Official Site | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started with Ledger®

In today’s digital-first financial world, securing your cryptocurrency is no longer optional—it’s essential. As the value of digital assets grows, so does the number of threats targeting them. Centralized exchanges and online wallets are common targets for hackers, making self-custody with a hardware wallet the gold standard for crypto security.

This is where Ledger®, one of the most trusted names in crypto security, comes in. Ledger offers state-of-the-art hardware wallets that keep your private keys offline and under your full control. Whether you're using the Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or the new Ledger Stax, the setup process begins securely at the official site: Ledger.com/Start.

Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide to getting started with your Ledger device and the Ledger Live® app.


1. Why Choose Ledger®?

Ledger® hardware wallets are trusted by millions worldwide. They combine robust physical security with a user-friendly interface, making them ideal for both beginners and advanced crypto users.

Key Features:

  • Secure Element Chip (CC EAL5+) to isolate private keys
  • BOLOS operating system developed by Ledger for secure app execution
  • Ledger Live®, an all-in-one software to manage over 5,000 crypto assets
  • Support for staking, swapping, NFTs, and DeFi access

With Ledger, you own your private keys, ensuring no third party—including Ledger itself—can access your funds.


2. Unboxing and Verifying Your Device

When your Ledger wallet arrives, unbox it carefully. The contents typically include:

  • Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax)
  • USB cable
  • Recovery phrase sheets
  • Quick start guide
  • Accessories (may vary)

Important Security Check

Ledger devices never come with a pre-set PIN or seed phrase. If yours does, or if anything looks suspicious, contact Ledger Support immediately.


3. Go to Ledger.com/Start®

Next, visit Ledger.com/Start, the official and only trusted setup portal. Here, you’ll:

  • Confirm your device model
  • Download Ledger Live®
  • Follow official setup instructions
  • Get real-time support if needed

Avoid using third-party setup tutorials or YouTube links, which may lead to phishing websites.


4. Download and Install Ledger Live®

Ledger Live® is the official desktop and mobile app used to manage your crypto. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Steps:

  1. Go to ledger.com/start and click “Download Ledger Live.”
  2. Install the application on your computer or mobile device.
  3. Launch the app and choose “Get Started.”

Ledger Live walks you through each part of the setup with built-in security checks and tips.


5. Set Up Your Ledger Device

Connect your Ledger device via USB or Bluetooth (Nano X or Stax only) to your computer or phone.

Choose from:

  • “Set up as new device” – For first-time users
  • “Restore from recovery phrase” – If migrating from a previous device

Follow the On-Device Prompts:

  • Choose a PIN code (4 to 8 digits)
  • Write down your 24-word recovery phrase using the included recovery sheet
⚠️ WARNING: This recovery phrase is your only backup. If it’s lost, your crypto cannot be recovered. Never take screenshots or store it digitally.

Ledger will never ask for your seed phrase. If anyone does, it’s a scam.


6. Install Apps and Add Accounts

Once your Ledger device is initialized, use Ledger Live® to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).

How to install apps:

  • Open Ledger Live®
  • Go to “My Ledger”
  • Install apps like Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.

Add accounts:

  • Go to “Accounts”
  • Click “Add account”
  • Choose the crypto type
  • Confirm on your Ledger device

Your accounts will now appear in the Ledger Live dashboard.


7. Send, Receive, and Manage Crypto

With your Ledger device and Ledger Live set up, you can now:

  • Send crypto by confirming transactions on your device
  • Receive assets securely via verified addresses
  • View portfolio performance over time

Ledger Live supports:

  • Coin swaps (through integrated partners)
  • Staking (e.g., for ETH, SOL, ATOM)
  • NFTs (view and send Ethereum-based NFTs)
  • DeFi access (through WalletConnect and MetaMask)

All transactions are signed on your Ledger device, ensuring your private keys are never exposed to your computer or the internet.


8. Stay Safe: Best Practices

Security is an ongoing process. Here’s how to keep your assets safe:

  • Keep your recovery phrase offline and hidden.
  • Use a strong PIN and never share it.
  • Download Ledger Live only from the official site.
  • Regularly update firmware and Ledger Live for the latest security patches.
  • Beware of phishing—never enter your seed phrase into a website or app.

Consider using a fireproof safe or metal recovery backup sheet for your seed phrase.


9. Troubleshooting and Support

If you encounter any setup issues:

  • Use the in-app Help section in Ledger Live
  • Visit the Ledger Help Center
  • Check out tutorials in Ledger Academy

Ledger’s support team will never ask for your 24-word phrase or PIN.


Conclusion: Take Control with Ledger®

Getting started with Ledger via Ledger.com/Start ensures a secure, streamlined experience. With your private keys protected in a hardware device and the powerful Ledger Live app at your fingertips, you’re taking full control of your crypto journey.

Whether you’re holding Bitcoin, trading altcoins, collecting NFTs, or exploring DeFi, Ledger gives you the tools to do it safely and confidently.


Your crypto. Your keys. Your control. Start with Ledger®.

Let me know if you'd like a PDF, email-friendly version, or a version tailored to a specific Ledger model.