Secure your digital legacy. Initialize your device, install Ledger Live, and take complete control of your crypto assets in minutes.
In the rapidly evolving world of digital finance, security is paramount. Ledger.com/Start® is your gateway to unparalleled protection for your cryptocurrency assets. Unlike software wallets that are vulnerable to online hacks, Ledger hardware wallets store your private keys offline in a secure chip, ensuring that your funds remain safe from unauthorized access.
Whether you are a seasoned investor or just beginning your journey into the world of crypto, setting up your Ledger device correctly is the most critical step. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from unboxing to your first transaction, ensuring you have the confidence to manage your wealth independently.
Industry-leading security meets intuitive design.
Your private keys are stored in a certified Secure Element chip (CC EAL5+), the same technology used in passports and credit cards.
Manage thousands of tokens, exchange crypto, and access DeFi services directly through the comprehensive Ledger Live application.
Connect your Ledger Nano X to your smartphone via Bluetooth for secure, wireless management of your assets on the go.
You are the only one who holds your keys. Not Ledger, not a third party. Your crypto, your rules.
Follow these steps carefully to initialize your device.
Navigate to the official download page and install the Ledger Live application for your operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android). This software is the bridge between your device and the blockchain.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or smartphone using the provided USB cable. Follow the on-screen instructions on the device to set up a PIN code. This PIN will be required every time you unlock your device.
This is the most important step. Your device will display a 24-word recovery phrase. Write these words down on the provided recovery sheet in the exact order. Never store this phrase digitally or take a photo of it.
Open Ledger Live and use the Manager tab to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you wish to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Once the app is installed on the device, you can add an account in Ledger Live to start receiving funds.
When you visit Ledger.com/Start®, you are taking the first step towards financial sovereignty. The philosophy behind hardware wallets is simple: isolation. By keeping your private keys—the cryptographic proof of ownership—isolated from internet-connected devices, you eliminate the attack vector used by most hackers.
Software wallets (hot wallets) store keys on your computer or phone. If that device is compromised by malware, your funds can be stolen. Ledger devices act as a cold storage solution, signing transactions internally without ever exposing the private key to the host computer.
During the setup process at Ledger.com/Start®, you will generate a 24-word recovery phrase (BIP39 standard). This phrase is a human-readable representation of your master private key. It is crucial to understand that your funds are not "inside" the Ledger device; they are on the blockchain. The Ledger device simply holds the keys to move them.
If your device is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can buy a new Ledger (or any compatible hardware wallet) and enter your 24 words to regain full access to your accounts. This is why protecting your recovery sheet is just as important as protecting the device itself.
The Ledger ecosystem is vast. Through Ledger Live, you can manage over 5,500 different coins and tokens. For assets not directly supported in Ledger Live, you can often use your Ledger device in conjunction with third-party wallets like MetaMask, Electrum, or MyEtherWallet, ensuring your keys remain secure while accessing a broader range of dApps and services.
Common questions about Ledger setup and security.
Join millions of users who trust Ledger for their digital asset security.