Ledger.com/Start
Begin Your Secure Crypto Journey
Welcome to the standard of crypto security. Follow our comprehensive guide to set up your Ledger device, secure your digital assets, and take full control of your financial freedom.
Welcome to the Future of Security
In the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency, security is paramount. Ledger.com/Start is your gateway to understanding and utilizing the most trusted hardware wallets in the industry. Whether you have purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus, a Ledger Nano X, or the revolutionary Ledger Stax, you have taken the first and most important step towards true ownership of your digital assets.
A Ledger hardware wallet isolates your private keys from the internet, creating an impenetrable fortress against online hacks, phishing attempts, and malware. By combining a secure element chip with a custom operating system, Ledger ensures that you—and only you—have access to your funds.
Uncompromised Security
CC EAL5+ certified secure element chip.
Multi-Currency Support
Manage over 5,500 digital assets in one place.
Ledger Live App
Buy, sell, swap, and grow your crypto securely.
What is a Ledger Wallet?
A Ledger wallet is a type of hardware wallet, often referred to as "cold storage." Unlike software wallets (hot wallets) that live on your computer or smartphone and are constantly connected to the internet, a Ledger device keeps your private keys offline. Your private keys are the cryptographic proof of ownership for your assets; if someone else obtains them, they can steal your funds.
When you use Ledger.com/Start to initialize your device, you are generating these keys within the secure environment of the hardware itself. The keys never leave the device. When you make a transaction, the Ledger Live app sends the transaction data to the device, you verify the details on the device's physical screen, and sign it with a physical button press. This means that even if your computer is compromised by a virus, your crypto remains safe because the hacker cannot physically press the buttons on your Ledger.
Why Choose Ledger?
Offline Storage
Your assets are kept offline, away from internet vulnerabilities. This is the gold standard for crypto security.
Secure Element
Ledger uses a Secure Element (SE) chip, the same technology used in passports and credit cards, to withstand sophisticated attacks.
Full Ownership
"Not your keys, not your coins." With Ledger, you have full sovereignty over your financial assets without relying on third parties.
Getting Started with Ledger
Follow this step-by-step guide to initialize your device. Ensure you are in a private, safe environment and have about 30 minutes of uninterrupted time.
Unbox and Connect
Remove your Ledger device from the box. You should find the device, a USB cable, and recovery sheets. Connect the device to your computer using the provided USB cable. The device will power on and display a welcome message.
Install Ledger Live
Navigate to the official website and download the Ledger Live application. This app is the interface for your device. Be careful to only download from the official source to avoid phishing scams.
Set Up as New Device
On your Ledger device, navigate using the buttons to select "Set up as new device." You will be prompted to choose a PIN code. Select a PIN between 4 and 8 digits. This PIN is required to unlock your device each time you use it.
The Recovery Phrase (Crucial)
Your device will now display a series of 24 words. This is your Secret Recovery Phrase. Write these words down exactly as they appear on the provided recovery sheet. NEVER store this phrase digitally (no photos, no cloud storage, no password managers). If you lose your device, this phrase is the only way to recover your funds.
Verify and Finalize
The device will ask you to confirm the 24 words to ensure you have written them down correctly. Once verified, your device is ready. Open Ledger Live, complete the security checklist, and use the "Manager" tab to install apps for the cryptos you wish to store (e.g., Bitcoin app, Ethereum app).
Ledger Security Features
Ledger devices are built around a unique architecture. The BOLOS (Blockchain Open Ledger Operating System)allows the device to run applications in isolation, meaning a bug in one app cannot affect others or the system itself.
Furthermore, the Genuine Check is a cryptographic verification performed every time you connect your device to Ledger Live. It ensures that your device has not been tampered with and is running official firmware. If the device is counterfeit, Ledger Live will alert you immediately.
- Tamper-resistant Secure Element
- PIN code protection (wipes after 3 wrong attempts)
- Physical confirmation for all transactions
- Regular firmware updates
Best Security Practices
1. NEVER share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it. Anyone who has it can steal your funds.
2. Verify addresses on the device. Malware on your computer can change the address you see on your screen. Always trust the device display over your computer monitor.
3. Keep your firmware updated. Updates often contain security patches and new features. Use Ledger Live to update regularly.
4. Buy from official sources. Only purchase Ledger devices from Ledger.com or authorized resellers to avoid tampered devices.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Ledger devices support a vast ecosystem of digital assets. Through Ledger Live, you can manage over 500 coins and tokens directly. For assets not supported in Ledger Live, you can often use third-party wallets connected to your Ledger device to manage them securely.
Whether you are holding NFTs on Ethereum or Polygon, staking Tezos or Cosmos, or simply HODLing Bitcoin, Ledger provides a unified and secure interface for your entire portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Secure Your Assets?
Join millions of users who trust Ledger to protect their digital wealth. Start your journey today.