Ledger.com/start | Your Official Setup Portal

Welcome to your first step toward true digital sovereignty. This page is your definitive guide to unboxing, setting up, and securing your new Ledger hardware wallet. In the next 10 minutes, you'll transform this device into an impenetrable vault for your cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and digital assets—putting you in complete control.

The Foundation of Self-Custody

In the digital age, possession is defined by keys. Whoever holds the private keys holds the asset. When you leave crypto on an exchange, you're trusting them with your keys. A Ledger hardware wallet reverses this dynamic.

Your Ledger is a personal security device that:

• Isolates your private keys in a certified Secure Element chip, completely offline.

• Empowers you to sign transactions securely, without exposing keys to internet-connected devices.

• Serves as your universal key to Web3, from managing a portfolio to collecting NFTs and accessing DeFi.

This ledger.com/start process is engineered to build your security foundation correctly from the very first boot.

Phase 1: Unbox and Initialize Your Security

What’s in the Box:
Your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax), a USB-C cable, a keychain, and three recovery sheets. Keep everything.

Step-by-Step Initialization:

1. Download Ledger Live

   • This is your command center. Only download from our official website.

   • Install the application on your desktop or mobile device.

2. Connect and Power On

   • Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable.

   • Follow the on-screen instructions on your Ledger device to set a PIN code. This is your first line of physical defense. Choose one that is strong and memorable.

3. The Most Critical Step: Your Recovery Phrase

   • Your device will now generate a unique, 24-word list. This is your Recovery Phrase.

   • This phrase = Your private keys = Your crypto. Anyone with these words has absolute control over your assets.

   The Iron Rule: Write it by hand on the provided recovery sheet. Never digitize it—no photos, no text files, no cloud storage. Store it physically, as you would valuable heirlooms or cash. Ledger will never ask for this phrase.

4. Verification

   • Your device will ask you to confirm random words from the list. This ensures you've recorded it accurately. Take your time.

✅ Your vault is now created. The foundation is set.

Phase 2: Build Your Portfolio with Ledger Live

With your secure foundation active, it's time to use it. Ledger Live is the secure bridge between your offline keys and the blockchain.

1. Install Asset Apps (Managers)

   • In Ledger Live, go to ‘My Ledger’.

   • Here, you can install apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and 5,500+ other assets. Think of these as "drivers" that allow your device to manage different currencies. You can uninstall and reinstall them anytime without affecting your funds.

2. Receive Your First Assets

   • Click ‘Receive’ in Ledger Live and select an asset.

   • A receiving address will appear. CRITICAL: Always verify this address matches the one displayed on your Ledger device's screen. This confirms no malware has altered it on your computer.

   • Send a small test transaction from an exchange or another wallet to this verified address.

3. Send and Verify

   • To send crypto, the process is reversed. After initiating in Ledger Live, you must physically verify and approve the transaction details (amount and address) on your Ledger device by pressing both buttons. No approval on the device = no transaction.

You have now executed the core loop of self-custody: secure verification.

Phase 3: Explore the Web3 Universe Securely

Your Ledger is more than a cold storage vault; it's a passport. Navigate to the ‘Discover’ tab in Ledger Live to:

• Buy Crypto: Use our trusted partners (Coinify, MoonPay, etc.) to buy assets directly into your secure wallet.

• Swap Tokens: Exchange one cryptocurrency for another directly within Ledger Live, with competitive rates.

• Stake & Earn: Stake assets like ETH, DOT, or ATOM to participate in network security and earn rewards, all while your keys remain protected.

• Connect to dApps: Safely interact with decentralized applications like OpenSea (for NFTs) or Aave (for lending) via "WalletConnect." Your Ledger signs all actions, keeping you safe from phishing sites.

Why This Process is Unbreakable

The security model is layered:

1. Secure Element Chip: A tamper-resistant hardware fortress for your keys.

2. PIN Code: Protects the physical device.

3. Recovery Phrase: Your ultimate backup, stored entirely offline by you.

4. On-Device Verification: Every transaction is manually approved on a screen you trust.

This combination ensures that even if your computer is compromised, your assets remain secure. You are not just using a product; you are operating a personal security system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. I already use MetaMask. Can I connect it to my Ledger?
Yes, and this is a best practice. After setting up your Ledger as a new device, go to MetaMask settings and select "Connect Hardware Wallet." Choose Ledger. This allows you to use the MetaMask interface while your private keys remain securely isolated on your Ledger device. You get the best of both worlds: convenience and maximum security.

2. What happens if Ledger the company goes out of business?
Your crypto is unaffected. It exists on the blockchain, not on Ledger's servers. Your Recovery Phrase is an industry-standard (BIP39) that can be used to restore access on hundreds of other compatible wallets (like Trezor, BlueWallet, etc.). Your Ledger device is simply a high-security tool to manage those keys.

3. How do updates work, and are they safe?
Periodic firmware updates are crucial for adding features and security patches. You will be notified through Ledger Live only. The update process is cryptographically signed by Ledger and verified by your device itself. Never update firmware from a browser pop-up or email link. Only use the Manager in Ledger Live.

4. Can I manage multiple cryptocurrencies on one device?
Absolutely. Your single 24-word Recovery Phrase generates keys for all supported blockchains. Use the Manager in Ledger Live to install apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many others. You can manage them all from the same portfolio view. Storage on the device is limited, but you can uninstall one app to install another without losing any assets.

5. What's the real difference between the Nano S Plus and the Nano X?
The Nano S Plus is a streamlined, USB-C only device with a larger screen and more memory than the original S. It's perfect for most users. The Nano X adds Bluetooth for wireless use with the Ledger Live mobile app, a battery for full portability, and more storage for 100+ apps simultaneously. Both offer the exact same security core.

6. I lost my Recovery Phrase but still have my device and PIN. What do I do?
Immediately transfer all your assets to a trusted exchange or a new, freshly set-up wallet. Then, reset your Ledger device (which will wipe it) and generate a new Recovery Phrase, writing it down securely this time. Finally, move your assets back to the new secure addresses. Without the Recovery Phrase, you are one lost or broken device away from permanent loss.

Begin Your Secure Journey

You have now completed the most important setup in the cryptocurrency space. You've moved from being a user on a platform to being a sovereign individual in the digital economy.

Your next steps:

• Explore the full capabilities of Ledger Live.

• Deepen your knowledge in our Ledger Academy.

• For any questions, our Support Center is available 24/7.

Welcome to Ledger. Welcome to peace of mind.