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

In today’s rapidly evolving digital economy, cryptocurrency ownership is becoming mainstream. With ownership comes the responsibility of protecting your assets from hacks, theft, and digital errors. This is where Ledger®, a global leader in crypto security, comes in. The official site—Ledger.com/Start®—is the most secure and trusted place to begin your journey with Ledger hardware wallets. Whether you're setting up your Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X for the first time, this guide walks you through the entire process.

What Is a Ledger® Hardware Wallet?

A Ledger® hardware wallet is a physical device that stores your private keys offline, protecting them from hackers and malware. Unlike software wallets that operate through connected browsers or apps, Ledger ensures that your keys never leave the device. This makes it one of the most secure ways to manage, send, and receive cryptocurrency.

Ledger wallets support thousands of cryptocurrencies and allow you to interact with Web3, DeFi, NFTs, and more—all while keeping your keys secure.

Step 1: Go to Ledger.com/Start®

The first step is to always use the official website: Ledger.com/Start®. This page ensures you're getting accurate, secure information directly from Ledger, not a third-party source or scam site. Never trust unofficial links or ads that offer Ledger setup assistance.

Step 2: Unbox Your Device

When you receive your Ledger® wallet, check for:

  • A sealed box with no tampering
  • A Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X
  • USB-C cable
  • Recovery phrase cards
  • Instructions and accessories

If anything seems off, stop and contact Ledger Support before continuing. Authenticity is critical.

Step 3: Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion app required to manage your wallet. You can download it directly from Ledger.com/Start® for:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • iOS
  • Android

This application allows you to manage coins, check balances, send and receive assets, and interact with the blockchain—all while requiring device confirmation for every sensitive action.

Step 4: Set Up as a New Device

Once Ledger Live is installed:

  1. Open it and select “Set up a new device.”
  2. Connect your Ledger wallet via USB (or Bluetooth on Nano X).
  3. On your device, follow the prompts to begin setup.

You’ll then be asked to choose and confirm a PIN code directly on the device. This PIN is your first layer of security and is required every time you use the wallet.

Step 5: Secure Your Recovery Phrase

Your Ledger will now generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is your only backup if the device is lost, damaged, or stolen. Write it down by hand using the provided recovery sheet.

Important security tips:

  • Never store your recovery phrase digitally.
  • Never take a photo of it.
  • Never share it with anyone.
  • Store it in a safe, offline location (preferably fireproof/waterproof).

Step 6: Verify Your Recovery Phrase

After you write down the phrase, the device will prompt you to confirm several words to ensure it was copied correctly. This step ensures you’ll be able to restore your wallet if needed.

Step 7: Install Crypto Apps & Add Accounts

From Ledger Live:

  1. Navigate to the “Manager” tab.
  2. Install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
  3. Add accounts for each coin or token.
  4. You can now send, receive, and manage crypto securely.

Every transaction must be manually confirmed on the device, which prevents unauthorized actions.

Ledger Live Key Features

  • Portfolio tracking for all your coins and tokens
  • NFT management directly in-app
  • Secure sending/receiving of crypto
  • Staking supported for selected coins
  • Integration with Web3 apps using Ledger Connect
  • Built-in crypto buying and swapping

All features are accessed through a single interface, while keeping your private keys offline and secure.

Stay Safe While Using Ledger

  • Always start at Ledger.com/Start®
  • Keep your Ledger firmware and Ledger Live updated
  • Only install apps from the Ledger Live Manager
  • Never share your recovery phrase, even with support
  • Use a strong PIN code and secure your device physically

Recovering Your Wallet

If your device is lost or damaged, you can restore access by:

  1. Purchasing a new Ledger device.
  2. Choosing “Restore from recovery phrase” during setup.
  3. Entering your 24-word phrase carefully.

This will recover all accounts and funds associated with the original device.

Conclusion

Starting your crypto journey with Ledger® through Ledger.com/Start® ensures you’re following the most secure, verified setup process. With a Ledger hardware wallet, you maintain 100% control over your digital assets, free from exchange custody, cloud risk, or external compromise.

Your assets, your responsibility—backed by the unmatched security of Ledger.