Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®

Welcome to Ledger.com/Start – Your Journey to Sovereignty Begins Here Congratulations. By landing here, you’ve taken the first step toward true ownership and security in the digital asset space. This isn't just about buying crypto; it’s about securing it. At Ledger, we provide the tools for you to become your own bank. This guided start page is your roadmap to achieving that with confidence.

Understanding the Ledger Principle: Your Key to Security Before you begin, it's crucial to understand the core principle that sets Ledger apart: Secure Element + Offline Storage.

Unlike software wallets ("hot wallets") connected to the internet, a Ledger hardware wallet is a "cold wallet." Your private keys—the secret codes that control your assets—are generated and stored within a secure, certified chip (the Secure Element) in your physical Ledger device. They never leave the device. Transactions are signed internally and only then broadcast to the network via the connected Ledger Live app.

In short: Your crypto stays offline. Hackers stay out.

Step 1: Unboxing & Verifying Your Ledger Device Your security starts the moment your box arrives.

Purchase from Source: Ensure you bought your Ledger device only from Ledger.com or an authorized reseller listed on our site. This mitigates the risk of tampering.

Check the Seal: Your box is sealed with an anti-tamper sticker. If it’s broken or appears compromised, do not use the device. Contact our support immediately.

Contents: Inside, you should find your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax), a USB cable, recovery sheets, and keychain straps.

Step 2: Initial Setup – The Foundation of Your Security This is the most critical phase. Follow these steps meticulously.

Connect & Power On: Plug your Ledger device into your computer or use Bluetooth for the Nano X. Follow the on-screen instructions on the device to choose a PIN code (minimum 4 digits, but 8 is recommended). This PIN is your first line of physical defense.

The 24-Word Recovery Phrase (Your Master Key): Your device will now generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This is NOT a password. This IS your private key in human-readable form. Anyone with this phrase has complete, irreversible control over your assets.

Write it by hand on the provided recovery sheet. Never type it on a computer, phone, or take a digital photo of it.

Store it in a safe, permanent, and offline location—like a fireproof safe or safety deposit box.

Ledger will NEVER ask for this phrase. Any website, email, or support person requesting it is a scammer.

Confirm the Phrase: Your device will ask you to re-select several words from the phrase to ensure you’ve recorded it correctly.

Your Recovery Phrase = Your Crypto. Guard It With Your Life.

Step 3: Installing Ledger Live – Your Command Center Ledger Live is the free, official companion app that lets you manage your portfolio, buy/sell/swap crypto, and connect to web3 applications—all while your private keys remain safe in your hardware wallet.

Download: Only download Ledger Live from the official source at Ledger.com/ledger-live. Avoid third-party app stores.

Install & Initialize: Install the application on your desktop or mobile. Open it and select "Initialize as new device." Follow the prompts to connect and verify your Ledger device.

Step 4: Adding Accounts & Managing Your Assets With Ledger Live set up, you can now manage your crypto.

Install Apps: Your Ledger device needs small "apps" for each cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). In Ledger Live, go to "My Ledger," connect your device, and install the apps for the assets you own.

Create Accounts: Go to "Accounts" and click "Add account." Select the cryptocurrency, and after a brief synchronization, your account will appear. This generates a public receiving address from your secure device.

Receive Crypto: To fund your wallet, select the account, click "Receive," and VERIFY THE ADDRESS ON YOUR LEDGER DEVICE SCREEN. Always confirm that the address shown on Ledger Live matches the one displayed on your physical device. This prevents malware from altering addresses.

Send Crypto: To send assets, select "Send," enter the recipient address, and VERIFY THE FULL ADDRESS AND AMOUNT ON YOUR LEDGER DEVICE SCREEN before confirming. The transaction is signed securely inside the device.

Step 5: Exploring the Ecosystem Safely Your Ledger is more than a vault; it's a gateway.

Buy/Sell/Swap: Use Ledger Live's partner services (via Coinify, etc.) to purchase crypto directly to your secure wallet or swap between assets.

Staking: Earn rewards by staking assets like ETH, DOT, or SOL directly through Ledger Live. Your keys remain secure while your assets work for you.

Connect to Web3: Use the "Discover" section to safely connect your Ledger to decentralized applications (DeFi, NFTs) on platforms like Ethereum, Polygon, or Solana. Your device will securely sign every transaction, keeping you protected from phishing sites.

Your Security, Your Responsibility We provide the world's most robust hardware, but ultimate security is a partnership. Remember:

PIN & Phrase are Sacred.

Always Verify on Your Device Screen.

Beware of Phishing. Bookmark Ledger.com. We will never ask for your 24 words.

Keep Your Device Firmware Updated via Ledger Live to ensure the latest security patches.

Welcome to the Sovereign Era You are no longer just a user on an exchange. You are an owner. With your Ledger setup complete, you hold the keys to your financial future. This is self-sovereignty. This is empowerment.

Explore with confidence. Secure with conviction.