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

As cryptocurrencies gain mainstream adoption, ensuring the security of your digital assets has never been more important. While software wallets provide convenience, hardware wallets like Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X offer superior protection by keeping your private keys offline and out of reach of hackers.

To begin your journey safely and confidently, the official starting point is Ledger.com/Start — your go-to resource for setting up your Ledger device and installing the companion app, Ledger Live.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the process of getting started, understanding the tools, and using Ledger Live to manage your crypto portfolio securely and efficiently.

1. Why Ledger?

Ledger is a world leader in secure crypto hardware solutions. Millions of users trust Ledger for these key reasons:

Security First: Ledger devices use a certified secure element (CC EAL5+) chip to store private keys.
Offline Key Storage: Your keys never leave the device, protecting you from phishing, hacks, and malware.
All-in-One App: Ledger Live lets you manage over 5,500 coins and tokens.
Staking & DeFi: Earn rewards and explore decentralized finance while keeping assets safe.

2. What Is Ledger.com/Start?

Ledger.com/Start is the official onboarding page for new Ledger device users. It ensures:

You are on a legitimate site, avoiding phishing attacks.
You get step-by-step guidance for setting up your hardware wallet.
You install Ledger Live from the correct source.
Your device is verified for authenticity.

🔒 Security Tip: Always begin at Ledger.com/Start to avoid counterfeit sites or malicious software.

3. What You'll Need to Start

Before setting up your Ledger device, gather the following:

Your Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X
A computer or smartphone
A secure internet connection
A pen to write down your 24-word recovery phrase
20–30 minutes of quiet, uninterrupted time

4. Setting Up Your Ledger Device

Step 1: Go to Ledger.com/Start

Visit https://www.ledger.com/start and select your device model. You’ll be guided through the entire setup process via official tutorials and checks.

Step 2: Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application used to:

Initialize your device
Manage crypto accounts
Send/receive funds
Stake assets
Track portfolio performance

Available for:

Windows/macOS/Linux (Desktop)
iOS/Android (Mobile)

Download Ledger Live only from Ledger.com/Start to avoid fake versions.

Step 3: Initialize Your Ledger Device

Connect the device to your computer or phone.
Choose “Set up as new device”.
Create a strong PIN code.
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase — this is your only backup.

🚨 Never share your recovery phrase. No one from Ledger will ever ask for it. Store it securely offline.

5. Verifying Your Device’s Authenticity

During setup, Ledger Live will run a genuine check:

Verifies the device is authentic and tamper-free
Ensures your Ledger has not been pre-configured

Pass this step before moving forward with fund transfers or account creation.

6. Installing Apps on Your Ledger Device

To manage a specific crypto asset (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana), you need to install that coin’s app on your Ledger:

In Ledger Live, go to “My Ledger.”
Connect and unlock your device.
Install the apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin app for BTC, Ethereum app for ETH).
You can then add related accounts under the Accounts tab.

🧠 Tip: You can uninstall apps later without affecting your funds — your private keys remain secure.

7. Adding and Managing Crypto Accounts

After app installation, add accounts to manage your holdings:

Navigate to Accounts > Add Account.
Select the crypto asset.
Follow prompts to open the relevant app on your Ledger.
Ledger Live will generate and confirm the address.

You can now receive, send, and track crypto for that asset.

8. Sending & Receiving Crypto Safely

Receiving Funds

Click “Receive” in Ledger Live.
Select an account.
Open the matching app on your Ledger device.
Confirm the address shown on-screen matches your Ledger.

Sending Funds

Click “Send.”
Paste the recipient’s address and enter the amount.
Open the corresponding app on your device.
Confirm the transaction on your Ledger.

⚠️ Double-check addresses. Scammers may use clipboard hijackers to replace pasted wallet addresses.

9. Explore Additional Features

Staking (Earn Rewards)

Ledger Live supports staking for several coins:

Ethereum (ETH)
Tezos (XTZ)
Solana (SOL)
Cosmos (ATOM)
Polkadot (DOT)

Stake your coins directly from Ledger Live to earn passive income while retaining custody.

Swap Crypto

Using integrated services like Changelly and 1inch, Ledger Live lets you swap assets without leaving the app.

Buy/Sell Crypto

Buy crypto with a credit card or bank transfer through partners like MoonPay, Ramp, or Coinify.

🌍 Region availability and fees may vary.

10. Mobile Ledger Live App

Users with the Ledger Nano X (Bluetooth-enabled) can manage their crypto on-the-go via Ledger Live Mobile.

Features include:

Send/receive crypto
View portfolio
Buy/sell/stake
Connect via Bluetooth (Nano X only)

🔋 Always ensure Bluetooth is only turned on when needed, and only pair with known devices.

11. Managing NFTs

Ledger Live supports NFTs on Ethereum and Polygon:

View your collection securely.
Send or receive NFTs.
Connect to NFT marketplaces via Ledger Extension or WalletConnect.

Your private keys and metadata remain protected by your Ledger hardware device.

12. Using DeFi Safely

Ledger Live and the Ledger Extension browser plugin let you interact with DeFi platforms like:

Uniswap
Aave
Compound
Lido

These connections keep your keys offline while you perform swaps, yield farming, or lending.

🔗 Use Ledger Extension to sign transactions securely from your browser.

13. Best Security Practices

Bookmark Ledger.com/Start to avoid phishing.
Never enter your recovery phrase online.
Only download Ledger Live from official sources.
Regularly update your device firmware and Ledger Live app.
Use auto-lock and password protection for Ledger Live.

14. Troubleshooting & Support

Common issues and solutions:

IssueSolutionDevice not detectedTry different USB port/cable, restart Ledger LiveLedger Live crashesUpdate to the latest version, check antivirus/firewallStuck on "processing"Close and reopen the app, restart the deviceNeed help?Visit support.ledger.com for live chat, guides

Conclusion

Starting with Ledger is a critical step in taking full ownership of your crypto. By following the secure setup process at Ledger.com/Start, you ensure that your digital assets are protected by one of the most trusted names in the industry.

Ledger Live brings simplicity, power, and flexibility together—allowing you to manage assets, stake crypto, access DeFi, and explore NFTs—all with the security of a hardware wallet.