Official Site® | Lédger.com/Start® | Getting Started

Ledger.com/start: Your First Step Toward Secure Crypto Ownership

Ledger.com/start is the official entry point for anyone beginning their journey with a Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you are new to cryptocurrency or an experienced investor upgrading your security, this starting point is designed to help you take control of your digital assets safely, confidently, and independently.

At its core, Ledger’s mission is simple: you should own your crypto, not third parties. Ledger.com/start exists to make that principle practical by guiding users through setup, security best practices, and responsible self-custody.

Why Ledger Matters in Crypto Security

Cryptocurrencies are built on decentralization, but many users unknowingly re-centralize risk by leaving assets on exchanges or software wallets connected to the internet. Ledger hardware wallets solve this problem by keeping private keys offline, isolated from hackers, malware, and phishing attacks.

When you use a Ledger device, your private keys never leave the secure element chip inside the wallet. Transactions must be physically approved on the device itself, adding a powerful layer of protection that software wallets cannot provide.

Ledger.com/start is where that protection begins.

What You Need Before You Start

Before visiting ledger.com/start, make sure you have the following:

A Ledger hardware wallet (such as Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X)
A computer or smartphone with internet access
A USB cable or Bluetooth connection (depending on device)
A quiet, private environment for writing down your recovery phrase

Security starts with preparation. Ledger strongly emphasizes that setup should never be rushed or done in public spaces.

Downloading Ledger Live

The first major step at ledger.com/start is downloading Ledger Live, Ledger’s official companion application. Ledger Live allows you to:

Initialize your device
Install cryptocurrency apps
View balances and transaction history
Send and receive crypto assets
Manage NFTs and staking features
Update firmware securely

Ledger Live acts as the interface, while your hardware wallet remains the vault.

It’s critical that Ledger Live is downloaded only from the official Ledger website, never from ads, emails, or third-party links. Fake versions of Ledger Live are one of the most common attack vectors used by scammers.

Setting Up Your Ledger Device

Once Ledger Live is installed, ledger.com/start guides you through initializing your hardware wallet. This process includes:

Powering on the device
Choosing a PIN code
Generating a recovery phrase

Your PIN protects your device from physical access, while your recovery phrase protects your assets in case the device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Understanding the Recovery Phrase

The recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase) is the most important part of your crypto security. It is typically a sequence of 24 words generated by your Ledger device during setup.

Ledger.com/start emphasizes several non-negotiable rules:

Write the recovery phrase by hand
Never take photos or screenshots
Never store it digitally
Never share it with anyone
Ledger will never ask for it

Anyone with access to this phrase can control your assets. Conversely, if you lose it, Ledger cannot recover it for you. Self-custody means full responsibility.

Many users choose to store their recovery phrase in a fireproof or metal backup solution for long-term protection.

Installing Crypto Apps

After securing your recovery phrase, Ledger Live allows you to install apps for specific cryptocurrencies. Each blockchain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) requires its own app on the device.

Installing an app does not expose your funds. It simply enables your Ledger wallet to interact with that blockchain. You can uninstall and reinstall apps without losing assets, as long as your recovery phrase is safe.

Ledger devices support thousands of assets, making them flexible for diversified portfolios.

Receiving and Sending Crypto

Ledger.com/start walks users through their first transaction to build confidence.

To receive crypto:

Open the appropriate app on your Ledger device
Verify the address on the device screen
Share the address with the sender

To send crypto:

Initiate the transaction in Ledger Live
Verify all details on the device screen
Physically confirm using the device buttons

This verification step is crucial. Even if your computer is compromised, malicious software cannot alter a transaction without your physical approval.

Avoiding Common Scams

Ledger.com/start places strong emphasis on scam awareness. Common threats include:

Fake Ledger emails claiming “urgent issues”
Websites mimicking Ledger branding
Messages asking for your recovery phrase
Fake customer support accounts on social media

Ledger’s rule is absolute: Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase, PIN, or private keys. If someone does, it is a scam.

Learning to recognize these threats early is just as important as setting up the device itself.

Keeping Your Device Updated

Firmware and app updates improve security and add features. Ledger Live notifies users when updates are available and guides them through the process safely.

Updating does not affect your funds, but it does require access to your recovery phrase as a precaution. This reinforces why secure storage of the phrase is essential.

Long-Term Best Practices

Ledger.com/start is not just about setup—it’s about building long-term habits:

Always verify addresses on your device screen
Use a strong, unique PIN
Store your recovery phrase in multiple secure locations if needed
Never rush transactions
Stay informed about new security threats

Crypto security is a mindset, not a one-time action.

Taking Full Ownership

By completing the steps outlined at ledger.com/start, you move from relying on third parties to becoming your own bank. This shift is empowering, but it also comes with responsibility.

Ledger provides the tools, but ownership ultimately rests with you