Ledger.com/Start — Official Getting Started Guide for Your Ledger Wallet
Welcome to the official starting point for your Ledger hardware wallet journey. Whether you’ve just purchased a Ledger Nano S, Ledger Nano X, or any Ledger-compatible device, this guide helps you set up your wallet securely, initialize recovery, and begin managing your crypto assets with full control.
In a world where crypto threats range from phishing to exchange hacks and wallet compromises, a hardware wallet remains the most trusted line of defense. Ledger wallets are widely trusted for offering top-tier security, offline key storage, and a user-friendly interface to manage crypto — giving you ownership and control over your digital assets.
Why Use a Ledger Hardware Wallet?
Here are the advantages that make Ledger a top choice:
Offline private key storage — Your keys never leave the hardware device.
PIN & passphrase protection — Prevent unauthorized access, even if someone holds your device.
Recovery seed backup — Safely recover funds if device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Support for multiple coins & tokens — From Bitcoin to thousands of altcoins and tokens.
Integration with Ledger Live app and third-party wallets — Manage assets conveniently.
Open-source or audited security components — Ensuring transparency and reliability.
With Ledger, you minimise the biggest risks in crypto: custodial loss, exchange bankruptcy, and online theft.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide on Ledger.com/Start
Follow these steps to initialize and secure your new Ledger wallet correctly.
1. Unbox and Inspect Your Device
On arrival, check that the packaging seal is intact and there are no signs of tampering. Ensure you received the correct model and that all accessories (USB cable, recovery card) are included.
2. Navigate to Ledger.com/Start
Open your browser and go to the official onboarding link — type the URL manually to avoid phishing. From there, select your device model (Nano S, Nano X, etc.) to begin.
3. Install & Launch Ledger Live
Download the official Ledger Live desktop application compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile OS (iOS, Android where supported). Ledger Live is your central hub for wallet management and apps installation.
4. Initialize Device & Create a New Wallet
Through Ledger Live:
Choose “Set up as a new device.”
Confirm the initialization on the device’s screen.
Generate your Recovery Seed (24 words).
Important: Write down the seed on the provided recovery sheet. Never store it digitally or share it. This seed is the only way to recover assets if the device is lost.
5. Secure Your Wallet with PIN & (Optional) Passphrase
Set up a secure PIN directly on the device. For advanced privacy, you may also enable a passphrase — an optional extra layer that creates a hidden wallet.
6. Install Cryptocurrency Apps on Ledger
Using Ledger Live, install the apps for the coins or tokens you plan to store (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Once apps are installed, your wallet is ready to receive funds.
Start Managing Crypto with Ledger Live
Once setup is complete, you can use Ledger Live to:
Receive crypto: Generate secure addresses; funds sent there will be yours.
Send crypto: Authorise transactions via PIN and device confirmation.
Monitor balances and portfolio value: Live tracking of all assets across accounts.
Install/ uninstall apps: Manage which coins/tokens you’re using.
Ledger Live acts as a secure, user-friendly interface — while private keys remain safely on your hardware wallet.
Security Features of Ledger Hardware Wallets
FeatureSecurity BenefitOffline private key storageNo exposure to online hacks or malwarePIN-protected accessUnauthorized users can’t open walletRecovery seed backupRestore wallet if device is lost or damagedPassphrase (optional)Advanced protection / hidden wallet optionDevice-confirmed transactionsPrevents remote hacking or phishing attacksFirmware authenticationEnsures wallet runs only official code
When used properly, Ledger offers industry-leading protection for long-term holding and active crypto management alike.
Supported Cryptocurrencies & Tokens
Ledger devices support an extensive ecosystem:
Major coins: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ripple (XRP), etc.
Thousands of altcoins, tokens, stablecoins across many blockchains.
DeFi, ERC-20, BEP-20 tokens, and many emerging assets.
Whether you’re investing, holding, trading, or exploring DeFi — Ledger wallet accommodates it all.
Best Practices for Wallet Safety
Keep your recovery seed offline, hidden, and physically secure.
Never share seed words or PIN with anyone.
Always download Ledger Live from the official site.
Double-check addresses before sending crypto.
Keep firmware and app software updated.
Store your hardware wallet in a secure place when not in use.
By following these, you ensure maximum protection and privacy for your assets.
What Happens if You Lose Your Device?
Don’t worry — if you lose or damage your Ledger wallet, your crypto isn’t lost forever:
Obtain a new Ledger device or a compatible wallet that supports BIP39/44.
Choose “Restore from recovery phrase” during setup.
Enter your 24-word recovery seed.
Your private keys and funds will be restored.
As long as the recovery seed is safe, you maintain full control over your crypto — even without the original device.
Ledger vs. Online Exchanges or Software Wallets
Online Exchanges / Hot WalletsLedger Hardware WalletWho holds private keys?Exchange or software providerYou (hardware wallet)Online hack vulnerabilityHighExtremely LowLong-term storage suitabilityRiskyIdealRisk of exchange shutdown, bankruptcy, freezingReal riskNone (self-custody)Control over fundsShared/third-partyFull ownership
For serious crypto holders — especially long-term investors or HODLers — hardware wallets like Ledger are widely regarded as the safest option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Ledger Live free to use?
Yes — Ledger Live is free. You pay only once for the hardware wallet.
Q2: Can I recover my assets if I lose the wallet?
Yes — use the recovery seed to restore funds on a new device.
Q3: Will my crypto be safe if my computer is hacked?
Yes — private keys are offline and transactions need physical confirmation on the device.
Q4: Can I store multiple currencies on Ledger?
Absolutely — Ledger supports hundreds to thousands of coins and tokens across blockchains.
Q5: Do I need internet access for transactions?
Yes — for sending/receiving crypto you need internet, but private keys are never exposed online.
Conclusion — Start Safely with Ledger
If your aim is to hold crypto securely, manage multiple coins, and safeguard long-term investments — starting at Ledger.com/Start with a Ledger hardware wallet is the smart and responsible choice.
By combining user-friendly onboarding, offline key security, and full control — Ledger empowers you to own and protect your digital wealth without relying on third parties.