As digital assets continue to grow in value and adoption, securing your cryptocurrency has never been more important. Unlike traditional finance, crypto gives you full control—but that control also means full responsibility. A Ledger hardware wallet helps you take ownership of your assets by keeping your private keys offline and protected from online threats.
If you’ve purchased a Ledger device, ledger.com/start is the official and safest place to begin. This page guides you through device setup, software installation, and best security practices so you can manage your crypto with confidence.
Ledger is a global leader in crypto security solutions, known for its hardware wallets that provide cold storage protection. Unlike online wallets or exchanges, Ledger devices store your private keys in a secure, tamper-resistant environment.
Ledger wallets are trusted because they offer:
By using a Ledger wallet, you significantly reduce the risk of hacks, malware, and unauthorized access.
The internet is full of fake websites and malicious downloads designed to steal crypto. That’s why Ledger strongly recommends beginning your setup only through ledger.com/start.
This official page ensures:
Avoid third-party links, ads, or emails when setting up your Ledger device.
Before starting the setup process, make sure you have the following ready:
Never use a pre-owned Ledger device or one that comes with a recovery phrase already written down.
At ledger.com/start, you’ll be prompted to download Ledger Live, the official app that connects your Ledger device to your computer or phone.
Ledger Live allows you to:
Ledger Live is available for desktop and mobile platforms and is essential for daily wallet management.
Once Ledger Live is installed, follow the on-screen instructions to initialize your device.
Select the option to configure your Ledger as a new wallet. This ensures a fresh and secure environment.
You’ll choose a PIN code directly on the device. This PIN is required every time the wallet is connected and prevents unauthorized physical access.
Your Ledger will generate a 24-word recovery phrase, which acts as the master backup for your wallet.
Important security rules:
If your device is lost or damaged, this phrase is the only way to recover your funds.
Ledger Live performs an automatic authenticity verification to confirm your device is genuine and untampered. This step ensures your wallet is running official Ledger firmware and meets security standards.
If the device fails verification, do not proceed and contact Ledger support immediately.
After setup, you can install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. Ledger supports over 5,000 coins and tokens, including major networks and popular altcoins.
Commonly supported assets include:
Installing or removing apps does not affect your funds—your assets remain securely tied to your private keys.
Every transaction made with a Ledger wallet must be physically approved on the device. This ensures that even if your computer or phone is compromised, no transaction can occur without your confirmation.
When sending crypto:
When receiving crypto:
This verification step eliminates address manipulation attacks.
Ledger wallets offer additional protection options for users who want enhanced security:
These features make Ledger suitable for both beginners and experienced crypto holders.
Crypto scams are widespread, and attackers often impersonate Ledger. To protect yourself:
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase under any circumstances.
Ledger hardware wallets give you full ownership, control, and peace of mind in a decentralized world. By starting at ledger.com/start, you ensure that your wallet is set up correctly, securely, and according to best practices.
Whether you’re holding crypto long-term or actively managing assets, Ledger provides a reliable foundation for protecting your digital wealth—today and into the future.