Ledger.com/Start — Your Official Setup Journey

Welcome to the official Ledger Start guide, your trusted path to setting up the most secure hardware wallet ecosystem in the world. This comprehensive 1200-word onboarding experience explains exactly how to install Ledger Live, configure your Ledger device, protect your recovery phrase, and begin managing your crypto assets with complete confidence. Ledger empowers millions of users globally by blending cutting-edge security with intuitive tools that make self-custody accessible to everyone.

1. Starting Your Ledger Experience

Ledger.com/Start is the single trusted entry point for new Ledger users. It ensures that you download authentic software, follow verified instructions, and avoid phishing attempts. Whether you own a Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or another Ledger device, this page guides you through the entire process from unboxing to full portfolio management.

Crypto security begins with using official channels. Ledger will never ask you to install tools from unknown sources or provide your recovery phrase online. By beginning your onboarding at the official start page, you reduce risk and ensure your device is configured exactly as intended.

2. Why Ledger Protects Your Crypto Better

Ledger devices secure your crypto using a certified Secure Element chip — a protection standard also used in passports, national IDs, and credit cards. This hardware barrier isolates your private keys from the internet, meaning hackers, malware, and remote attackers cannot access them. Every action you take — whether sending crypto or signing a transaction — must be confirmed physically on your Ledger device, making unauthorized access virtually impossible.

In addition to hardware protection, Ledger Live provides a powerful software interface that supports thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens while maintaining complete control in your hands. It’s the perfect combination of security and usability.

3. Installing Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official application for setting up, managing, and safeguarding your crypto portfolio. Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, it allows you to:

• manage accounts for thousands of assets
• buy, sell, and swap supported cryptocurrencies
• stake assets to earn rewards
• visualize your entire portfolio’s performance
• install blockchain apps on your Ledger device
• securely sign on-chain transactions

Only download Ledger Live directly from Ledger.com/Start. Avoid third-party app stores, unofficial APKs, or links shared in social media messages, as these could be malicious.

4. Unboxing Your Ledger Device

When opening your Ledger box, you should find the device, a USB cable, a quick-start guide, and blank recovery sheets. Ledger never pre-prints a recovery phrase. If your package includes one, stop immediately. Setup should always happen on your device itself.

After plugging in your device, Ledger Live will guide you through verifying device authenticity. This ensures your device hasn't been modified or tampered with prior to arrival.

5. Setting Up Your PIN

During setup, your Ledger device will ask you to create a PIN code. This PIN is required every time you use the device. Choose a number that is memorable to you but difficult for others to guess. This acts as the first layer of protection against unauthorized access should your device fall into the wrong hands.

6. Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

The core of Ledger’s security is your recovery phrase — a unique 24-word seed that allows you to restore your wallet if your Ledger device is damaged or lost. These words appear only on your device’s secure screen, never within Ledger Live or any website. Write them down carefully on the provided recovery sheets.

Never store your recovery phrase digitally. Avoid taking photos, typing it into a computer, or saving it to cloud storage. Anyone who obtains these 24 words has total control over your crypto. Protect them with extreme caution.

You may also use metal backup plates for fireproof and waterproof long-term protection.

7. Installing Blockchain Apps

Ledger devices support thousands of blockchains, but each one requires its own app. These apps are installed through Ledger Live. For example:

• Bitcoin → Bitcoin App
• Ethereum → Ethereum App
• Solana → Solana App
• Polkadot → Polkadot App

These apps allow your device to sign transactions securely while keeping private keys offline.

8. Adding Wallet Accounts

After installing blockchain apps, you can create wallet accounts for each asset. Ledger Live then syncs your account information from the blockchain without ever exposing your seed phrase or private keys. This gives you a clear overview of balances and activity across all your crypto holdings.

9. Sending & Receiving Crypto

When receiving assets, confirm your public address on the device screen. This ensures it hasn't been replaced by malware. When sending assets, Ledger Live displays full transaction details and your device requires physical confirmation. This unique pairing of software and hardware makes Ledger one of the most secure transaction systems available.

10. Staking and Earning Rewards

Many users choose Ledger because it enables secure staking for popular networks like Ethereum, Solana, Cosmos, Tezos, and more. Staking lets you earn passive rewards while keeping your private keys safely offline. Ledger Live makes staking simple with clear reward tracking and trusted validator connections.

11. NFT Management with Ledger

Ledger Live includes integrated NFT management for Ethereum and Polygon. Viewing your NFTs inside Ledger Live ensures you avoid fake metadata or malicious marketplace links. Transaction signing remains protected by your hardware device, which helps you avoid scams and unauthorized approvals that could drain your wallet.

12. Advanced Ledger Features

Experienced users can explore additional tools such as DeFi platforms, swaps, bridges, and Web3 apps through Ledger’s ecosystem. Firmware updates help ensure your device stays optimized and supports new blockchain integrations. Always update through Ledger Live only — never through external sites.

13. Long-Term Security Best Practices

To keep your crypto safe:
• Keep your 24-word recovery phrase offline.
• Never share your seed phrase under any circumstance.
• Bookmark official Ledger pages.
• Always verify addresses on your device.
• Avoid suspicious links, emails, and browser extensions.
• Update your device and Ledger Live only through official sources.

Conclusion

Ledger.com/Start provides a secure, guided, and intuitive onboarding path for anyone looking to take control of their digital assets. By combining hardware-level security with flexible and user-friendly software, Ledger ensures that your crypto remains fully yours — safely stored, easily managed, and protected from evolving threats. Begin your self-custody journey today with Ledger and experience crypto the way it was meant to be: private, secure, and empowering.