Get Started with Ledger

Welcome to Ledger.com/start — your secure and guided onboarding portal for Ledger hardware wallets. Whether you're new to cryptocurrency or want to move your assets to safer storage, this page gives you everything you need: step‑by‑step instructions, security best practices, and clear definitions to help you understand why each step matters.

Why Start at Ledger.com/start?

In the world of crypto, **security is paramount**. Mistakes or using the wrong software can lead to irreversible loss of funds. Ledger.com/start is the **official, trusted** starting point to:

Download the authentic Ledger Live application (desktop or mobile)
Initialize your hardware device correctly
Safely create and back up your recovery phrase
Install crypto applications and add accounts
Learn advanced features like staking, decentralized apps (dApps), and NFTs
Understand key security principles and definitions

By following the official flow, you avoid phishing sites, impostor software, or counterfeit devices. Your private keys and recovery phrase are never exposed online.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need

Set aside 10–15 minutes in a quiet space (without cameras or onlookers). Make sure you have:

Your Ledger hardware device (e.g. Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.)
Original USB cable (or Bluetooth for supported models)
Computer (Windows, macOS, Linux) or smartphone (iOS / Android)
Pen and the recovery‑sheet card included (or a secure offline backup medium)

If the device packaging appears tampered with or the device arrives preconfigured, stop and contact Ledger Support — do not proceed.

Key Definitions

Private Key: A cryptographic secret known only to you, used to sign transactions. If someone gets your private key, they control your funds.

Recovery Phrase (Seed Phrase): A list (usually 24 words) generated by your device that allows you to restore control of your wallet on a new device. Treat this as the “master key” to your crypto.

Ledger Live: The official companion app (desktop or mobile) that interacts with your Ledger hardware device. It lets you manage accounts, send/receive, and install apps — **without exposing your private keys**.

Cold Storage / Hardware Wallet: A wallet that stores private keys offline, minimizing exposure to hacking, malware, or phishing attacks.

Phishing: A malicious attempt (via email, fake websites, or links) to trick you into revealing your private keys or recovery phrase. Always confirm URLs and never share your seed.

Step‑by‑Step Setup Guide

1. Visit Ledger.com/start

Open your browser and go to https://www.ledger.com/start. This is the only **official** entry point for downloading Ledger Live and following the verified setup process. Do **not** trust search ads, emailed links, or third‑party websites claiming “Ledger setup.”

2. Download Ledger Live

Select your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android) and download the latest version of Ledger Live. Once downloaded, install and launch it.

Always double-check that the URL begins with https://www.ledger.com and the certificate is valid in your browser. This prevents fake or trojaned installers.

3. Plug In & Initialize Your Ledger Device

Connect your Ledger device using the supplied USB cable (or via Bluetooth if supported). Ledger Live will detect the device and prompt you to choose:

Set up as a new device — If it's your first time using this device.
Restore from recovery phrase — If you're migrating from another device and already have a 24-word seed.

If setting up as new:

On the device, select a PIN (4–8 digits). Enter it on the device itself — never type the PIN into the computer.
The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down on the recovery sheet (in the correct order) and never store it digitally.
The device will ask you to confirm a few words to ensure you recorded it properly.
Ledger Live may ask you to update firmware to the latest version — accept and allow the update if prompted.

4. Pair Ledger Live With Your Device

Once initialization is complete, Ledger Live guides you through connecting the app with your hardware device. You'll approve the pairing on the device screen. Ledger Live may also prompt you to set an app password (this only protects local metadata, not your keys).

5. Install Crypto Apps & Add Accounts

Ledger devices use a modular architecture: each cryptocurrency has a separate “app” that you install on the device using Ledger Live’s “Manager” tab. After installing, you can add accounts:

Go to “Manager” → find and install the app (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana)
Go to “Accounts” → “Add account” → select the supported currency
Ledger Live will scan the blockchain and display your balances (if any)

6. Send & Receive Crypto Securely

To **receive**:

In Ledger Live, go to the account → “Receive”
Ledger Live will show an address — confirm that the address shown matches what appears on your hardware device before copying or sharing.

To **send**:

Enter the recipient’s address and the amount in Ledger Live
Confirm transaction details on your device screen before approving

Features You Can Explore After Setup

Once your Ledger device is set up and accounts are added, you have access to many useful features.

Buy / Sell / Swap crypto through integrated partners directly inside Ledger Live
Staking & Yield — Stake certain assets (e.g. Ethereum, Tezos, Polkadot) and earn rewards while staying in control of your keys
dApps / DeFi Integration — Access decentralized finance protocols safely via Ledger’s Web3 bridge without exposing keys
NFT & Token Management — View, collect, or trade NFTs and custom tokens within Ledger Live or trusted partner platforms
Portfolio Tracking & Analytics — Monitor your holdings, performance, and asset allocation in one dashboard
Firmware & Software Updates — Ledger periodically releases security updates — always apply them promptly

Security Best Practices & Warnings

Ledger hardware wallets provide strong protection — but only if used correctly. Here are key tips to stay safe:

Always type https://www.ledger.com/start manually in your browser — avoid clicking links from email, social media, or ads.
Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into any website or app — **Ledger or its support team will never ask you for it**.
Store your recovery phrase offline (paper or metal backup). Multiple geographically separated copies (in secure places) is safer than one.
Be wary of unexpected prompts, popups, or fake software. Malware and phishing attempts are real and frequent.
Always verify transaction details on the hardware device, not just on your computer screen.
Update firmware and Ledger Live software regularly to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities.
Avoid public or shared computers when accessing your funds; use your own trusted hardware.

If at any point something feels off — e.g. the device was pre‑initialized, links or popups are suspicious, or the recovery sheet is prefilled — **stop and seek support**. Don’t proceed further.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

What if I lose my Ledger device?

As long as you have your 24-word recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet (and funds) on another compatible Ledger device or a BIP‑39 compatible wallet. The phrase is the true “master key.”

What if I mistype or lose one word from the recovery phrase?

If you misrecord, the device will flag it during confirmation. If you lose a word afterward, recovery may fail. Always double-check immediately.

Can Ledger or anyone else access my funds?

No — private keys never leave your device, and Ledger does not store your recovery phrase or keys. Only you control access.

Is Ledger Live safe?

Yes — Ledger Live is designed as a “watch-only interface.” It never has access to your private keys. All sensitive operations (signing) happen on your hardware device itself.

What if Ledger.com/start is down or inaccessible?

Occasionally, service maintenance may affect access. In such cases:

Clear browser cache, try another browser or device
Access via a secure, direct Ledger.com link (always verifying SSL certificate)
Contact Ledger Support via official channels (never via unsolicited messages)

Summary & Your Next Step

Getting started with Ledger properly is about two things: security and . The steps you take now—starting at Ledger.com/start, installing Ledger Live, initializing the device, backing up the recovery phrase, and never exposing it—are foundational to preserving your crypto assets safely.

Once setup is complete, you’ll open doors to managing multiple assets, exploring DeFi and NFTs, earning staking rewards, and much more — all while keeping your private keys secure and offline.

Now: take a deep breath, set aside 10–15 minutes, and start at Ledger.com/start. Follow each instruction carefully, and welcome to the world of secure crypto self‑custody.

Note: This page is provided for informational and onboarding purposes. Always refer to Ledger’s official documentation and support for the latest updates and security practices.