Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started — Ledger
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Ledger.com/Start®
- Why Begin at Official Site®
- Secure Purchase & Device Authentication
- Meet Ledger’s Hardware Wallets
- Step 1: Visit ledger.com/start
- Step 2: Choose Your Ledger Device
- Step 3: Unbox and Inspect Packaging
- Step 4: Initial Setup & Genuine Check
- Step 5: Create a New Wallet or Recover Existing
- Step 6: Secure Your Recovery Phrase
- Step 7: Set Up a Strong PIN
- Step 8: Install Apps & Add Accounts
- Step 9: Download Ledger Live™
- Step 10: Pair Device & Ledger Live
- Step 11: Send and Receive Crypto
- Step 12: Explore Buying, Swapping & Staking
- Step 13: Manage NFTs and Web3 dApps
- Step 14: Keep Firmware & Software Updated
- Step 15: Troubleshooting & Support
- Final Thoughts: Establishing Secure Crypto Stewardship
1. Introduction to Ledger.com/Start®
Welcome to ledger.com/start—Ledger’s dedicated launchpad for new users. This starting point guides you through every essential step: from buying a wallet securely to making your first crypto transaction. It emphasizes non-custodial self-sovereignty, ensuring you retain full control over your digital assets.
2. Why Begin at Official Site®
- Legitimacy and Security: Avoid counterfeit products and phishing sites.
- Software Assurance: Download up-to-date Ledger Live™ and firmware.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Tutorials, FAQs, and support all curated by Ledger.
3. Secure Purchase & Device Authentication
Always buy directly from ledger.com or authorized partners. Ledger's supply chain protocols ensure authenticity with tamper-evident seals, device validation through Ledger Live™, and a "genuine check" confirmation that guarantees your device’s integrity.
4. Meet Ledger’s Hardware Wallets
- Ledger Nano S Plus: Affordable, USB-C powered, supports 5,500+ assets.
- Ledger Nano X: USB and Bluetooth, enhanced storage, mobile-ready.
- Ledger Stax: Touchscreen, full crypto support, in-depth portfolio features.
All models strengthen a single principle: your keys are yours—protected offline, unapproachable to external actors.
5. Step 1: Visit ledger.com/start
Navigate to:
https://www.ledger.com/start
You'll be greeted with a setup wizard guiding you through:
- Device selection
- Safe unboxing
- First-time initialization
- Ledger Live™ installation
- Crash-course on sending, receiving, and protecting crypto
6. Step 2: Choose Your Ledger Device
Decide based on your needs:
- Frequent mobile use? Choose Nano X.
- Budget-conscious but need full support? Choose Nano S Plus.
- Seeking ultimate interface? Choose Stax.
Each option supports the same robust Ledger ecosystem.
7. Step 3: Unbox and Inspect Packaging
Upon delivery:
- Confirm seal is intact—don’t proceed if tampered.
- Check that anti-tamper stickers are in place.
- Ensure instructions and recovery sheets are included.
Never proceed with a pre-seeded wallet or if packaging seems suspicious.
8. Step 4: Initial Setup & Genuine Check
Follow these steps:
- Connect your device (USB-C or Bluetooth)
- Turn it on, choose setup option
- Ledger Live™ authenticates device via USB exchange
- Approve the genuine check performed on your device
- Use Ledger Live™ to confirm authenticity before proceeding
9. Step 5: Create a New Wallet or Recover Existing
Choose between:
- "Set up as new device": Creates new private keys.
- "Restore from recovery phrase": Recreates existing wallet.
Use your existing phrase—or start fresh if you're new to Ledger.
10. Step 6: Secure Your Recovery Phrase
- Record your 24‑word phrase on provided cards.
- Review each word; do not skip.
- Store cards safely: fireproof box, hidden place.
- Avoid digital storage—no cloud-based or photographic backups.
This phrase is your only backup. Treat it like a vault key.
11. Step 7: Set Up a Strong PIN
- Enter a 4–8 digit PIN directly on device screen.
- On Nano X, touch-screen; on Stax, physical buttons.
- PIN protects unauthorized physical access.
- A wrong-spelled entry after multiple attempts wipes the device, keeping funds safe.
12. Step 8: Install Apps & Add Accounts
In Ledger Live™:
- Go to Manager tab
- Install apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
- Switch to Accounts
- Click Add account, select a coin
- Follow prompts to generate and view account address
Repeat to support multiple coins or accounts. Rename accounts for clarity.
13. Step 9: Download Ledger Live™
From ledger.com/start or ledger.com/ledger-live, download the correct version for your platform—Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS. Expect basic installations and guided set-up once you open the app.
14. Step 10: Pair Device & Ledger Live
Open the app and:
- Connect your Ledger via USB/Bluetooth
- Enter PIN when prompted
- Ledger Live™ grants dashboard access
- Future interactions will prompt on-device confirmation for security
15. Step 11: Send and Receive Crypto
Receive:
- Click “Receive” → Choose account → Verify on-device → Give address to sender
Send:
- Click “Send” → Enter recipient and amount → Choose fee → Confirm on-device
Ledger’s device ensures no malicious alterations—each transaction is safe.
16. Step 12: Explore Buying, Swapping & Staking
Inside Ledger Live™:
- Buy Coin: Access fiat-to-crypto services like MoonPay
- Swap: Convert tokens with 1inch, Changelly
- Earn Rewards: Stake supported assets like ETH, DOT, XTZ
These operations remain non-custodial, with final confirmation required via device.
17. Step 13: Manage NFTs and Web3 dApps
Access via "Discover":
- Connect to Web3 platforms like OpenSea or Uniswap
- Use Ledger as secure signer through WalletConnect
- View NFTs in the Gallery tab
- Interact with smart contracts directly—safe from phishers or keyloggers
18. Step 14: Keep Firmware & Software Updated
Always:
- Regularly check for software updates in Settings
- Update Ledger Live™ and wallet firmware for security
- Install new apps as coins are added
- Verify authenticity of every update using SHA‑256 or built-in Ledger checks
19. Step 15: Troubleshooting & Support
Common runs:
- USB connectivity issues
- Missing tokens or NFTs
- Stuck firmware update
- Sync issues
Solution path:
- Update Ledger Live™
- Replace USB cable or port
- Reinstall token via address or re-add account
- Consult support.ledger.com or contact Ledger Support
20. Final Thoughts: Establishing Secure Crypto Stewardship
Starting from ledger.com/start ensures you've taken the first correct step toward optimizing your crypto security infrastructure. Each step from purchase to managing tokens is geared toward maximizing self-custody and minimizing risk, while enabling you to embrace modern crypto capabilities—from staking to Web3.
Key Takeaways:
- Buy only from official sources
- Confirm device authenticity early
- Store seed phrases offline in secure environments
- Confirm each action on device screens
- Regularly update both hardware and software
- Explore crypto functionality responsibly and securely