Official™ Site — Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started®
Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Started with Ledger® Hardware Wallet ™
Welcome to the world of true digital asset ownership! If you've landed here with your new Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X, you're in the right place. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the seamless setup process, ensuring your crypto journey begins with maximum security.
Why Start with Ledger? The Gold Standard in Crypto Security
Unlike software wallets, a Ledger device stores your private keys offline in a secure element chip—the same technology used in passports and credit cards. This means your assets are protected from online hackers, making it the #1 choice for long-term investors.
📦 Step-by-Step: Your Ledger.com/start Journey
1. Unbox & Connect:
Carefully unbox your Ledger device. You'll find the hardware wallet, a USB cable, and recovery sheets. Connect it to your computer or mobile device.
2. Download Ledger Live® – Your Command Center:
This is crucial! Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website (www.ledger.com/ledger-live). This desktop/mobile app is your portal to manage your portfolio, buy crypto, and install apps.
3. Initialize Your Device:
Follow the on-screen prompts on your Ledger device. You will create a new PIN code. Choose one that is strong and unique!
4. 📝 Safeguard Your Recovery Phrase (The MOST Important Step!):
Your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This is your master key.
- ✍️ Write it by hand on the provided recovery sheet.
- 🚫 Never digitize it—no photos, no cloud storage, no typing it.
- 🔒 Store it in a fireproof/waterproof safe. This phrase can restore all your assets if your device is lost.
5. Install Asset Apps & Add Accounts:
In Ledger Live, navigate to the "Manager" section. Here, you can install small apps (e.g., Bitcoin®, Ethereum®) onto your device to manage different coins. Then, add accounts for each asset to see your balances.
✨ Pro-Tips for a Flawless Start
- Firmware Updates: Always keep your Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live app updated for the latest security patches.
- Verify Transactions: Always double-check recipient addresses on your Ledger's screen before confirming a transaction. This is your ultimate shield against malware.
- Beware of Phishing: Ledger will never ask for your 24-word phrase. Ignore all DMs and emails claiming to be "Ledger Support."
You’re Now in Control!
By completing the Ledger.com/start process, you've moved from simply holding crypto on an exchange to truly owning it. Your private keys are in your hands, secured by the most robust technology in the industry. Welcome to sovereignty.
Ready to explore? Open Ledger Live® and discover built-in features like crypto purchases, staking rewards, and the Ledger NFT Marketplace!
Ledger®, Ledger Live®, Nano S Plus®, and Nano X® are registered trademarks of Ledger SAS. Bitcoin® and Ethereum® are registered trademarks of their respective entities. This guide is for educational purposes. Always ensure you are on the official Ledger website to prevent phishing.