Why Start Your Journey with Ledger?
In the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency, security is paramount. Ledger.com/Start® is your essential entry point to the ecosystem of self-custody. Unlike keeping your funds on an exchange, where you don't truly own your private keys, a hardware wallet like the Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or the new Ledger Stax gives you complete control.
When you visit Ledger.com/Start, you are initiating a process that separates your sensitive data from the internet-connected world. This concept, known as "cold storage," ensures that your private keys never leave the secure element chip within your device. Whether you are a seasoned investor or a newcomer buying your first Bitcoin or Ethereum, the setup process is designed to be intuitive yet rigorously secure.
The "Getting Started" phase is critical. It involves verifying the integrity of your device, generating a unique 24-word recovery phrase, and installing the companion software, Ledger Live. This guide will walk you through every nuance of this process to ensure your assets remain safe from remote hacks and unauthorized access.
Bank-Grade Security
Ledger devices use a Certified Secure Element (CC EAL5+), the same chip type used in passports and credit cards, to protect your secrets.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Device
Follow these precise instructions to initialize your hardware wallet safely.
Unbox and Verify
Ensure your package was sealed. Inside, you should find the device, a USB cable, and recovery sheets. Note: Ledger never provides a pre-filled recovery sheet. If you find one, do not use the device and contact support immediately.
Install Ledger Live
Navigate to the official Ledger.com/Start page to download the Ledger Live application for your desktop or mobile device. This software is the bridge between your offline device and the blockchain.
Initialize Device
Connect your Ledger to your computer. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a PIN code. This PIN is your first line of defense against physical theft. Choose a code that is hard to guess but easy for you to remember.
The Recovery Phrase
Your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write these words down on the provided recovery sheet in the exact order. Never store this phrase digitally (no photos, no cloud storage). This phrase is the master key to your funds.
Mastering Ledger Live App
Once your device is initialized via Ledger.com/Start, the Ledger Live app becomes your command center. It allows you to manage over 5,500 coins and tokens directly from your desktop or smartphone.
- Real-time Balance: Check your crypto value instantly.
- Buy & Sell: Purchase crypto directly through integrated partners.
- Staking: Earn rewards by staking assets like Tezos, Tron, or Cosmos.
- NFT Management: Visualize and manage your Ethereum and Polygon NFTs securely.
The Pillars of Cold Storage Security
The philosophy behind Ledger.com/Start is rooted in the principle of "Zero Trust." In the digital realm, trusting a third party with your assets is a vulnerability. Ledger hardware wallets eliminate this by keeping your private keys offline.
When you make a transaction, the Ledger Live app prepares the data, but it cannot sign it. The unsigned transaction is sent to your hardware wallet. You must physically verify the details on the device's trusted display and press the physical buttons to sign. Only the signed transaction is sent back to the network. This means even if your computer is compromised by malware, the hacker cannot steal your funds without your physical device and PIN.
Furthermore, the operating system, BOLOS (Blockchain Open Ledger Operating System), isolates applications from each other. If a vulnerability were ever found in the Bitcoin app, it would not compromise the secrets in your Ethereum app. This compartmentalization is a hallmark of high-security engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common queries about getting started with Ledger