Welcome to Ledger.com/Start

Getting started with Ledger means taking the first step toward owning your financial independence in the most secure and transparent way possible. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know when setting up your Ledger device, installing Ledger Live, securing your recovery phrase, and managing your digital assets with confidence. Ledger technology combines world‑class hardware security with a smooth and intuitive user experience, empowering anyone—from beginners to advanced crypto users—to take control of their digital value.

1. What Is Ledger?

Ledger is a global leader in hardware‑based security for cryptocurrencies and digital assets. Ledger devices—such as the Ledger Nano S Plus and the Ledger Nano X—store your private keys inside a certified Secure Element. This means your keys never touch the internet, significantly reducing the risk of hacking, phishing, and malware attacks. Whether you hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, or stablecoins, Ledger ensures that your assets remain fully under your control at all times.

2. Begin at Ledger.com/Start

is the official onboarding page for new Ledger users. This page ensures you are using genuine, official software and avoiding malicious third‑party tools. From here, you can download Ledger Live, set up your device, check authenticity, and learn best practices for keeping your crypto secure. Be sure to always navigate directly to the official URL—never click links from unknown emails, pop‑ups, or private messages.

3. Download & Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the central app for managing your Ledger hardware wallet. It allows you to buy, sell, stake, swap, and monitor thousands of digital assets in one secure application. Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Once installed, the application guides you through every step of the setup process, ensuring that your device is genuine and properly configured. Always download Ledger Live from the official website to avoid phishing attempts.

4. Unboxing and Device Setup

After unboxing your Ledger device, verify that the box is sealed and that no recovery phrase or pre‑written seed words were included. Ledger will never provide a pre‑generated recovery phrase. Once you confirm your device is authentic, connect it to your computer or smartphone and follow the prompts in Ledger Live. You will create a strong PIN code and generate your unique 24‑word recovery phrase. This phrase is the only way to recover your wallet if your device is lost or damaged—so keep it offline, private, and never share it with anyone.

5. Securing Your 24‑Word Recovery Phrase

Your recovery phrase is the most important part of your Ledger setup. Anyone who has access to these 24 words can access your crypto. Store them in a secure place, preferably offline, and never take photos, save digital copies, or enter them into websites or apps. Ledger offers additional backup options such as Ledger Recover (optional), or you can use metal backup kits for added durability against fire, water, and physical damage.

6. Installing Apps on Your Ledger Device

Ledger devices require specific blockchain apps installed through Ledger Live. For example, to manage Bitcoin, you install the Bitcoin app; for Ethereum, install the Ethereum app. The Secure Element on your device ensures that all cryptographic operations remain offline, while Ledger Live provides the interface for sending and receiving transactions. With support for thousands of assets, Ledger ensures that you can manage nearly any portfolio combination you want from one secure place.

7. Adding Accounts in Ledger Live

After installing the necessary apps, you can add accounts in Ledger Live. Accounts represent different blockchains and address types connected to your hardware wallet. For each asset, Ledger Live automatically generates addresses managed by your device's private keys. You can track balances, view transaction history, and synchronize your portfolio without exposing any sensitive information.

8. Sending & Receiving Crypto Securely

Sending and receiving crypto with Ledger is simple and secure. When you initiate a transaction in Ledger Live, your device will display the details on its secure screen. Always verify the address before confirming. Your private keys remain inside the device, ensuring that even if your computer is compromised, your crypto stays protected. Receiving crypto is equally safe—just share your public address and verify it on the device screen to ensure it hasn't been tampered with.

9. Staking & Earning Rewards

Ledger Live enables staking for multiple networks, allowing you to generate passive rewards with assets like Ethereum, Polkadot, Tezos, and others. When staking through Ledger Live, your private keys remain secure on your device, and you maintain full ownership of your assets. Ledger partners with trusted validators to make staking both simple and transparent.

10. Managing NFTs

Ledger supports Ethereum and Polygon NFTs directly through Ledger Live. By using a hardware wallet for NFTs, you protect your tokens against phishing, malicious smart contracts, and fake marketplaces. Ledger Live's NFT manager lets you visualize and organize your collection with ease, while your device ensures that every authorization is secure.

11. Advanced Features

Ledger also supports advanced functionalities including swaps, on‑ramp and off‑ramp purchases, DeFi integrations, firmware updates, and multi‑wallet management. With Ledger, you gain access to the broader crypto ecosystem without sacrificing security. Firmware updates help improve device performance and expand asset support—just ensure that you never download updates from unofficial sources.

12. Staying Safe in Crypto

Security is a continuous practice. Always keep your recovery phrase offline, verify URLs before entering information, double‑check transaction addresses on your Ledger device, and avoid interacting with suspicious messages or websites. Ledger's security model is designed to protect you, but staying vigilant ensures the highest level of protection.

Conclusion

Ledger.com/Start is your trusted entry point into the world of secure self‑custody. With Ledger Live and your hardware wallet, you gain full control over your cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and digital value—without relying on third parties. As the crypto ecosystem evolves, Ledger's commitment to security, transparency, and user empowerment remains unwavering. Start your journey confidently and explore the full potential of digital ownership with Ledger.