If you're getting started with a Ledger hardware wallet, your journey begins at ledger.com/start. This page acts as the official setup portal for all Ledger devices, guiding users through device initialization, security practices, and installation of the Ledger Live app — the core software used to manage your crypto.
Ledger wallets, such as the Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, and the latest Ledger Stax, offer cold storage security. This means your private keys — which prove ownership of your cryptocurrencies — are stored offline, making them virtually immune to online hacks. Here’s a detailed walk-through of the setup process and what to expect at each step.
Start by connecting to the official Ledger start page: https://www.ledger.com/start. Only use the official site to avoid phishing scams. This page will detect your operating system and redirect you to download Ledger Live, the official app for managing your wallet.
Ledger Live is a desktop and mobile application (available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS). It allows you to:
After downloading, install the app and open it. The app will guide you to connect and initialize your Ledger device.
Before proceeding, make sure your Ledger wallet is genuine and tamper-free. Ledger boxes are sealed without plastic wrap. You should never buy a pre-initialized Ledger device — always initialize it yourself.
Inside the box, you’ll find:
Follow the on-screen prompts in Ledger Live:
⚠️ IMPORTANT: If anyone else knows your recovery phrase, they can access your funds. If you lose your device or it gets damaged, your recovery phrase allows you to restore your wallet on a new Ledger device or a compatible wallet.
Once your device is initialized, you’ll return to Ledger Live. You can now install apps for each cryptocurrency you want to manage. Ledger supports over 5,000 coins and tokens, including:
Simply go to the “My Ledger” section, choose the crypto app you want, and install it onto your device. Each wallet app enables transaction signing for that particular asset.
Next, go to “Accounts” in Ledger Live and click “Add Account.” Select the installed app (e.g., Bitcoin), and the app will create an account for you. You can now:
Ledger Live gives you a full financial overview, combining crypto portfolio tracking with secure hardware signing.
Ledger devices are designed with security in mind, but your habits matter too. Here are a few essentials:
Ledger also offers an optional Ledger Recover service (for Nano X and Stax) to help recover access to your wallet — but it's opt-in only and has caused debate over privacy concerns. Make sure you understand how it works before enabling it.
If you're using a Ledger Nano X or Ledger Stax, you can pair your wallet via Bluetooth to the Ledger Live mobile app. This enables secure crypto management on the go — just make sure to validate all actions directly on your device.
If you run into issues:
Ledger.com/start is your secure entry point to the world of self-custody. It ensures your crypto remains under your control — protected by offline, tamper-proof hardware. By following the setup process carefully and safeguarding your recovery phrase, you’re taking a critical step toward true financial sovereignty.
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