Begin your journey into secure cryptocurrency management with Ledger. This guide walks you step by step through setting up your Ledger device, accessing Ledger Live, and ensuring your assets remain safe. Let’s dive into the essentials.
Using Ledger.com/start is your gateway to safely storing and managing your crypto assets. Ledger, a pioneer in hardware wallet technology, offers a combined set of tools including the Ledger device plus the Ledger Live software. Together, they ensure your private keys never leave the device while interacting securely with decentralized protocols and exchanges.
To begin, you’ll first need to purchase or have a Ledger hardware wallet (e.g. Ledger Nano S, Nano X, or Ledger Plus). Once you have the device, go to Ledger.com/start on your computer or mobile browser. The site will detect your device model and guide you through firmware installation and updating securely.
During setup, you’ll be prompted to generate your recovery phrase (typically 24 words). Write these words down exactly in order, and store them offline in a safe place. Do not store digitally or share them. This recovery phrase is your single fallback if the device is lost or damaged.
Next, install the Ledger Live app. This companion software connects to your Ledger device and lets you install supported coin apps, view balances, receive/send funds, and bond or stake assets. Ledger Live automatically updates firmware and apps when new versions are released.
When sending or receiving crypto, the transaction request is shown on the device itself. This ensures that even if your computer is compromised, only signed transactions validated on-device are broadcast. Always confirm the address shown on your device’s screen before approving.
Ledger’s support and ecosystem offer integrations with leading wallets, DeFi platforms, staking services, and exchanges. Through third-party apps and the Ledger Bridge, you can manage your assets while keeping your private keys offline.
As with all crypto, keep your device’s firmware up to date, avoid phishing sites, and verify URLs (always ensure you’re on ledger.com/start). Never share your recovery phrase or seed with anyone. With these steps, Ledger gives you a robust, user-friendly path to securing your digital assets.
In the sections that follow, discover the key features of Ledger, plus answers to frequently asked questions that many beginners encounter when using Ledger.com/start.
Ledger devices use secure elements and are certified to protect private keys from malware or hardware attacks.
Your private keys never leave the device. All transaction signing occurs offline for maximum protection.
A desktop or mobile app to manage assets, receive/send, stake, and view portfolio metrics in one place.
Supports hundreds of cryptocurrencies and tokens — Bitcoin, Ethereum, DeFi assets, and more.
Regular software and firmware updates ensure you stay protected against vulnerabilities.
Connect to trusted wallets, DeFi platforms, and exchanges securely through Ledger Bridge and APIs.
It’s the official start or onboarding portal where you begin setup, firmware updates, and initial configuration of your Ledger device.
Yes, you need an internet connection to download Ledger Live, firmware updates, and coin applications. However, your private keys remain offline.
If you lose the device, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger (or compatible wallet) using the 24-word recovery phrase you stored securely during setup.
Yes — through integrations and bridge tools, Ledger lets you connect securely to dApps while keeping your seed offline.
Ledger’s architecture minimizes risks by isolating private key operations to the device. But security also depends on following best practices: avoid phishing, verify URLs, and never share your seed.