Ledger.com/start | Your First Step to Self-Custody

Welcome to the beginning of true digital ownership.
This page is your dedicated starting point for setting up your new Ledger device—the foundation of your cryptocurrency security. Here, you’ll learn how to turn your hardware wallet into a personal vault for your crypto, NFTs, and digital assets.

Why Your Crypto Belongs in a Ledger

Today, most cryptocurrency is held on exchanges—platforms that control your private keys and, therefore, your assets. A Ledger hardware wallet reverses that model. It puts you in control through an industry-leading Secure Element chip, keeping your private keys offline and inaccessible to hackers, malware, or unauthorized access.

Think of your Ledger as a self-custody device:

• Not your keys, not your crypto. With Ledger, they are your keys, your crypto.

• More than a wallet: A gateway to buying, selling, staking, and exploring Web3—all secured by your physical device.

• Built on uncompromising security: Every Ledger device is engineered around a certified Secure Element, the same technology used in credit cards and passports.

This guided start process ensures you build your security on a solid foundation from day one.

Your Setup Journey: Three Essential Phases

Phase 1: Prepare Your Toolkit

Before you begin, ensure you have:

1. Your new Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax)

2. A computer or smartphone with an internet connection

3. The USB cable provided in the box

4. Your Recovery Sheet (included in the box)

5. Ledger Live App (download only from Ledger.com)

Security First: Only download software from our official website. Bookmark it.

Phase 2: Initialize Your Device with Ledger Live

1. Connect: Plug your Ledger device into your computer using the USB cable.

2. Follow On-Screen Prompts: Your device will display “Welcome” and guide you to choose a PIN code. This PIN protects physical access to your device.

3. Generate Your Recovery Phrase: This is the most critical step. Your device will generate a unique 24-word list—your Recovery Phrase. This phrase is the master key to all your accounts.

4. Write It Down: Handwrite the words in order on your Recovery Sheet. Never digitize it—no photos, no cloud documents, no typing.

This phrase is non-negotiable security. Ledger never sees it. If you lose it, you lose access to your assets forever. Store it like a precious physical object.

Phase 3: Install Apps and Manage Assets

With your device set up, use the Manager in Ledger Live to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you own (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polygon). Each app enables you to manage that specific asset. Now you can:

• Receive crypto: Use Ledger Live to generate a receiving address, verified on your device’s screen.

• Send crypto: Any transaction requires manual approval on your Ledger device—a final security check.

• Explore: Use the Discover tab to safely connect to NFT platforms and DeFi applications.

Congratulations. You’ve just moved from custodial risk to personal sovereignty.

The Ledger Ecosystem: More Than Storage

Your hardware wallet is the anchor for an entire ecosystem designed for secure growth and exploration.

• Ledger Live: Your command center. Visually track your portfolio, buy crypto with partners, swap tokens, and stake to earn rewards—all within a secure interface.

• Ledger Market: Discover and collect NFTs with the assurance that they remain in your custody, not held by a marketplace.

• Ledger Stax: Our latest device, featuring a curved E Ink touchscreen for clear transaction verification and a seamless user experience.

• Ledger Enterprise: Tailored solutions for institutions managing digital assets at scale.

This ecosystem evolves with you, ensuring that as the digital asset space grows, your security and access capabilities grow with it.

Advanced Start: For Users with Existing Wallets

Already have a software wallet or an exchange account? Transitioning to Ledger is your upgrade to security.

1. From a Software Wallet (e.g., MetaMask): Set up your Ledger as new. Then, in your software wallet, look for the “Connect Hardware Wallet” option. This will link the interface to your Ledger, keeping keys secure while using familiar apps.

2. From an Exchange: Simply withdraw your crypto from the exchange. Use Ledger Live to generate a receiving address for the corresponding asset, verify it on your device, and send. Your assets move from the exchange’s control to yours.

This process doesn’t transfer old keys; it creates new, secure ones on your Ledger while allowing you to manage existing holdings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
Your crypto is not physically “on” the device. It’s on the blockchain, accessible only with your 24-word Recovery Phrase. If you lose your device, buy a new one, select “Restore from Recovery Phrase,” and enter your words. Your full portfolio will be recovered. This is why protecting your phrase is essential.

2. Can I use one Ledger device for multiple cryptocurrencies?
Yes. Your single Recovery Phrase secures all accounts. Use the “Manager” in Ledger Live to install apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and 5,500+ other assets. Your device manages the keys for all of them.

3. Is Ledger Live required, or can I use other apps?
Ledger Live is our recommended, all-in-one application for optimal experience and security. However, Ledger devices are compatible with over 50 third-party wallets (like Electrum or MetaMask) for specific use cases. Your private keys remain secure on the Ledger regardless of the interface.

4. How often do I need to update my device, and is it safe?
Firmware updates are released periodically to enhance security and add features. You will be notified through Ledger Live. Updates are cryptographically signed by Ledger and verified by your device. Only update via Ledger Live, never from a browser pop-up or email link.

5. What’s the difference between the Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X?
The Nano S Plus is a USB-only device with a large screen and ample storage for most users. The Nano X adds Bluetooth connectivity for use with the Ledger Live mobile app on iOS and Android, more app storage, and a battery for full portability. Both provide identical top-tier security.

6. Can someone steal my crypto if they know my PIN?
Your PIN only protects the physical device. If someone has your PIN and your physical device, they could access it. However, they still cannot move your crypto without the device itself to approve transactions. If your device is stolen, immediately use your Recovery Phrase to restore your accounts on a new device, rendering the old one useless.

Begin with Confidence

Starting with Ledger isn’t just about setting up a device; it’s about establishing a new standard of security for your digital life. By completing these steps, you’ve taken a decisive step away from vulnerable storage methods and toward genuine, auditable self-custody.

Your security journey continues:

• Bookmark our Official Support Page for detailed guides.

• Subscribe to our Official Blog for security tips and industry insights.

• Follow Ledger on Twitter for real-time updates.

Welcome to the forefront of digital ownership. Welcome to Ledger.