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Ledger.com/start – Your Journey to Secure Crypto Begins Here

 

Welcome to Self-Custody: Your Crypto, Your Control

Congratulations on choosing Ledger—the most secure and intuitive gateway to the world of digital assets. At Ledger, we don't just sell hardware wallets; we deliver peace of mind. This is where your journey to true ownership begins. By following this simple guide, you'll transform your device into an unbreakable vault for your cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and digital identity.

With over 6 million Ledger devices sold across 200 countries, you're joining the world's largest community of secure crypto users. Our technology combines a certified Secure Element chip (the same as in passports and payment systems) with our proprietary operating system, BOLOS. This creates a fortress for your private keys, keeping them isolated from online threats while giving you seamless access to Web3.

Before You Begin: What's in Your Box?

  • Ledger Nano device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax)

  • USB-C cable for charging and connection

  • Recovery sheet for writing down your 24-word phrase

  • Keychain strap for portability

  • Getting started guide

The Essential 3-Step Setup Process

1. Get Ready: Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is your secure command center. It's the only app you need to manage your entire crypto portfolio.

  1. Visit ledger.com/ledger-live on your computer or smartphone

  2. Download the official app for your desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile (iOS, Android)

  3. Install the application—this will be your dashboard for everything

Security Tip: Only download software from our official website. Beware of fake apps in third-party stores.

2. Initialize Your Device: Create Your Digital Safe

  1. Connect your Ledger device using the USB cable

  2. Press both buttons to turn it on

  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to "Configure as new device"

  4. Choose a PIN code (4-8 digits). This is your first line of physical defense. If entered incorrectly three times, the device resets itself.

3. The Most Important Step: Backup Your Recovery Phrase

This 24-word phrase is the master key to all your assets. Protecting it is non-negotiable.

When prompted on your device screen:

  1. Write down each word in exact order on your paper recovery sheet

  2. Never, ever:

    • Take a photo or screenshot

    • Type it on a computer or phone

    • Store it in cloud services or email

    • Share it with anyone (Ledger support will NEVER ask for it)

  3. Confirm your backup by selecting the words in the correct order when prompted

  4. Store physically in a fireproof/waterproof safe, safety deposit box, or other secure location

Pro Tip: Consider a metal backup solution like Ledger's Cryptosteel Capsule for fire and water protection.

Start Using Your Secure Vault

Add Your First Crypto Account

  1. Open Ledger Live and connect your device

  2. Click "My Ledger" to allow the app to verify your device's authenticity

  3. Navigate to "Accounts" → "+ Add account"

  4. Select a cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)

  5. Follow prompts—your device will generate a secure public address

Receive Your First Crypto

  1. Select your account in Ledger Live

  2. Click "Receive"

  3. Connect your Ledger device and confirm the address matches both screens

  4. Send a small test transaction first to verify everything works

Explore the Ecosystem

With your device set up, unlock Ledger Live's full potential:

  • Buy/Sell: Purchase crypto directly via partners like Coinify

  • Earn: Stake assets (ETH, SOL, DOT) to earn rewards

  • Swap: Exchange tokens securely through DEX aggregation

  • Discover: Access DeFi (Compound, Aave) and NFTs (OpenSea) with embedded security

Advanced Security Features

Transaction Verification

Every transaction requires physical confirmation on your Ledger device. The screen shows exactly what you're signing—ensuring no malicious software can alter recipient addresses or amounts.

Device Authentication

Ledger Live automatically verifies your device's genuineness each time you connect, protecting against counterfeit hardware.

Passphrase Protection (Advanced)

For an extra security layer, enable the 25th word passphrase—a custom word you create that adds a hidden account only accessible with both the 24-word phrase AND your custom word.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lose my Ledger device?

Your crypto remains safe on the blockchain. Simply restore your entire wallet on a new Ledger device using your 24-word recovery phrase. Your funds are tied to your phrase, not the physical device.

Which cryptocurrencies does Ledger support?

Ledger supports 5,500+ coins and tokens including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, Cardano, and all major ERC-20 tokens. Check our supported assets page for the complete list.

Can I use Ledger with MetaMask and other wallets?

Yes! Ledger integrates seamlessly with MetaMask, Phantom, Rabby, and more. This lets you interact with dApps while keeping your keys secure on your device. Always use the "Connect Hardware Wallet" option in these applications.

How often should I update my device?

Install firmware updates as soon as they're available in Ledger Live. Updates include critical security patches, new features, and support for additional cryptocurrencies. Your device will prompt you when updates are available.

What's the difference between Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X?

  • Nano S Plus: USB-C only, large screen, stores 100+ apps, most affordable

  • Nano X: Bluetooth + USB-C, mobile-friendly, stores 100+ apps, larger capacity

  • Both offer the same top-tier security with the Secure Element chip.

Is my recovery phrase compatible with other wallets?

Yes. Your 24-word phrase follows the industry-standard BIP39 protocol. You can restore it into any BIP39-compatible wallet (though we recommend staying with Ledger for maximum security).

Beyond Setup: Continue Your Security Journey

Your setup is complete, but your education continues. Visit Ledger Academy—our free educational platform—for guides on:

  • Secure investment strategies

  • Navigating DeFi safely

  • Understanding NFT security

  • Advanced privacy techniques

  • Market analysis and trends

Need Help?

You're Now Part of the Secure Future

By completing your Ledger setup, you've taken the single most important step in cryptocurrency ownership: securing your private keys. You're no longer trusting third parties with your assets—you're trusting mathematical certainty and military-grade security.

Remember:

  • Your 24-word phrase is the key to everything—guard it physically

  • Always verify transactions on your device screen

  • Only download apps from official sources

  • When in doubt, pause and verify

Welcome to the world of self-custody. Welcome to Ledger.

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