Official Site®® | Ledger.com/Start®® | Getting Started®™

Welcome to the official getting started guide for your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you've just received your Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax, this step-by-step guide will walk you through setting up your wallet securely using Ledger.com/Start.

🔐 Why Choose a Ledger Hardware Wallet?

Ledger wallets are designed to keep your crypto assets safe from online threats by storing your private keys in a secure, offline device. Unlike software wallets, Ledger’s secure element chip protects against malware, phishing attacks, and computer breaches. With Ledger Live and your device, you maintain full custody of your assets — always.

📦 What Comes in the Box?

Your Ledger device (Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Stax)
USB-C or USB-A cable
Recovery sheet (for writing down your seed phrase)
Quick start guide and Ledger stickers

Make sure the box is sealed and untampered. Ledger devices are never pre-initialized.

🚀 Step 1: Go to Ledger.com/Start

Begin by visiting the official start page: https://www.ledger.com/start. This page will guide you to download Ledger Live and walk you through setup instructions specific to your device model.

💻 Step 2: Install Ledger Live

Click "Download Ledger Live"
Install the application on your desktop (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
Open Ledger Live and select “Get Started”

Ledger Live is your command center for managing accounts, installing apps, and checking balances. It also updates your device firmware.

🔗 Step 3: Connect and Initialize Your Device

Plug your Ledger device into your computer or smartphone (via USB or Bluetooth for Nano X). Follow the prompts on Ledger Live to:

Create a new wallet
Set a device PIN code
Generate and back up your recovery phrase (24 words)

Never share or photograph your recovery phrase. This seed gives full access to your wallet. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet and store it securely.

🔑 Step 4: Set Your PIN Code

You’ll be prompted to choose a PIN code (4 to 8 digits). This protects your wallet from unauthorized physical access. After 3 incorrect entries, the device resets.

🧠 Step 5: Back Up Your Recovery Phrase

Write down the 24 words displayed on your device screen in the correct order. This phrase is your only backup. If you lose access to your Ledger, this is how you recover it.

Use a fireproof/waterproof safe to store it
Never save it in the cloud or on your computer
Use metal backup options (e.g., Cryptosteel Capsule) for maximum safety

📥 Step 6: Add Crypto Accounts in Ledger Live

Open Ledger Live
Navigate to “Accounts”
Click “Add Account” and choose a crypto (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)
Install the required app on your Ledger device
Verify the public address on-screen and your device

You can now receive crypto safely — just copy your verified public address and send assets from an exchange or another wallet.

📤 Step 7: Send Crypto Securely

Click “Send” in Ledger Live
Enter recipient address and amount
Review fees and confirm
Validate the transaction on your Ledger device screen

Your private keys never leave the device. Even if your computer is compromised, transactions are protected.

⚙️ Advanced Features

🎭 Hidden Wallets (Passphrase Feature)

Enable a passphrase to create a “hidden” wallet. Each passphrase generates a unique wallet. Only use if you fully understand the risks — losing the passphrase = loss of access.

📊 Portfolio Tracking

Ledger Live includes a built-in dashboard that shows real-time balances, price changes, and asset allocations.

🌐 Staking

You can stake assets like ETH, DOT, and ATOM directly through Ledger Live and earn rewards while keeping your keys offline.

🔒 Security Tips

Only buy Ledger devices from official sources
Keep your firmware up to date via Ledger Live
Use a secure PIN and store your seed phrase offline
Beware of phishing sites — always verify URLs and certificates
Enable “blind signing” only when necessary (for NFTs or advanced dApps)