Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Start With Ledger® Official

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Welcome to Ledger — Secure Your Crypto the Right Way

Your crypto journey begins here. Whether you're buying Bitcoin for the first time, holding NFTs, or managing a diversified portfolio of digital assets — security matters. Ledger provides the most trusted hardware wallet solutions in the world, designed to protect your digital wealth from hacks, phishing, and unauthorized access.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to get started with Ledger, from choosing the right device to your first secure transaction.

Why Ledger?

In the world of Web3, you are the custodian of your digital assets. That freedom is powerful—but it also comes with responsibility. Unlike exchanges or online wallets, hardware wallets like Ledger store your private keys offline, significantly reducing the risk of exposure to online threats.

Key Benefits of Ledger:

  • Military-grade security: Secure Element chips and proprietary OS protect your crypto.
  • Offline private key storage: Your keys never leave the device.
  • Wide ecosystem support: Works with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, thousands of tokens, and NFTs.
  • User-friendly experience: Intuitive setup and Ledger Live app for easy management.
  • Trusted worldwide: Millions of users trust Ledger for crypto security.

Step 1 — Choose Your Ledger Device

Ledger offers a range of hardware wallets to fit different needs. The two most popular models are:

Ledger Nano S Plus

Perfect if you’re getting started or have a modest portfolio.

  • Compact and affordable
  • Supports thousands of assets
  • Easy to use with Ledger Live

Ledger Nano X

Ideal for advanced users or those managing many assets.

  • Bluetooth connectivity for mobile use
  • Larger storage capacity
  • Premium build and features

Not sure which is right for you?
Nano S Plus is great for most users; Nano X is better if you want mobility and extra storage.

Step 2 — Unbox and Prepare Your Ledger

When your Ledger arrives, follow these simple steps:

  1. Check packaging integrity: Ledger devices come sealed to ensure authenticity.
  2. Unbox carefully: You’ll find the device, USB-C cable, recovery sheet, and quick start guide.
  3. Download Ledger Live: This is your companion app for managing crypto securely.
⚠️ Never use third-party wallets before setting up your Ledger! Always start with Ledger Live to ensure maximum security.

Step 3 — Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

  • Visit ledger.com/start
  • Select your device
  • Download Ledger Live for your platform

Install the app and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 4 — Initialize Your Device

With Ledger Live open:

  1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer or phone.
  2. Select “Initialize as new device.”
  3. Choose a PIN code — this protects your Ledger if lost or stolen.
  4. Write down your recovery phrase (24 words). This is the ONLY backup of your wallet.

📌 Important:
Your recovery phrase must be written on the included sheet and stored securely offline. Never save it digitally. Never share it with anyone. Ledger Support will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Step 5 — Install Crypto Apps

Ledger uses a modular system:

  • Bitcoin app for Bitcoin
  • Ethereum app for Ethereum and tokens
  • Solana app for Solana, and so on

In Ledger Live:

  1. Go to the Manager tab.
  2. Search for the app you need.
  3. Click Install.

Once installed, you can add accounts for supported assets.

Step 6 — Add Your First Crypto Account

In Ledger Live:

  1. Go to Accounts → Add account
  2. Select your blockchain (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)
  3. Follow the prompts to connect your Ledger

Once your account is added, you’ll see your balance and receive/send options.

Step 7 — Receive Crypto Securely

To receive crypto:

  1. Open Ledger Live
  2. Select the account (e.g., Bitcoin)
  3. Click Receive
  4. Connect your Ledger and verify the address on the device

Always verify the address on your Ledger screen, not just on your computer. This ensures no one is tampering with the address.

Step 8 — Send Crypto with Confidence

When sending crypto:

  1. Open the account in Ledger Live
  2. Click Send
  3. Enter the recipient address and amount
  4. Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device

Your private keys never leave the device — Ledger signs transactions offline for maximum security.

Ledger Live — Your Crypto Dashboard

Ledger Live isn’t just for sending and receiving. It offers:

  • Portfolio overview
  • Real-time market prices
  • Staking for select assets
  • Swap between supported crypto
  • NFT viewing (coming to more chains soon!)
  • Security dashboard that highlights risks

Ledger Live is designed to be both powerful and easy to use.

Advanced Features

1. Staking

Earn rewards by staking eligible assets such as Ethereum, Solana, and more directly from Ledger Live.

2. Apps and Integrations

Ledger works with a growing ecosystem of third-party Web3 apps like MetaMask, DeFi platforms, and NFT marketplaces.

3. Multi-Account Management

Support for multiple accounts per asset lets you manage different portfolios within one device.

Keeping Your Ledger Secure

Security is the heart of Ledger, but good habits help too:

  • Never share your recovery phrase
  • Beware phishing sites and fake support
  • Bookmark the official Ledger URL before interacting online
  • Keep your firmware and Ledger Live updated
  • Use a strong PIN and never reuse it elsewhere

If you ever lose your Ledger, your recovery phrase allows you to restore your wallet on a new device.

Troubleshooting & Support

If you run into issues:

  • Visit Support.Ledger.com for guides
  • Use the in-app help feature
  • Ledger’s community forums offer tips from other users

Ledger Support will never ask for your recovery phrase — treat it as gold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a hardware wallet?
A hardware wallet is a physical device that stores your crypto private keys offline, protecting them from hackers.

Q: Do I need Ledger for all cryptocurrencies?
Ledger supports thousands of coins and tokens. If your asset is supported, you can manage it securely with Ledger Live.

Q: What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
Your crypto is safe if you have your recovery phrase. Simply restore it on a new Ledger or compatible wallet.

Q: Can I use Ledger with mobile?
Yes! Nano X connects via Bluetooth, and Ledger Live supports iOS and Android.

Start Today — Secure Your Crypto

Whether you’re storing Bitcoin, exploring DeFi, or collecting NFTs, Ledger gives you peace of mind. Protect what you’ve earned with industry-leading security and intuitive tools that grow with you.

👉 Ready to begin?
Download Ledger Live and setup your device at ledger.com/start

Your crypto deserves the best defense.

Join Millions of Secure Users

Ledger is trusted worldwide by beginners and pros alike. Start protecting your digital assets with confidence — the future of finance is self-custody, and it starts here.

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