Ledger.com/start® | Official Getting Started Guide

Welcome to the world of secure cryptocurrency management. Start your journey with Ledger hardware wallets and take complete control of your digital assets.

Quick Start

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Troubleshooting

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Advanced Setup

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Getting Started in 4 Simple Steps

Follow this comprehensive guide to set up your Ledger device securely

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01

Unbox Your Ledger

Carefully unbox your Ledger device and verify all contents are present, including the USB cable, recovery sheet, and getting started guide.

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02

Download Ledger Live

Visit ledger.com/start and download the official Ledger Live application for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).

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03

Initialize Your Device

Connect your Ledger device, set up a PIN code, and write down your 24-word recovery phrase in the correct order on the recovery sheet provided.

04

Install Apps & Manage Assets

Use Ledger Live to install cryptocurrency apps on your device and start managing your digital assets with complete security and peace of mind.

Why Choose Ledger?

Hover over each card to discover the benefits

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Bank-Grade Security

Your private keys are stored in a certified secure chip, isolated from your computer and smartphone, providing maximum protection against hacking attempts.

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Multi-Currency Support

Manage over 5,500 coins and tokens including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and all major cryptocurrencies through a single, intuitive interface.

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Complete Control

You own your private keys. Ledger never has access to your assets, ensuring true ownership and financial sovereignty.

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24/7 Support

Access comprehensive support resources, tutorials, and a dedicated support team ready to assist you on your crypto journey.

Understanding Ledger Hardware Wallets

Ledger has established itself as the global leader in cryptocurrency security, protecting over 6 million users worldwide with state-of-the-art hardware wallet technology. When you visit ledger.com/start, you're taking the first step toward securing your digital wealth with military-grade encryption and certified secure elements.

The fundamental principle behind Ledger devices is simple yet powerful: your private keys never leave the device. Unlike software wallets or exchanges where your keys are stored online and vulnerable to hacking, Ledger keeps your credentials locked in a certified secure chip, similar to those used in credit cards and passports. This hardware isolation creates an impenetrable barrier between your assets and potential online threats.

Setting up your Ledger device through ledger.com/start is designed to be straightforward, even for cryptocurrency beginners. The process begins with downloading Ledger Live, the companion application that serves as your gateway to the blockchain. This intuitive software guides you through every step, from initializing your device to managing your portfolio of digital assets. The entire setup typically takes less than 15 minutes, but the security it provides lasts a lifetime.

One of the most critical moments in your crypto journey is generating and securing your recovery phrase. This 24-word sequence is the master key to your entire cryptocurrency portfolio. Ledger devices generate this phrase using true random number generation within the secure chip, ensuring it's unique and unpredictable. You must write this phrase on the provided recovery sheet and store it in a secure, offline location. This phrase is your ultimate backup—if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can restore all your accounts on a new Ledger device using this phrase alone.

Ledger supports an extensive ecosystem of over 5,500 cryptocurrencies and tokens. Whether you're holding Bitcoin, Ethereum, or exploring emerging altcoins and NFTs, Ledger Live provides a unified interface to manage everything. You can install specific cryptocurrency apps on your device, check balances in real-time, send and receive transactions, and even participate in staking directly through the platform. The device confirms every transaction on its screen, giving you visual verification before any funds move.

Beyond basic storage, Ledger integrates with the broader Web3 ecosystem. You can connect your Ledger to decentralized applications (dApps), decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and DeFi protocols while maintaining complete security. When you interact with these platforms, your Ledger signs transactions securely without exposing your private keys. This allows you to participate fully in the cryptocurrency economy while keeping your assets protected from smart contract exploits and phishing attacks.

The ledger.com/start portal is continuously updated with the latest firmware improvements, security patches, and new features. Regular firmware updates ensure your device remains protected against emerging threats and compatible with new blockchain protocols. Ledger's transparent security model includes regular audits by independent researchers and a robust bug bounty program, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining the highest security standards.

For users concerned about physical security, Ledger devices include multiple protection layers. The PIN code requirement prevents unauthorized access if someone gains physical possession of your device. After three incorrect PIN attempts, the device wipes itself completely, protecting your assets from brute-force attacks. The recovery phrase backup ensures you can restore your funds even in this scenario, making the system both secure and resilient.

Whether you're a cryptocurrency novice or a seasoned investor, starting with Ledger through ledger.com/start represents a commitment to best practices in digital asset security. The combination of hardware isolation, certified secure elements, intuitive software, and comprehensive support creates an unmatched security solution that has stood the test of time and protected billions of dollars in cryptocurrency assets worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about getting started

Ledger is a hardware wallet that provides the highest level of security for your cryptocurrency holdings. Unlike software wallets or exchanges, Ledger stores your private keys offline in a certified secure chip, protecting you from online threats, hacking attempts, and unauthorized access. It's essential for anyone serious about crypto security.
Setting up your Ledger is simple: First, visit ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live. Connect your device via USB, initialize it by creating a PIN code, and carefully write down your 24-word recovery phrase. Never share this phrase with anyone or store it digitally. Once complete, you can install cryptocurrency apps and start managing your assets securely.
Your recovery phrase is a 24-word backup of your entire wallet. It's the master key to all your crypto assets. If your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can restore all your accounts using this phrase on a new device. Store it securely offline, never take photos of it, and never enter it on any website or application except on your Ledger device during recovery.
Yes! Ledger devices are compatible with many third-party applications and platforms, including MetaMask, MyEtherWallet, and various DeFi protocols. Your Ledger acts as a secure signing device, allowing you to interact with these platforms while keeping your private keys safe offline. Always verify the compatibility and authenticity of third-party applications before use.
Absolutely. Your crypto assets are not stored on Ledger servers or dependent on the company's existence. Your funds are secured by your recovery phrase, which is compatible with any BIP39-compatible wallet. Even if Ledger ceased operations, you could restore your assets using your recovery phrase on numerous other wallet solutions.