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Welcome to Ledger: Start Your Journey to Ultimate Security

In a digital world where you are your own bank, security is not a feature—it's the foundation. Welcome to Ledger.com/start, your launchpad to true digital sovereignty. Here, you will learn how to set up your first Ledger device, a hardware wallet engineered to give you uncompromising control over your cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and digital assets.

Ledger hardware wallets are built on a singular principle: your private keys, which represent ownership of your assets, should never be exposed to the internet. Unlike "hot wallets" on your phone or computer, a Ledger device stores these keys in a certified, secure chip—the same technology used in passports and credit cards. This creates an impenetrable barrier between your assets and online threats.

This page will guide you through the essential first steps: unboxing your device, setting up the Ledger Live app, and creating your personal fortress of security. Let's begin.

Your First 3 Steps to Digital Sovereignty

1. Unbox & Connect

Your journey starts the moment your Ledger device arrives. Carefully unbox your Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax. Inside, you'll find:

  • Your Ledger hardware wallet.

  • A USB-C cable.

  • Recovery sheets for your secret phrase.

  • Keychain strap.

Connect your Ledger device to your computer or smartphone using the provided USB cable. For the Ledger Nano X, you can also connect via Bluetooth to the Ledger Live mobile app.

2. Set Up with Ledger Live

Ledger Live is your secure command center to manage your assets. It's the only app you need to check balances, buy, sell, swap, and grow your crypto.

  • Download Ledger Live: Always get the app from our official website, Ledger.com. Never trust third-party sources.

  • Create a New Wallet: The app will guide you to "Initialize as new device." Your device will then generate your unique, 24-word Recovery Phrase.

3. Secure Your Recovery Phrase

This is the most critical step in your crypto life. Your 24-word Recovery Phrase is the master key to your entire wallet. If your device is lost or broken, these words are the only way to recover your assets.

  • Write it down by hand on the provided recovery sheets.

  • Never, ever: Type it on a phone or computer, take a photo of it, store it in the cloud, or share it with anyone. Ledger will NEVER ask for it.

  • Store it like physical cash: Use a fireproof/waterproof safe, or a dedicated metal backup solution. This phrase is your crypto.

Once your phrase is securely stored, your device will prompt you to confirm a selection of the words, ensuring you've recorded them correctly. Congratulations—your vault is now active.

Why Start with Ledger? The Unshakeable Foundation

Choosing Ledger means choosing peace of mind, backed by technology trusted by over 6 million users worldwide.

  • Certified Secure Chip: Our devices use a Secure Element (EAL5+ certified), designed to physically isolate and protect your private keys from sophisticated attacks, including malware on your connected computer.

  • 100% Self-Custody: You own your keys; you own your coins. Not your keys, not your crypto. Ledger gives you full ownership and responsibility.

  • Ledger Live Ecosystem: A seamless, all-in-one platform to buy with card or bank transfer, swap tokens at competitive rates, stake to earn rewards, and connect to thousands of Web3 applications like NFT marketplaces and DeFi protocols—all without leaving the safety of your hardware wallet.

  • Support for 5,500+ Assets: From Bitcoin and Ethereum to the latest altcoins and NFT collections, manage a vast portfolio from one secure interface.

Ready to Explore? What's Next After Setup

With your device set up and your Recovery Phrase secured, the world of Web3 awaits—safely.

  1. Add Accounts: In Ledger Live, click "Add account" to create a portfolio for each cryptocurrency you own. Your device will verify each addition.

  2. Buy Your First Crypto: Use the "Buy" tab to purchase crypto via our trusted partners. Funds go directly to your secure Ledger addresses.

  3. Explore Web3 Securely: Navigate to the "Discover" section to connect to apps like MetaMask, OpenSea, or AAVE. Every transaction must be physically verified on your Ledger device, keeping you safe from phishing sites.

Your Ledger is more than a wallet; it's the key to a new, decentralized internet where you are in control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. I already have a software wallet (like MetaMask). Do I still need a Ledger?
Absolutely. Think of a software wallet as a regular wallet you carry daily, and a Ledger as your bank vault. You can connect your Ledger to MetaMask (using the "Connect Hardware Wallet" option). This allows you to interact with dApps while keeping your private keys protected by the Ledger's Secure Element. You get the convenience of MetaMask with the security of Ledger.

2. What happens if I lose my Ledger device or it breaks?
This is exactly why you wrote down your 24-word Recovery Phrase. Simply purchase a new Ledger device, select "Restore from Recovery Phrase," and enter your 24 words in the exact order. Your complete portfolio, including all accounts and transaction history, will be restored. Your crypto is not on the device; it's on the blockchain, accessible only with your Recovery Phrase.

3. Is Ledger Live mandatory? Can I use other wallet interfaces?
While Ledger Live is our official, optimized application for managing and growing your assets, you are not locked in. Ledger devices are compatible with over 50 third-party wallets (like Electrum for Bitcoin, or Rabby for DeFi). These apps can interface with your device, but the critical signing of transactions always happens on your Ledger's secure screen.

4. How do I update the firmware on my device, and is it safe?
Regular firmware updates are crucial for security and new features. Updates are managed only through the Ledger Live app in the "Manager" tab. The process is cryptographically verified by your device itself. Never update firmware from a pop-up on a website. Ledger Live is the only safe source.

5. Can Ledger access my funds or freeze my account?
No. Never. This is the core of self-custody. Ledger has no access to your Recovery Phrase, private keys, or funds. We cannot freeze, seize, or recover your assets. You are the sole and absolute owner. Our role is to provide you with the tools to secure your own sovereignty.

6. What's the difference between the Ledger Nano S Plus and the Nano X?
The Nano S Plus is our streamlined, USB-only device with a larger screen and more memory than the original S. It's perfect for beginners and those with focused portfolios. The Nano X offers Bluetooth connectivity for use with the Ledger Live mobile app on-the-go, more storage capacity for 100+ apps, and a longer-lasting battery. Both provide the same top-tier security.

Begin Securely. Start with Ledger.

The transition to owning your digital future begins with a single, secure step. By following this guide, you have not just set up a device; you have taken ownership of your financial freedom. Your Ledger wallet is your gateway to a more secure and independent digital life.

Need Help? Our comprehensive Help Center is available 24/7. For a visual guide, watch our official setup videos on the Ledger YouTube channel.

Welcome to the Ledger family. Stay secure.

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