Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started - Ledger®

Welcome to Ledger Start, the official onboarding hub designed to help you set up your Ledger hardware wallet, activate Ledger Live, and secure your digital assets from day one. Whether you’re buying crypto for the first time or upgrading your security after using software wallets and exchanges, this guide gives you everything you need to begin safely and smoothly.


A Smarter Way to Protect Your Digital Wealth

Cryptocurrencies and Web3 empower users to become the true owners of their assets — but with ownership comes responsibility. If your private keys fall into the wrong hands, your crypto can be lost permanently. That’s why millions of users choose Ledger: a secure, offline hardware wallet paired with an intuitive app built for everyday management.

Instead of trusting online platforms or phone apps with your private keys, Ledger keeps them locked inside a certified secure chip — disconnected from the internet and protected against hacking attempts, phishing attacks, and malware.

Your assets stay yours. Always.


Get Started in Three Clear Steps

Starting with Ledger doesn’t require technical knowledge. Simply follow these onboarding steps to begin your secure crypto experience.

Step 1 — Power On and Set Up Your Ledger Device

  • Turn on your Ledger hardware wallet
  • Select “Set up as new device”
  • Create a strong PIN code
  • Receive your Secret Recovery Phrase (24 words)

These 24 words are your ultimate backup. If your device is ever lost, reset, or damaged, the recovery phrase is the only way to regain access to your crypto accounts. Protect it carefully, store it offline, and never photograph or type it into any computer or phone.

Step 2 — Download and Install Ledger Live

  • Get the Ledger Live app from the official website
  • Install it on your computer or smartphone
  • Connect your device when prompted
  • Complete the built-in authenticity check

Ledger Live gives you the freedom to buy, store, swap, and stake crypto — always with hardware-level confirmation for every transaction.

Step 3 — Add Crypto Accounts and Receive Assets

  • Choose the cryptocurrencies you want to manage
  • Add them as accounts inside Ledger Live
  • Transfer funds from an exchange or wallet directly to your Ledger address

From this moment forward, you hold and control your private keys. Your crypto cannot be spent, moved, or stolen without physical confirmation on your Ledger device.


One Platform for All Your Crypto Needs

Ledger isn’t only about storing crypto — it’s about controlling your digital finance securely in one place.

With Ledger Live, you can:

  • Purchase crypto through integrated partners
  • Exchange one cryptocurrency for another
  • Stake supported coins to earn rewards
  • Track market values and portfolio performance
  • Manage NFTs in a secure environment

Every interaction requires hardware approval,
meaning even if your computer or phone is compromised,
your crypto stays safe.


Your Safety Comes First — Always

To protect yourself in the fast-moving world of crypto, follow these essential security practices:

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
  • Be cautious of fake sites or apps pretending to be Ledger
  • Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website
  • Always verify transaction details on your device screen

Hackers can fake websites or apps — but they cannot bypass a physical confirmation on your Ledger device. If it’s not confirmed on the device, it doesn’t happen.


A Secure Doorway into Web3 and NFTs

Ledger doesn’t limit you — it unlocks the Web3 ecosystem safely.

Through Ledger Live and partner integrations, you can explore:

  • NFT marketplaces
  • DeFi platforms
  • Decentralized applications (dApps)
  • Web3 gaming and digital identity services

Instead of connecting a vulnerable hot wallet, you interact with Web3 using hardware-level protection. Enjoy the innovation of Web3 while keeping your keys offline and secure.


Backup and Recovery — Always Be Prepared

Life happens — devices get misplaced, broken, or stolen. With Ledger, that doesn’t mean losing your crypto.

If you need to restore access:

  1. Get a replacement Ledger device
  2. Choose “Restore from recovery phrase”
  3. Enter your 24 words in the correct order
  4. Create a new PIN and resume where you left off

Your crypto is stored on the blockchain, not inside the physical wallet. As long as your recovery phrase is safe, your digital assets can be recovered anywhere in the world.


Help and Support Every Step of the Way

If you ever need assistance, Ledger’s support ecosystem is here to guide you:

  • Interactive setup tutorials
  • Troubleshooting articles
  • Video instructions for every device
  • Live customer support

Whether you’re securing your first coin or managing a large portfolio, you’ll always have reliable guidance.


Start Today — Take Control of Your Crypto Future

Ledger Start is your launchpad to a safer crypto experience. Transition from online wallets to cold storage, use Ledger Live to manage and grow your assets, and explore Web3 with confidence — all while maintaining absolute control over your private keys.

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