Your official guide to setting up, securing, and mastering your Ledger hardware wallet.
Ledger.com/start® is your trusted destination to begin your secure crypto journey. Whether you’ve just unboxed your Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Ledger Stax, this guide ensures you start safely and confidently. Ledger devices are built to give you full control over your digital assets, while protecting you from online threats and unauthorized access.
Setting up your Ledger is more than connecting a device—it’s about creating a secure bridge between your offline wallet and your digital future. Through advanced hardware encryption, Ledger keeps your private keys locked inside the device—never exposed to your computer or the internet.
Always begin setup by visiting the official Ledger website: Ledger.com/start. Never trust third-party links or unofficial sources, as scammers often replicate websites to steal recovery phrases. The official Ledger site will guide you step-by-step through device initialization, app installation, and security verification.
Once you open the site, you’ll find instructions tailored to your device model. Download the latest version of the Ledger Live app, available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The app acts as your main dashboard for managing cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and DeFi assets.
Inside the box, you’ll find your Ledger device, a USB cable, recovery sheets, and a quick start guide. Carefully check the box seal—Ledger never ships pre-configured devices. Connect the device via USB (or Bluetooth, if supported) to your computer or smartphone. Once connected, follow the on-screen instructions on both your device and Ledger Live.
When prompted, create a PIN code—choose one that’s difficult to guess. This code is required every time you unlock your Ledger, preventing unauthorized use if your device is lost.
Your recovery phrase is your ultimate key to access your crypto. Write down the 24 words displayed on your Ledger screen, exactly in order, on the provided recovery sheets. Never take a photo, store it digitally, or share it with anyone.
Anyone with access to your phrase can control your assets. Ledger will never ask for it—not through email, phone, or social media. Store it in a safe, private location. For extra security, consider splitting it across two safe places or using a metal backup plate.
Ledger Live is your secure interface for managing crypto. Once installed, open the app and connect your device. The app will automatically detect your model and guide you through firmware updates if needed. Keep your firmware updated to ensure you always have the latest security enhancements.
Inside Ledger Live, you can install apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and hundreds of other assets. Each app corresponds to a blockchain network. You’ll use your Ledger device to approve every transaction physically, ensuring complete protection against malware.
Ledger Live offers a clean portfolio dashboard where you can track balances, values, and market trends. You can buy, sell, swap, or stake supported cryptocurrencies directly from the interface. All operations are end-to-end encrypted and require on-device confirmation.
You’re not limited to cryptocurrencies—Ledger also supports NFTs and Web3 integration. Connect your wallet to decentralized apps (dApps) securely via WalletConnect or Ledger Connect browser extension. Every transaction remains under your physical control, confirmed by your hardware wallet.
Ledger’s philosophy is simple: your keys, your crypto. The company’s hardware wallets use a Secure Element (SE) chip, the same type used in passports and payment cards. It isolates your private keys from your connected device, ensuring that even if your computer is compromised, your crypto remains safe.
Always double-check recipient addresses on your Ledger screen before approving transactions. Enable “blind signing” only when necessary. For long-term holders, consider keeping your Ledger disconnected from your computer when not in use.
If you ever lose or reset your device, simply restore your wallet using the 24-word recovery phrase. During setup, choose “Restore from Recovery Phrase” and input each word carefully. Your accounts and balances will be automatically restored in Ledger Live.
Never input your recovery phrase into any website, form, or mobile app except your Ledger device screen. Always verify the authenticity of your Ledger product by checking the device firmware and genuine check feature in Ledger Live.
Software wallets store keys on internet-connected devices, leaving them vulnerable to hacking, phishing, or malware. Ledger devices isolate keys within tamper-resistant chips. Even if your computer is infected, your assets stay protected.
Ledger’s open-source ecosystem allows community auditing, ensuring transparency and trust. Combined with continuous security updates and hardware authentication, Ledger is among the most trusted cold wallets in the world.
Ledger expands beyond simple storage. With Ledger Live and third-party integrations, you can access decentralized finance (DeFi), stake tokens for passive income, and manage NFTs seamlessly. Ledger Connect, a browser extension, makes connecting to Web3 platforms easy and safe.
These tools enable users to interact with blockchain ecosystems securely—every action still requires physical confirmation on your Ledger, reinforcing the importance of user-controlled cryptography.
Getting started with Ledger is about more than convenience—it’s about taking back control of your digital identity. Every crypto holder deserves peace of mind, and Ledger delivers exactly that through world-class hardware security and intuitive user experience.
By following the steps from Ledger.com/start®, you’ve joined millions who value true financial sovereignty. Remember: your Ledger is your vault, your bridge, and your key to the decentralized future.