Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started with Ledger®

As the digital asset ecosystem expands, the importance of security, control, and ownership cannot be overstated. With an increasing number of people investing in cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and decentralized applications (dApps), protecting digital assets has become a top priority. That’s where Ledger® comes in.

Ledger is a global leader in securing digital assets through hardware wallets and secure software tools. If you're new to Ledger, the best place to start your journey is Ledger.com/Start. This official site provides step-by-step instructions for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet, installing Ledger Live, and securing your crypto for the long term.

This comprehensive, beginner-friendly guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from visiting the official Ledger site to making your first crypto transaction securely.

What Is Ledger®?

Ledger® is a France-based company that designs hardware wallets used to store cryptocurrency and NFTs securely offline. Their products offer robust protection against hacks, phishing attacks, and malware. Instead of storing private keys on your computer or browser, Ledger keeps them locked in a physical device—giving you 100% ownership and control over your digital assets.

Ledger offers three hardware wallets:

  • Ledger Nano S Plus – Affordable, supports over 5,000 assets
  • Ledger Nano X – Bluetooth-enabled for mobile use
  • Ledger Stax (Coming Soon) – Premium wallet with touchscreen and more

All devices work seamlessly with Ledger Live, the official Ledger companion app used to manage your crypto portfolio.

Why Start at Ledger.com/Start®?

Visiting the official onboarding site, Ledger.com/Start, is the safest and most trusted way to get started with your Ledger device.

What You'll Find at Ledger.com/Start:

  • Official software downloads for Ledger Live
  • Step-by-step video and written setup guides
  • Device verification instructions
  • Educational resources about securing your recovery phrase
  • Links to firmware and app updates

⚠️ Caution: Avoid unofficial links and third-party downloads. Using Ledger.com/Start ensures that you don’t fall victim to fake software or phishing websites.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step

Let’s walk through the full process from opening your Ledger device to managing crypto with Ledger Live.

✅ Step 1: Unbox Your Ledger Device

Once you receive your Ledger hardware wallet:

  1. Ensure the box is sealed and untampered.
  2. Inside the box, you should find:
  • Your Ledger device
  • USB cable
  • Recovery phrase cards
  • Keychain or accessories
  • Quick start guide

If anything looks suspicious or is missing, contact Ledger support immediately.

✅ Step 2: Visit Ledger.com/Start

Go to the official site: https://www.ledger.com/start

  • Select your device model (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Nano S)
  • Click “Set up a new device” to begin the guided tutorial
  • Watch the instructional videos if you're unfamiliar with hardware wallets

✅ Step 3: Initialize Your Device

Your Ledger device will guide you through:

  1. Choosing a PIN code
  • Must be 4 to 8 digits
  • Used to unlock the device
  1. Writing down your 24-word recovery phrase
  • The most important step
  • This is your only backup if your device is lost or stolen
  • Write it on the provided Recovery Sheet and store it securely offline

NEVER take a photo of your recovery phrase or store it digitally.

✅ Step 4: Download Ledger Live

Now that your device is ready, you’ll need to install Ledger Live, the desktop/mobile app that lets you manage your crypto securely.

  1. Return to Ledger.com/Start
  2. Download Ledger Live for your OS: Windows, macOS, Linux, or iOS/Android
  3. Open the app and select:
  • “Set up new device”
  • Or “Restore device” if you have a recovery phrase

Ledger Live will:

  • Perform a genuine check on your device
  • Allow you to create a local app password
  • Give you access to all supported features

Core Features of Ledger Live

Ledger Live turns your hardware wallet into a powerful control center for all your crypto activity.

🔐 Account Management

Once the app is installed:

  • Go to Manager to install apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)
  • Add accounts to track balances
  • Monitor your portfolio in real time

Ledger supports over 5,000 coins and tokens, including:

  • Bitcoin (BTC)
  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • Solana (SOL)
  • XRP, Litecoin (LTC), and more

📤 Send & Receive Assets Securely

Every transaction requires physical approval on your Ledger device, preventing unauthorized access.

To receive:

  • Click Receive
  • Select the crypto
  • Verify the address shown on Ledger Live matches the one on your device
  • Share only the public address, never your private keys

To send:

  • Click Send
  • Paste the recipient address
  • Confirm the transaction on your device

🔁 Swap, Buy, and Sell Crypto

Ledger Live integrates with third-party services like MoonPay, Banxa, and Changelly so you can:

  • Buy crypto directly to your wallet using credit/debit card or bank transfer
  • Swap crypto without sending it to exchanges
  • Sell crypto and withdraw fiat (in select regions)

Your keys always stay offline during these operations.

💸 Earn Rewards through Staking

Ledger Live supports staking for popular proof-of-stake coins:

  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • Solana (SOL)
  • Tezos (XTZ)
  • Polkadot (DOT)
  • Cosmos (ATOM)

Staking allows you to earn passive income while helping secure blockchain networks. Your staked assets remain under your control at all times.

🖼️ NFT Management

Ledger Live lets you:

  • View NFT metadata and artwork
  • Send and receive NFTs on Ethereum and Polygon networks
  • Connect securely to marketplaces like OpenSea

All NFT actions must be confirmed via your Ledger device, reducing the risk of fraud and scam smart contracts.

🧩 Access dApps via Ledger Extension (Ledger Connect)

Ledger also supports Web3 integration:

  • Use your Ledger with MetaMask, Rabby, and WalletConnect
  • Connect to dApps like Uniswap, Aave, Curve, and OpenSea
  • All transactions and sign-ins must be confirmed on your device

Security Tips for Ledger Users

To maximize your security, follow these best practices:

  1. Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
  2. Always verify addresses on your Ledger device screen
  3. Use a strong PIN code
  4. Keep Ledger Live updated
  5. Bookmark Ledger.com to avoid phishing sites
  6. Use a backup device or recovery method (like Ledger Recover) for added peace of mind

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

❓ Device Not Recognized?
Try a different USB port or cable. Reboot your PC and Ledger device.

❓ Stuck on “Genuine Check”?
Ensure you’ve installed the latest Ledger Live version. Close conflicting apps or VPNs.

❓ Forgot Your PIN?
You’ll need to reset the device and recover with your 24-word phrase.

For more help, visit the Ledger Support Center at: https://support.ledger.com

Why Ledger Is Trusted Worldwide

  • 6+ million devices sold in over 200 countries
  • Used by institutional and retail investors alike
  • Certified Secure Element chips (the same used in passports and payment cards)
  • Open-source Ledger Live software
  • Strong focus on transparency, education, and user empowerment

Ledger is not just a wallet—it’s an entire secure operating system for crypto.

Final Thoughts

Starting your crypto journey with Ledger via Ledger.com/Start is one of the smartest moves any new investor can make. In a space where digital theft is common, securing your crypto with a Ledger hardware wallet and managing it via Ledger Live puts you in full control.

Whether you’re buying your first Bitcoin, staking ETH, trading altcoins, or exploring NFTs, Ledger provides a secure, user-friendly, and trusted ecosystem.

Remember: Not your keys, not your coins.
With Ledger, your keys stay with you. Always.