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

Welcome to Ledger.com/Start®

The world of cryptocurrency can seem complex, but Ledger.com/Start® is here to help you take your first confident steps in securely managing your digital assets. Whether you’re brand new to crypto or simply new to Ledger products, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started safely and effectively.

Ledger is a global leader in hardware wallet security, trusted by millions for protecting their cryptocurrencies and NFTs. Ledger.com/Start® is your official starting point — a hub filled with resources, instructions, and tips to make your onboarding process smooth.

Step 1: Understand Ledger’s Security Philosophy

At its core, Ledger is designed to keep your private keys offline and safe from hackers. Your private keys are the cryptographic keys that allow you to control your crypto funds. Unlike online wallets or exchanges, Ledger’s hardware wallets store these keys securely on a physical device, so they never touch an internet-connected computer or phone.

This approach drastically reduces the risk of theft and fraud, offering you peace of mind in an otherwise volatile market. Learning this principle is key to understanding why Ledger is a preferred choice for millions worldwide.

Step 2: Choose Your Ledger Device

Ledger offers two main hardware wallet models:

Both devices offer the same high level of security, and your choice depends largely on your budget and feature preferences.

Step 3: Purchase from the Official Ledger Website

Always buy Ledger hardware wallets directly from the official Ledger website or authorized partners. This ensures you receive a genuine, untampered device.

Avoid third-party sellers or marketplaces where devices could be compromised or pre-configured with malware.

Step 4: Unbox and Verify Your Ledger Device

When your Ledger device arrives, inspect the packaging carefully:

This verification step helps protect you from potential supply chain attacks.

Step 5: Set Up Your Ledger Device

Follow these steps to securely set up your Ledger hardware wallet:

  1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile device using the USB cable or Bluetooth (Nano X only).
  2. Power on the device and follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. Create a new wallet by choosing a secure PIN code on your device.
  4. Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheets. This phrase is the only way to restore your wallet if your device is lost or damaged. Store it offline and never share it digitally.
  5. Confirm the recovery phrase as prompted to ensure you wrote it correctly.

Your device is now securely set up and ready to be managed via Ledger Live.

Step 6: Download and Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the software companion that allows you to manage your crypto assets easily. To get it:

  1. Visit the official download page at Ledger.com/ledger-live.
  2. Select the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS).
  3. Download and install the app following on-screen instructions.
  4. Open Ledger Live and follow the onboarding wizard.

Ledger Live provides access to real-time portfolio tracking, crypto transactions, NFT management, buying, swapping, and device management — all in one place.

Step 7: Connect Ledger Live to Your Hardware Wallet

Once Ledger Live is installed:

  1. Launch Ledger Live on your computer or phone.
  2. Select “Get Started” and then “Initialize as new device” or “Restore from recovery phrase” if applicable.
  3. Connect your Ledger device and unlock it with your PIN.
  4. Ledger Live will detect your device and sync it.
  5. Follow prompts to install cryptocurrency apps on your device via Ledger Live’s manager.
  6. Add accounts for the cryptocurrencies you wish to manage.

Your wallet is now ready to securely send, receive, and manage your crypto assets.

Step 8: Basic Operations with Ledger Live

Receiving Cryptocurrency

To receive funds:

  1. Go to the “Accounts” tab and select the cryptocurrency account.
  2. Click “Receive” and connect your Ledger device.
  3. Verify the receiving address shown on your device matches Ledger Live.
  4. Share the verified address to receive funds securely.

Sending Cryptocurrency