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

As the world increasingly embraces digital finance, the need for secure and reliable storage of cryptocurrencies has never been more critical. With millions of dollars lost to online hacks, exchange failures, and phishing scams every year, Ledger® offers the industry-leading solution to safeguard your crypto assets. If you’ve just purchased a Ledger wallet or are considering it, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—starting from the official setup portal: Ledger.com/Start.

Ledger’s commitment to security, transparency, and innovation makes it the go-to choice for both beginners and seasoned investors. Let’s dive into how to get started with your Ledger device and why it's the #1 choice in digital asset protection.

🔐 What Is Ledger®?

Ledger® is a hardware wallet brand developed by Ledger SAS, a French company that has become a global leader in cryptocurrency security. These devices store your private keys offline, preventing unauthorized access and dramatically reducing exposure to online threats.

Ledger wallets are equipped with Secure Element chips—the same technology used in passports and credit cards. This ensures that even if your computer is compromised, your assets remain safe. With support for over 5,000 cryptocurrencies and tokens, Ledger is trusted by millions worldwide.

🛡️ Why Choose Ledger?

Before we get into the setup, here’s why Ledger stands out:

Industry-Leading Security: Secure Element + custom OS (BOLOS).
Wide Coin Support: Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Cardano, NFTs, DeFi, and thousands more.
Ledger Live App: All-in-one interface for buying, selling, swapping, staking, and more.
Open-Source & Audited: Transparent development model.
Backup & Recovery: Use a recovery phrase to restore your wallet on any Ledger device.

📦 Unboxing Your Ledger Device

Ledger currently offers two main models:

1. Ledger Nano S Plus

Compact and affordable.
Manage up to 100 apps at once.
Great for new users.

2. Ledger Nano X

Bluetooth connectivity.
Larger screen and memory.
Designed for active traders and mobile users.

In the box, you’ll find:

The Ledger device
USB cable
Recovery sheet (for your 24-word backup phrase)
Keychain/lanyard accessories
Getting started guide

⚠️ Important: Only buy your Ledger device from the official site or an authorized reseller. Never use a preconfigured device. If the packaging appears tampered with, contact support immediately.

🚀 Setting Up Your Ledger Wallet via Ledger.com/Start®

To begin your secure journey, open your browser and go to Ledger.com/Start. This is the official setup page and ensures you avoid phishing sites or malicious downloads.

Step 1: Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile app used to manage your crypto. It's available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Download it from the Ledger.com/Start page.
Install and launch the application.

Step 2: Connect Your Ledger Device

Using the provided USB cable, connect your device to your computer (or via Bluetooth if using Nano X with mobile). The screen will power on and ask you to choose:

Set up as new device
Restore from recovery phrase

Choose “Set up as new device” if this is your first time using Ledger.

🧠 Step 3: Create a PIN Code

You’ll be prompted to create a 4–8 digit PIN directly on the device. This PIN secures your device and must be entered every time you connect it.

Tip: Use a unique, memorable code. If you forget it, you'll need to reset and restore using your recovery phrase.

📝 Step 4: Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

This is the most important step. Your device will display a randomly generated 24-word backup phrase—your master key. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet.

NEVER:

Take a photo or screenshot
Store it on your phone or computer
Share it with anyone

DO:

Write it down clearly
Store in a safe, fireproof location
Consider using a backup product like Cryptosteel for added resilience

This phrase allows you to restore your wallet on any Ledger device if your original is lost, stolen, or damaged.

✅ Step 5: Confirm the Phrase

You’ll be asked to verify your 24-word phrase by selecting certain words on the device. This ensures you’ve copied it correctly and aren't missing or mixing up any words.

Once confirmed, your device is initialized and ready to use.

💻 Step 6: Pair with Ledger Live

Open Ledger Live and follow the pairing steps:

Choose your device model (Nano S Plus or Nano X).
Allow Ledger Live to verify your device's authenticity.
Add accounts for each crypto asset you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).

Ledger Live will automatically install the required apps on your device.

💰 Managing Your Crypto with Ledger Live

Ledger Live is a powerful, user-friendly interface that lets you:

View balances and portfolio value
Send and receive crypto securely
Install/uninstall apps
Buy, sell, or swap assets
Stake coins like Ethereum, Tezos, Polkadot, and more
Connect with external wallets and Web3 platforms

Supported Assets

Ledger supports over 5,000 cryptocurrencies, including:

Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
Binance Coin (BNB)
Ripple (XRP)
Cardano (ADA)
Polkadot (DOT)
Solana (SOL)
ERC-20 Tokens (USDT, UNI, AAVE, LINK, etc.)
NFTs (via Ledger + MetaMask + third-party interfaces)

🔄 Regular Firmware & App Updates

Security is always evolving. Ledger regularly releases firmware updates to patch vulnerabilities and add new features. You’ll be notified through Ledger Live when an update is available.

How to Update:

Connect your device to Ledger Live
Follow on-screen prompts
DO NOT disconnect the device mid-update

🌐 Using Ledger with DeFi, NFTs, and Web3

Ledger supports integration with MetaMask, WalletConnect, and other third-party platforms. This allows you to use your hardware wallet for:

Trading on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like Uniswap and SushiSwap
Minting, buying, and selling NFTs on OpenSea
Accessing decentralized applications (dApps)
Providing liquidity and yield farming

Your private keys never leave the Ledger device, even when interacting with Web3 services.

🔐 Advanced Security Options

Ledger offers additional security features:

Passphrase (25th word): Add a custom word to your seed phrase to create hidden wallets.
Custom Derivation Paths: For advanced users handling multiple wallets.
Secure Bluetooth (Nano X only): Authenticated end-to-end encryption.

🧰 Recovery Options & Best Practices

Lost or Damaged Device?

No worries. Simply purchase a new Ledger, choose “Restore from Recovery Phrase,” and enter your 24-word backup. Your assets will reappear—safely secured on the blockchain.

Lost Your Recovery Phrase?

Unfortunately, Ledger cannot recover your assets without the recovery phrase. That’s why securely storing your phrase is absolutely crucial.

🛡️ Comparing Ledger to Other Wallets

FeatureLedger Nano S PlusLedger Nano XTrezor Model TSecure Element✅✅❌Bluetooth❌✅❌Mobile SupportLimitedFullLimitedScreen SizeMediumLargeTouchscreenMulti-Coin Support✅ (5,000+)✅ (5,000+)✅ (1,000+)App ManagementUp to 100 appsUp to 100+No app limits

Ledger’s Secure Element chip, combined with Ledger Live and third-party integrations, makes it a superior choice for users seeking both security and versatility.

📞 Customer Support & Resources

If you have questions or run into issues, Ledger provides:

Official Help Center: support.ledger.com
Step-by-step tutorials and FAQs
Ledger Academy for learning crypto basics
Email support and live chat (available for select regions)
Social media and Discord communities

🌟 Final Thoughts

Getting started with crypto is exciting—but protecting it is critical. With hacks and exchange failures becoming increasingly common, self-custody is not just a smart option, it’s a necessity.

By choosing Ledger, you’re not just buying a wallet—you’re investing in peace of mind, financial freedom, and control over your assets.

Head to Ledger.com/Start now to set up your device and join the millions who trust Ledger for their crypto security needs.

Secure your crypto. Own your future. Start with Ledger.