Official Site® —Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started
Ledger.com/start – Your Secure Beginning with Ledger
Welcome to Ledger.com/start, the official starting point for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet and learning how to protect your digital assets with confidence. Whether you are new to crypto technology or already familiar with blockchain, Ledger provides industry-leading tools designed to keep your assets safe, private, and fully under your control.
This page will guide you through the essentials: what Ledger is, why security matters, and how to get started step by step using official Ledger software and devices.
Why Start with Ledger?
Digital assets such as cryptocurrencies and NFTs rely on private keys for ownership. If those keys are exposed, lost, or stolen, the assets can be permanently compromised. Ledger was created to solve this problem by combining hardware-based security, user-friendly software, and open, transparent design.
Unlike software-only wallets, Ledger hardware wallets store private keys offline in a Secure Element chip, the same type of technology used in passports and payment cards. This means your private keys stay isolated from internet-connected devices, reducing exposure to malware, phishing, and hacking attempts.
Ledger.com/start ensures you are using:
- Official Ledger setup instructions
- Genuine Ledger software
- The most up-to-date security practices
What You Need Before You Begin
Before starting your Ledger setup, make sure you have:
- A genuine Ledger device (such as Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X)
- A computer or smartphone with internet access
- A USB cable or Bluetooth connection (depending on your device)
- A private, distraction-free environment for setup
It is important to complete the setup yourself. Never use a device that is already initialized, and never trust pre-written recovery phrases.
Step 1: Go to Ledger.com/start
Always begin by visiting Ledger.com/start directly. This helps you avoid fake websites designed to steal recovery phrases or install malicious software.
From this page, you can:
- Download Ledger Live, the official Ledger application
- Verify your device authenticity
- Access clear setup instructions
- Learn essential security best practices
Bookmarking the page can help ensure you return to the official source in the future.
Step 2: Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the companion app that allows you to manage your Ledger device securely. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
With Ledger Live, you can:
- Set up and manage your Ledger device
- Install and uninstall blockchain apps
- View balances and transaction history
- Manage multiple accounts in one place
Ledger Live does not store your private keys. All sensitive actions must be physically confirmed on your Ledger device, keeping you in control at all times.
Step 3: Set Up Your Ledger Device
When you connect your Ledger device for the first time, you will be guided through an initialization process directly on the device screen.
This includes:
- Choosing a PIN code
- Generating a 24-word recovery phrase
- Confirming the recovery phrase
Your recovery phrase is the most important part of your setup. It is the only backup of your private keys.
Key safety rules:
- Write the recovery phrase down on paper
- Never take photos or screenshots of it
- Never store it online or share it with anyone
- Ledger will never ask for it, online or offline
Step 4: Verify Device Authenticity
Ledger Live includes a built-in authenticity check. This confirms that:
- Your device is genuine
- The Secure Element chip is authentic
- The device has not been tampered with
This step protects you from using counterfeit or compromised hardware.
Understanding Ledger Security
Ledger’s security model is built on three core principles:
1. Offline Key Storage
Private keys never leave the device, even when connected to a computer or phone.
2. Physical Confirmation
Transactions must be approved by pressing buttons on the device, preventing remote attacks.
3. Open and Audited Design
Ledger software is regularly reviewed by independent security researchers.
Together, these features help users take responsibility for their digital security without unnecessary complexity.
Managing Digital Assets Responsibly
Ledger devices support a wide range of blockchain networks and digital assets. Ledger Live provides tools to view and manage accounts, but it does not make decisions for you.
Ledger does not:
- Provide investment advice
- Guarantee asset values
- Control or access your funds
Always take time to learn how blockchain transactions work and double-check addresses and details before confirming any action.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Many security issues can be avoided by following simple rules:
- Never share your recovery phrase
- Ignore messages claiming your wallet is “at risk”
- Only download software from official Ledger sources
- Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live updated
- Store your recovery phrase in a safe, private place
Security is a habit, not a one-time action.
Ongoing Learning and Support
Ledger.com/start also connects you to:
- Official Ledger Academy articles
- Beginner-friendly security guides
- Frequently asked questions
- Customer support resources
Learning at your own pace helps you build confidence and avoid costly errors.
Start Securely with Ledger
Ledger.com/start is more than a setup page—it is your foundation for understanding and using Ledger technology safely. By following official instructions and best practices, you stay in control of your digital assets and your privacy.
Take your time, stay cautious, and always verify sources. Security starts with informed choices—and your journey begins here.