Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started — Ledger

Getting started with Ledger® marks the first step toward taking full control of your cryptocurrency security. Ledger® is known globally as a pioneer in hardware wallet technology, providing users with a trusted and secure way to manage, buy, and store digital assets. If you’ve just received your Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X, or are considering purchasing one, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every essential step—from setup to daily usage.

Why Ledger®?

Ledger® hardware wallets are purpose-built to isolate and protect your private keys from online exposure. Unlike software wallets, which can be vulnerable to malware and phishing attacks, Ledger® wallets utilize a certified Secure Element chip (SE) to ensure your crypto stays protected even if your computer or mobile device is compromised.

Moreover, Ledger® devices work in perfect tandem with Ledger Live™—a robust application that lets you manage your assets with complete transparency and confidence. Ledger Live supports hundreds of cryptocurrencies and provides real-time analytics, transaction capabilities, and more.

Step 1: Unboxing and Initial Check

Upon receiving your Ledger device, begin by inspecting the packaging. Ledger® devices come in sealed boxes with a clear tamper-evident design. Make sure the holographic seal is intact and that nothing seems off. Ledger never ships devices with a pre-configured PIN or recovery phrase—if yours includes either, do not use it.

Inside the box, you’ll find:

  • The Ledger Nano device
  • A USB-C cable (or Micro-USB for older models)
  • A recovery sheet (blank)
  • A quick start guide

Step 2: Go to Ledger.com/Start®

Once you're ready, head to Ledger.com/Start® using a secure browser on your computer or mobile device. This is the official starting point provided by Ledger to guide you through the setup process and ensure you’re on the right path.

At this stage, you’ll:

  • Choose your device model
  • Download the latest version of Ledger Live™
  • Follow official setup instructions

Ledger strongly advises users to avoid third-party download links or unofficial support articles.

Step 3: Installing Ledger Live™

Download and install the Ledger Live™ app for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS). Once installed, open the app and select “Initialize as new device.”

Through this intuitive interface, you will:

  • Set up a secure 4- to 8-digit PIN
  • Generate and write down your 24-word recovery phrase
  • Confirm each word during the verification step

Important: Never store your recovery phrase digitally. Keep it offline, handwritten, and protected from water or fire. It is the only way to recover your funds if your device is lost or stolen.

Step 4: Connect Your Wallet

Connect your Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X) to your device. Ledger Live™ will prompt you to confirm actions on your hardware wallet to authenticate the connection. You must approve these requests directly on your Ledger device to continue.

This step also includes checking the authenticity of your device. Ledger Live™ uses cryptographic tools to ensure that the Secure Element chip has not been tampered with or replaced.

Step 5: Add Cryptocurrency Accounts

After setting up your wallet and connecting it securely to Ledger Live™, the next step is to add your crypto accounts. Ledger supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Polkadot, Cardano, and over 5,500 other assets.

To add an account:

  • Open Ledger Live™
  • Go to “Accounts”
  • Click “Add Account”
  • Choose the cryptocurrency and approve on your device

Once added, you can receive, store, and send digital assets with ease.

Step 6: Receive and Send Crypto

To receive funds, select the crypto asset, click “Receive,” and verify the address shown on Ledger Live™ with what appears on your Ledger device screen. This ensures no address tampering has occurred.

When sending crypto, enter the destination address and amount, and confirm the transaction on your Ledger device. Transactions must be signed manually via your device to complete, offering you the highest level of protection.

Step 7: Explore Advanced Features

Ledger Live™ offers a suite of features that go beyond basic asset management:

  • Staking: Earn passive income by staking coins like ETH, DOT, ATOM, and others.
  • Swap: Exchange one cryptocurrency for another directly in the app.
  • Buy/Sell: Use integrated partners to purchase or cash out crypto.
  • NFT Support: Manage Ethereum-based NFTs through your Ledger wallet.
  • DApp Access: Connect safely to DeFi and Web3 apps using Ledger’s browser extension or WalletConnect.

These services allow you to interact with the crypto ecosystem without exposing your private keys to the internet.

Security Tips

  • Always verify the URL when visiting Ledger’s official resources.
  • Enable password lock in Ledger Live™.
  • Regularly update your Ledger device firmware via Ledger Live™.
  • Keep your recovery phrase hidden, offline, and never share it.
  • Use a fireproof safe or metal backup sheet for long-term phrase storage.

Troubleshooting and Support

If you encounter issues during setup or while using your Ledger device, Ledger.com provides extensive support articles and a help center. Users can also access tutorials and community forums.

Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Be cautious of phishing scams and unofficial “support” services online.

The Ledger Advantage

Ledger’s ecosystem provides unmatched flexibility for crypto holders. Whether you’re managing a few hundred dollars or an expansive crypto portfolio, Ledger ensures your private keys stay in your control.

By using Ledger.com/Start®, you minimize setup risks and follow verified procedures from Ledger’s team. The process is designed to be beginner-friendly while offering robust protection and high-end crypto tools.

Conclusion

Ledger.com/Start® is your official gateway to crypto self-custody. By following these setup instructions carefully, you take the first and most important step in protecting your digital wealth. Ledger® is more than a hardware wallet—it's a security system, portfolio manager, and crypto companion all in one.

Start secure. Stay sovereign. Trust Ledger.