Lèdger.com/Start® — Getting™ Started | Ledger®
The Definitive Guide to Getting Started with Your Ledger Device
Welcome to the next generation of digital ownership. Whether you’re a seasoned crypto trader or taking your first step into self-custody, Ledger is your key to truly owning your digital future. This definitive guide will walk you through the official setup process, available at Ledger.com/start, and show you how to transform your new hardware wallet into a powerful command center for your digital assets.
Why Your Journey Must Start at Ledger.com/Start
The official start page is more than a simple download link; it is the foundation of your security. Starting here ensures you download the authentic Ledger Wallet app, avoiding counterfeit software or sophisticated phishing sites that can compromise your funds from the outset. Remember, Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase.
By using Ledger.com/start, you are guaranteed a setup process that is both smooth and secure, guiding you through initializing your hardware wallet, often referred to as a signer, and connecting it with the powerful Ledger Wallet app (formerly Ledger Live™).
Your All-in-One Operating System: The Ledger Wallet App
The Ledger Wallet app is the indispensable software that brings your hardware wallet to life. Think of it as your secure dashboard for the entire digital asset ecosystem. Compatible with over 15,000 multichain assets, it provides a unified interface to manage, grow, and explore your crypto portfolio.
Core Functions at Your Fingertips
Buy, Sell & Swap: Fund your accounts with ease using integrated providers. Perform cross-chain swaps without sending assets to a centralized exchange, maintaining true self-custody throughout the process.
Grow Your Portfolio: Put your crypto to work by staking assets like ETH, SOL, or ATOM directly from the app to earn potential rewards. You can also set up automated, recurring buys (Dollar-Cost Averaging) to build your portfolio consistently over time.
Connect to Web3: Confidently navigate the decentralized landscape. The app allows you to connect to dApps, manage an NFT gallery, and use crypto cards accepted by millions of merchants worldwide.
The Critical First Steps: Setting Up Your Hardware Wallet
Following the official guide at Ledger.com/start, your setup will involve a few crucial steps that establish your security perimeter. The exact process may vary slightly between devices like the Nano X, Nano S Plus, or the next-generation Ledger Flex, but the core principles remain the same.
Step 1: Download and Install Ledger Wallet
Visit Ledger.com/start from your computer or smartphone to download the official Ledger Wallet app for your operating system.
Step 2: Initialize Your Device
Connect your new Ledger signer and follow the in-app prompts. You will:
Perform a Genuine Check: The app cryptographically verifies the authenticity of your device.
Set a Strong PIN: Create a unique 4-8 digit code. This PIN protects against physical access, and the device will wipe itself after three incorrect attempts.
Write Down Your Recovery Phrase: Your device will generate a unique 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase. This is the single most important piece of information in your crypto journey. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet and store it offline in a secure location. Never digitize it or share it with anyone.
Step 3: Install Blockchain Apps and Transfer Assets
Before receiving crypto, you must install a small app for each cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) onto your device via Ledger Wallet. To fund your wallet, you can either buy crypto through the app’s partners or securely transfer assets you already own from an exchange. A critical best practice is to always verify the receiving address on your device’s secure screen before approving any transaction.
Beyond Storage: Essential Security Features You Should Use
Ledger’s security model goes far beyond offline key storage. The Ledger Wallet app integrates proactive features designed to protect you in an interactive Web3 environment.
Clear Signing: This feature eliminates the risk of "blind signing" by translating complex, unreadable smart contract data into human-readable language on your device’s screen. You always see exactly what you are approving.
Transaction Check: Think of this as an antivirus for your transactions. Before you sign, the feature simulates Ethereum transactions to detect malicious contracts, known scams, or wallet drainers, giving you a clear warning of potential threats.
Ledger Sync: This groundbreaking feature allows you to securely synchronize your portfolio view and accounts across your desktop and mobile devices. It uses encryption keys generated by your Ledger signer, meaning no cloud account or password is ever required, maintaining complete privacy.
For users seeking maximum security, Ledger also offers an advanced Passphrase feature (often called a 25th word). This creates a completely hidden set of accounts behind an extra word of your choosing, adding an unparalleled layer of security and plausible deniability.
Welcome to True Digital Ownership
Setting up your Ledger device correctly is the first and most vital step in claiming sovereignty over your digital assets. By starting at the official source, Ledger.com/start, and leveraging the combined power of the unhackable hardware signer and the feature-rich Ledger Wallet app, you are not just storing crypto—you are unlocking a secure gateway to the entire decentralized world. Your assets, your rules, your future.