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

Getting started with Ledger through its official site, Ledger.com/Start®, is the first step toward securing your digital assets with industry-leading hardware wallet technology. Ledger provides a powerful combination of convenience, control, and security by pairing its hardware wallets with the Ledger Live application. This guide is designed to walk you through the initial setup process and provide clarity on what to expect when beginning your journey with Ledger.

Understanding Ledger Hardware Wallets

Ledger’s hardware wallets—such as the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X—are devices designed to store your cryptocurrency private keys securely offline. This “cold storage” method offers robust protection against online threats, such as malware, phishing attacks, or unauthorized access.

Unlike software wallets or exchanges, Ledger devices ensure that your private keys never leave the physical device. They act as a physical confirmation layer, requiring the user to approve transactions directly on the device. This system significantly reduces the risk of theft and unauthorized access.

Step 1: Visit the Official Site — Ledger.com/Start®

The safest and most reliable place to begin setting up your Ledger wallet is through the official site: Ledger.com/Start®. This portal offers up-to-date installation files, step-by-step instructions, device verification tools, and security education.

Before beginning setup, ensure that your device packaging is sealed and untampered. Ledger devices should never come with a pre-written recovery phrase. If you receive one that does, do not use it. Instead, immediately contact Ledger Support.

Step 2: Initialize Your Ledger Device

Once you are ready to begin:

  1. Power on your Ledger device using the side buttons.
  2. Choose “Set up as new device.”
  3. Select a PIN code (typically 4–8 digits). This code must be entered each time you use the device.
  4. Write down the 24-word recovery phrase shown on your device screen. This phrase is the only way to recover your wallet and funds in case your device is lost or damaged.

It is critical to store your recovery phrase offline in a safe and secure place. Never take a photo of it, store it on a computer, or share it with anyone.

Step 3: Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion app that allows you to interface with your Ledger hardware wallet. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Always download Ledger Live directly from the official site to avoid counterfeit applications or phishing sites.

After installing Ledger Live:

  1. Open the app and select “Get Started.”
  2. Confirm your device model.
  3. Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X).
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the pairing and security check.

Ledger Live will guide you through a device authenticity check and basic configuration. Once complete, your dashboard will be accessible.

Step 4: Add and Manage Cryptocurrency Accounts

Now that Ledger Live and your device are set up, you can begin managing your cryptocurrency holdings.

To add an account:

  1. Navigate to the “Accounts” section in Ledger Live.
  2. Click “Add Account.”
  3. Select the cryptocurrency you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
  4. Ledger Live will prompt you to install the corresponding app on your Ledger device.
  5. Once complete, your account will be added and available within the dashboard.

You can manage multiple cryptocurrencies and create several accounts for different purposes, such as saving, trading, or staking.

Step 5: Send and Receive Transactions

Ledger Live makes it easy to transact securely.

To receive funds:

  • Select an account.
  • Click “Receive.”
  • Verify the wallet address displayed on both the Ledger Live screen and your Ledger device.
  • Share the address with the sender.

To send funds:

  • Select “Send.”
  • Enter the recipient’s wallet address and the amount.
  • Confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device before signing.

All transactions must be physically confirmed on the Ledger device to proceed, offering unmatched protection against unauthorized transfers.

Step 6: Explore Additional Features

Ledger Live offers more than just sending and receiving cryptocurrency. Users can:

  • Track their portfolio’s value in real time.
  • Swap assets through integrated partners.
  • Purchase crypto directly via third-party providers.
  • Stake supported assets like Ethereum, Polkadot, and Tezos for rewards.
  • Update firmware and apps to maintain security and compatibility.

The app interface is regularly updated with new features, security improvements, and expanded asset support.

Staying Secure

Ledger emphasizes security education for all users. Always ensure that:

  • You only download Ledger Live and updates from the official site.
  • Your recovery phrase is stored offline in a secure place.
  • You do not share sensitive data with anyone.
  • You verify addresses and transaction details directly on your device.

Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. If anyone does, they are attempting to compromise your wallet.

Conclusion

Starting with Ledger through Ledger.com/Start® sets the foundation for safe and self-sovereign digital asset management. By following these steps and maintaining best security practices, you can ensure that your cryptocurrency remains protected while enjoying the full functionality of the Ledger ecosystem.