Security?

Cryptocurrency gives users full ownership of their money—but that ownership also means responsibility. Unlike banks, there is no password reset or customer service desk that can recover lost funds. Ledger was created to solve this problem by making self-custody secure, simple, and accessible.

Key Benefits of Ledger

• Offline Private Keys – Keys never leave your hardware device

• Full Ownership – You control your assets, not a third party

• Wide Asset Support – Manage thousands of coins and tokens

• Ledger Live App – One interface for accounts, transactions, and portfolio tracking

• Proven Security Architecture – Built with certified secure elements

Starting at Ledger.com/start ensures you follow the official and safest setup process.

What You’ll Need Before You Begin

Before setting up your Ledger wallet, make sure you have:

• A genuine Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus or Nano X)

• A computer or smartphone with internet access

• A private, distraction-free environment

• The recovery phrase sheet included in the box

• Enough time to complete setup carefully

Avoid setting up your wallet in public spaces or on shared computers.

Step 1: Unbox and Check Your Ledger Device

Your Ledger box should arrive sealed and untampered.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Ledger hardware wallet

• USB cable

• Recovery phrase cards

• Instructions and documentation

Ledger devices are never shipped pre-configured. If you receive a device that already has a PIN or recovery phrase set, do not use it.

Step 2: Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official app used to manage your Ledger device and crypto assets.

With Ledger Live, you can:

• Install apps for different cryptocurrencies

• Add and manage accounts

• Send and receive crypto

• Track portfolio value

• Stake supported assets

• Update device firmware securely

Always download Ledger Live directly from Ledger.com to avoid phishing or fake software.

Ledger Live is available for:

• Windows

• macOS

• Linux

• iOS and Android

Step 3: Initialize Your Ledger Device

After installing Ledger Live, connect your Ledger device using the USB cable or Bluetooth (Nano X only).

You’ll be prompted to choose one of two options:

Create a New Wallet

Choose this if you are setting up Ledger for the first time.

• You’ll create a PIN code

• The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase

• Your wallet will be unique and fully under your control

Restore an Existing Wallet

Choose this only if you already have a recovery phrase from a previous Ledger or compatible wallet.

Step 4: Choose a Secure PIN Code

Your PIN code protects your Ledger device from unauthorized access.

Important PIN guidelines:

• Entered directly on the device

• Required every time the device is unlocked

• Wipes the device after too many incorrect attempts

Choose a PIN that is hard to guess and never share it with anyone.

Step 5: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the most important part of your wallet.

It is the only backup to your crypto if:

• Your Ledger device is lost

• Your Ledger device is damaged

• Your Ledger device is stolen

Recovery Phrase Best Practices

• Write the words down in order

• Store them offline

• Keep them private

• Never photograph or digitize them

• Never enter them into websites or apps

Anyone with your recovery phrase has full control over your funds.

Step 6: Confirm and Verify Setup

Ledger Live will ask you to confirm parts of your recovery phrase to ensure it was written down correctly.

You may also be prompted to:

• Verify device authenticity

• Install firmware updates

• Complete a security checklist

Once completed, your Ledger wallet is ready to use.

Managing Crypto with Ledger Live

Ledger Live is your control center for managing digital assets securely.

Adding Cryptocurrency Accounts

To add an account:

1. Open Ledger Live

2. Connect and unlock your Ledger device

3. Install the relevant crypto app

4. Add an account for that asset

You can create multiple accounts per cryptocurrency, which helps organize funds for savings, spending, or long-term holding.

Receiving Cryptocurrency

To receive crypto:

1. Select the account you want to receive funds into

2. Generate a receiving address

3. Confirm the address on your Ledger device

Always verify the address on the device screen—not just on your computer or phone—to avoid malware risks.

Sending Cryptocurrency

To send crypto:

1. Enter the recipient address and amount

2. Review all transaction details

3. Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device

No transaction can be completed without physical confirmation, which protects your funds even if your computer is compromised.

Portfolio Tracking and Insights

Ledger Live provides a clear overview of your portfolio:

• Total balance across assets

• Individual account balances

• Transaction history

• Portfolio performance over time

This allows you to monitor your holdings without exposing private keys online.

Staking and Earning with Ledger

Ledger Live supports staking for selected cryptocurrencies.

With staking, you can:

• Earn rewards

• Keep your private keys offline

• Maintain full ownership of your assets

All staking actions still require device confirmation, preserving Ledger’s security model.

Using Ledger with DeFi and NFTs

Ledger devices can connect to decentralized applications (dApps) and NFT platforms through Ledger Live or compatible third-party apps.

Key security advantage:

• Transactions are always confirmed on the device

• Private keys never leave the hardware wallet

This allows you to explore DeFi and NFTs without sacrificing security.

Security Architecture Behind Ledger

Ledger security is built on multiple layers:

• Secure Element Chip – Tamper-resistant hardware

• Offline Key Storage – No exposure to the internet

• Physical Confirmation – Every transaction requires approval

• Open Security Audits – Constant testing and improvement

• No Cloud Custody – Ledger never has access to your funds

Even if your phone or computer is compromised, your crypto remains protected.

Firmware and Software Updates

Ledger regularly releases updates to improve:

• Security

• Performance

• Compatibility with new assets

Best practices:

• Update Ledger Live regularly

• Install firmware updates only through Ledger Live

• Never update using third-party tools

Updates never reveal your recovery phrase or private keys.

Recovering Your Wallet

If your Ledger device is lost or damaged, recovery is straightforward—if you have your recovery phrase.

To recover:

1. Get a new Ledger device

2. Choose “Restore from recovery phrase”

3. Enter your 24 words on the device

4. Regain access to all accounts

Without the recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Storing recovery phrase digitally

• Sharing recovery phrase with anyone

• Using unofficial Ledger software

• Skipping address verification

• Falling for phishing emails or fake support messages

Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Why Ledger.com/start Is Important

Ledger.com/start ensures:

• Official software installation

• Genuine device verification

• Correct wallet initialization

• Safe backup creation

• Protection from scams

Starting anywhere else increases the risk of mistakes or fraud.

Best Practices for Long-Term Security

• Store recovery phrase in a secure physical location

• Keep device firmware updated

• Use a strong PIN

• Verify transactions on the device screen

• Be cautious of unsolicited messages or links

Good habits are as important as good hardware.

Take Control of Your Crypto with Ledger

Ledger.com/start is your first step toward true crypto ownership.

With Ledger and Ledger Live, you can:

• Securely store digital assets

• Send and receive cryptocurrency with confidence

• Track portfolio performance

• Earn rewards through staking

• Explore DeFi and NFTs safely

• Maintain full control of your funds

Ledger gives you the tools to manage cryptocurrency responsibly, securely, and independently.