Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Getting started
Ledger® provides one of the most secure ways to store and manage cryptocurrency. Unlike centralized exchanges, where digital assets can be lost due to hacking or company failure, Ledger® places your private keys under your control. Your keys remain offline, inside your Ledger® hardware wallet — never exposed to the internet.
The official setup begins at:
🔗 https://www.ledger.com/start
This guide will walk you through the safe and correct setup process.
1. Verify and Unbox Your Ledger® Device
When your Ledger® device arrives, confirm that:
- The box is sealed and undamaged
- The device is not pre-configured
- No recovery phrase is printed or provided in digital form
Ledger® devices are never shipped with pre-written recovery words.
If you encounter one, stop and contact support.
2. Install Ledger Live® (Official Application Only)
Ledger Live® is required to manage accounts, send & receive crypto, install blockchain apps, and view your portfolio.
Download it only from the official website:
🔗 https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live
Choose your platform:
| System | Supported |
|---|---|
| Windows® | ✅ |
| macOS® | ✅ |
| Linux® | ✅ |
| Android®/iOS® | ✅ (Mobile App) |
Do not download Ledger Live from:
❌ Unofficial app stores
❌ YouTube links
❌ Browser extensions
❌ Third-party forums
3. Set Up Your Ledger® Hardware Wallet
- Open Ledger Live®
- Select “Get Started”
- Choose your Ledger® model (Nano S Plus / Nano X)
- Follow guided initialization steps
You will now:
- Create a PIN code
- Generate a 24-word Recovery Phrase
⚠️ Critical Security Reminder
Your 24-word Recovery Phrase is your wallet.
It is the only way to restore your crypto if the device is lost or damaged.
- Write it down
- Never store it digitally
- Never share it
- Never enter it into websites or mobile apps
If someone gets your recovery phrase → your crypto is gone.
4. Install Crypto Apps & Add Accounts
To manage specific cryptocurrencies:
- Open Ledger Live®
- Go to My Ledger
- Install blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polygon, Solana)
- Go to Accounts → Add Account to display balances and receive addresses
Ledger Live® supports 1,800+ assets, including:
- BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC
- USDT, USDC & stablecoins
- MATIC, ADA, SOL, DOT & more
5. Send, Receive, Buy, Swap & Grow Crypto Securely
| Feature | What You Can Do |
|---|---|
| Send & Receive Crypto | Confirm addresses physically on your Ledger® device. |
| Buy Crypto | Purchase through verified partners inside Ledger Live®. |
| Swap Crypto | Exchange tokens without giving up your keys. |
| Stake Crypto | Earn rewards on assets like ETH, DOT, SOL, and ADA. |
Ledger® keeps your private keys offline, so your transactions remain secure even if your phone or computer is compromised.
Why Ledger® Is Trusted Worldwide
- Hardware-level security chip
- Secure Element (CC EAL5+ certified)
- Protects against malware & remote attacks
- Self-custody: You own your keys
- Open-source transparency in the Ledger Live® ecosystem
Ledger® gives you freedom without sacrificing security.
Official Ledger® Links
| Page | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Setup Portal | https://www.ledger.com/start |
| Download Ledger Live® | https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live |
| Buy Ledger® Devices | https://shop.ledger.com/ |
| Troubleshooting & Support | https://support.ledger.com/ |
| Learn Crypto (Ledger Academy) | https://www.ledger.com/academy |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Ledger Live® free?
Yes. Ledger Live® is free. Only third-party buy/swap services may include fees.
Q2: What happens if I lose my Ledger® device?
You can restore your wallet on a new device using your 24-word Recovery Phrase.
Q3: Can Ledger® see my crypto or transactions?
No. Ledger® provides the tool — you remain the sole owner of your private keys.
Q4: Where is my crypto stored?
Your crypto remains on the blockchain. Your Ledger® device secures the keys controlling it.
Q5: Can I use Ledger® with DeFi & Web3?
Yes — you can connect Ledger® to Web3 apps using Ledger Live® and Ledger® Extension for secure interaction.
Conclusion
By following the official Ledger.com/Start® procedure, you ensure your crypto is protected with true self-custody. Ledger® combines hardware-level security, intuitive portfolio management, and full ownership — empowering you to manage your assets confidently and independently.