Ledger.com/start — Securely Set Up Your Ledger Wallet and Take Control of Your Crypto
Welcome to Ledger.com/start, the official starting point for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet and entering the world of secure digital asset ownership. Whether you are a beginner exploring cryptocurrency for the first time or a seasoned investor seeking the safest way to protect your assets, this guide will walk you through every step of the setup process. Ledger ensures that your funds remain secure, private, and fully under your control—from the moment you unbox your device to managing thousands of digital assets safely.
Why Ledger Is Essential for Crypto Security
Cryptocurrency offers freedom, autonomy, and financial opportunities, but it also places responsibility directly in your hands. Unlike traditional banks, there is no central authority to recover your funds if your private keys are lost or stolen. That is where Ledger comes in.
Ledger hardware wallets are built to provide industry-leading security, keeping your private keys offline inside a certified Secure Element chip, similar to those used in passports and payment cards. This ensures that your keys are never exposed to the internet, malware, or phishing attacks. With Ledger, you are the sole custodian of your crypto, eliminating reliance on exchanges or third-party platforms.
Millions of users worldwide trust Ledger to secure billions of dollars in cryptocurrency. By following the instructions at Ledger.com/start, you can confidently take control of your crypto journey.
Getting Started at Ledger.com/start
Ledger.com/start is the official and secure setup page for your Ledger wallet. Following the instructions on this page ensures that you avoid counterfeit devices, phishing websites, and other scams that target cryptocurrency users.
Through Ledger.com/start, you will:
Initialize your Ledger hardware wallet
Install the Ledger Live application
Set a PIN code and create a 24-word recovery phrase
Add crypto accounts and manage your digital assets
Learn best practices for security and asset protection
Every step is designed to be clear, secure, and beginner-friendly, so you can proceed with confidence even if this is your first hardware wallet.
Step 1: Unbox and Verify Your Ledger Device
When you receive your Ledger wallet, it comes untampered and secure, with no pre-set PINs or recovery phrases. This ensures that your private keys are generated only on your device and never exposed.
The Ledger family includes devices such as:
Ledger Nano S Plus – compact and reliable for everyday crypto management
Ledger Nano X – advanced features, Bluetooth connectivity, and mobile compatibility
Ledger Stax – a premium device with touch-screen functionality and enhanced user experience
During setup, your device will cryptographically verify its authenticity. This verification confirms that the Secure Element chip is genuine and running official Ledger firmware, ensuring that your wallet is safe from counterfeit devices.
Step 2: Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official companion application for your Ledger wallet. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, giving you seamless access to your crypto on any device.
Ledger Live allows you to:
View real-time balances for multiple cryptocurrencies
Send and receive crypto securely
Buy, sell, and swap digital assets
Stake supported cryptocurrencies to earn passive rewards
Manage NFTs across supported blockchains
Connect to decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 applications safely
Ledger Live is designed to keep your private keys offline, so all sensitive transactions are confirmed directly on your hardware wallet.
Step 3: Set Up Your PIN Code
When you initialize your Ledger wallet, the first security step is to create a PIN code. This PIN protects your device from unauthorized physical access.
Tips for a secure PIN:
Choose a code that is difficult to guess
Avoid repetitive numbers or sequential patterns
Never share your PIN with anyone
Memorize your PIN rather than writing it down
If the PIN is entered incorrectly multiple times, the device will automatically reset, ensuring your crypto remains safe from brute-force attempts.
Step 4: Create and Protect Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
Your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase, also called a seed phrase. This phrase is the ultimate backup for your crypto assets and the only way to restore access to your funds if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Security rules for your recovery phrase:
Write it down on paper immediately
Store it offline in a secure location, such as a safe
Never store it digitally, in a photo, or online
Never share it with anyone, even if they claim to be Ledger support
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase
Anyone who gains access to your recovery phrase can take full control of your crypto. Protecting it is critical.
Step 5: Add Accounts and Manage Crypto Assets
Once your Ledger device is initialized, you can start adding accounts for the cryptocurrencies you hold. Ledger supports over 5,500 coins and tokens, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Polygon (MATIC), Litecoin (LTC), Cardano (ADA), and many others.
To manage assets:
Install the relevant app for each cryptocurrency on your Ledger device
Add an account in Ledger Live
Send and receive crypto securely
Confirm every transaction physically on your device
This ensures that no transaction can occur without your approval, protecting your assets from unauthorized access.
Advanced Ledger Features
Ledger wallets are not just for storage—they offer a full crypto ecosystem for managing, growing, and securing digital assets.
Buy, Sell, and Swap Crypto
Ledger Live integrates with trusted partners, allowing you to buy, sell, or swap assets directly within the application, all while your private keys remain secure offline.
Stake and Earn Rewards
Ledger supports staking for cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Solana, Polkadot, Tezos, and more. Staking allows you to earn passive income while maintaining full custody of your funds.
NFT Management
Ledger wallets protect NFT ownership on Ethereum, Polygon, and other blockchains. You can safely store, view, and manage your NFTs with hardware-level security.
DeFi and Web3 Access
Ledger devices allow you to connect to decentralized applications and DeFi protocols while keeping private keys offline. This ensures secure interactions with smart contracts and decentralized platforms.
Ledger Security Architecture
Ledger’s security model is multi-layered and trusted worldwide:
Certified Secure Element chip (CC EAL5+) – keeps private keys isolated
Proprietary BOLOS operating system – ensures secure app management and transaction approval
Offline key storage – prevents exposure to malware and hackers
Physical transaction confirmation – every transaction must be approved on the device
Unlike software wallets or exchanges, Ledger ensures that your private keys never leave the device, keeping your crypto secure even in the event of a compromised computer or mobile device.
Avoiding Scams and Staying Safe
Always use Ledger.com/start to verify setup instructions and downloads. Security awareness is just as important as the device itself.
Tips for staying safe:
Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website
Never enter your recovery phrase into any website or app
Ignore emails or messages asking for your recovery phrase or PIN
Be cautious of fake websites and impersonators claiming to be Ledger
By following these precautions, you ensure that your crypto remains fully secure and under your control.
Benefits of Using Ledger
Ledger hardware wallets offer:
True ownership of your crypto – no reliance on exchanges
Offline security – keys never leave the device
Multi-asset support – over 5,500 tokens and coins
Integrated ecosystem – Ledger Live, staking, NFT management, DeFi access
Peace of mind – trusted by millions worldwide
Ledger combines ease of use and advanced security, making it the preferred solution for crypto enthusiasts and investors alike.
Start Your Crypto Journey Securely
Setting up your Ledger wallet through Ledger.com/start is the first and most important step toward true digital asset ownership. By taking control of your private keys, you ensure that your funds remain safe and fully under your control.
Ledger empowers you to:
Securely store crypto offline
Manage multiple assets in one place
Participate in staking and DeFi activities
Protect NFTs and digital collectibles
Connect to Web3 safely
Millions of users trust Ledger to protect their digital wealth. Now it’s your turn.
Take control. Secure your assets. Start at Ledger.com/start today.