Begin your journey to complete cryptocurrency ownership with Ledger's industry-leading hardware wallet technology. Protect your Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 5,500 digital assets with military-grade security.
Your complete guide to initializing and securing your Ledger hardware wallet
Ledger.com/Start represents the essential first step in your cryptocurrency security journey. As the official onboarding portal for all Ledger hardware wallets, this platform provides comprehensive guidance for users who want to take full control of their digital assets. Whether you've just received your Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Stax, visiting Ledger.com/Start ensures you follow industry best practices from the very beginning.
In the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency, security remains the paramount concern for investors and enthusiasts alike. Ledger has established itself as the global leader in hardware wallet technology, protecting over 15% of the world's crypto assets. Unlike software wallets that store your private keys on internet-connected devices, Ledger hardware wallets use a secure element chip—the same technology found in passports and credit cards—to keep your keys completely offline.
The Ledger.com/Start platform eliminates the complexity traditionally associated with cryptocurrency security. Through an intuitive step-by-step process, even complete beginners can set up bank-grade protection for their digital holdings within minutes. This democratization of security technology represents a fundamental shift in how individuals can safeguard their financial future.
Central to the Ledger.com/Start experience is the Ledger Live application, available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. This companion software serves as your complete cryptocurrency management interface, allowing you to check balances, send and receive transactions, stake supported assets, and explore decentralized finance (DeFi) opportunities—all while your private keys remain secured on your hardware device.
Ledger Live's architecture prioritizes user experience without compromising security. The application never has access to your private keys; it simply communicates with your Ledger device to authorize transactions. This design ensures that even if your computer becomes compromised, your cryptocurrency holdings remain protected behind the physical security of your hardware wallet.
Perhaps the most critical element introduced during the Ledger.com/Start setup process is your 24-word recovery phrase, also known as a seed phrase or mnemonic phrase. This sequence of words serves as the master backup for all your cryptocurrency accounts. If your Ledger device is ever lost, stolen, or damaged, these 24 words allow you to restore complete access to your funds on a replacement device.
The importance of properly securing your recovery phrase cannot be overstated. Ledger provides a Recovery Sheet with each device specifically for this purpose. Write each word carefully, in the correct order, and store this sheet in a secure location separate from your hardware wallet. Many advanced users invest in metal backup solutions that protect against fire, water, and physical degradation. Remember: anyone who gains access to your recovery phrase can access your cryptocurrency, and there is no password reset option. This phrase is the ultimate key to your digital wealth.
One of Ledger's most compelling advantages is its extensive cryptocurrency support. Through the Ledger Live application available via Ledger.com/Start, users can manage over 5,500 different coins and tokens. This includes all major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Litecoin (LTC), Cardano (ADA), and Polkadot (DOT), plus thousands of ERC-20 tokens, NFTs, and emerging blockchain assets.
Each cryptocurrency requires a corresponding app installed on your Ledger device. The limited storage capacity means you'll install only the apps you actively use, but you can always uninstall and reinstall apps as needed—your cryptocurrency holdings remain accessible regardless of which apps are currently installed, as long as you maintain access to your recovery phrase.
While Ledger hardware wallets provide exceptional security, users must still follow important best practices. Always purchase your Ledger device directly from the official Ledger.com website or authorized resellers. Never buy a used or second-hand device, as it may have been tampered with. When you receive your device, ensure the security seals are intact and that the device prompts you to initialize it as new—never use a device that comes with a pre-generated recovery phrase.
Be vigilant against phishing attempts. Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase via email, phone, or any support channel. Any request for this information is a scam. Bookmark the genuine Ledger.com/Start URL and always verify you're on the authentic Ledger website before downloading software or entering any information. Enable all available security features in Ledger Live, and keep your firmware updated to benefit from the latest security enhancements.
Get your Ledger hardware wallet up and running in just four easy steps
Install the official Ledger Live application on your computer or mobile device from Ledger.com/Start
Connect your Ledger hardware wallet and follow the setup wizard to create your secure PIN code
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided sheet and store it in a secure location
Install cryptocurrency apps and begin sending, receiving, and securing your digital assets
Find answers to common questions about setting up and using your Ledger hardware wallet