Get Started with Ledger*

Welcome to the world of cryptocurrency, where you truly become your own bank. This freedom comes with immense responsibility, and the first step in embracing that responsibility is securing your assets with a hardware wallet. If you've purchased a Ledger device, your journey begins at Ledger.com/start. This article will guide you through this crucial setup process, explaining not just the "how," but the "why" behind each step.

What is Ledger.com/start?

Ledger.com/start is the official, dedicated onboarding portal created by Ledger SAS. It is designed to be the single source of truth for setting up your new Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax. This website provides a structured, step-by-step guide to initialize your device, install the necessary software, and create your first secure accounts.

Security First: Always ensure you are navigating to the official https://www.ledger.com/start website. Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources in emails or social media. Bookmark the official site to prevent phishing attempts.

The Step-by-Step Journey at Ledger.com/start

Step 1: Choosing and Installing Ledger Live

The first step the portal will guide you through is downloading Ledger Live. This is the official companion application for your Ledger device. It's not just a wallet; it's a comprehensive dashboard where you can:

Manage your crypto portfolio.
Buy, sell, and swap cryptocurrencies.
Check your account balances.
Install and uninstall apps on your Ledger device.

You'll be directed to download the correct version of Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).

Step 2: Setting Up Your Ledger Device

This is the most critical part of the process. The portal will provide clear instructions, often with video guides, on what to do when you first turn on your device.

Initialize as New Device: Unless you are recovering an existing wallet, you will always choose to set up as a new device.
Writing Down Your Recovery Phrase (Seed Phrase): Your device will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This is NOT a suggestion; it is a requirement. This phrase is the master key to all your cryptocurrencies on that device.
Best Practice: Write the words down on the provided recovery sheet, in the correct order. Never digitize it—no photos, no cloud storage, no text files. Store it in a safe, secure, and offline location, like a fireproof safe.
Setting a PIN Code: You will be prompted to create a PIN code for your device. This PIN is required every time you connect and use your Ledger, adding a physical layer of security.

Step 3: Installing Apps and Adding Accounts

Your Ledger device has limited memory, so it doesn't hold all cryptocurrency wallets at once. Instead, it holds small applications ("apps") for each blockchain (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polygon).

Connect your Ledger device to Ledger Live via USB.
Navigate to the "My Ledger" section in the app.
Here, you can browse and install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you wish to manage. For example, to manage Bitcoin, you need to install the Bitcoin app.
Once the app is installed on your device, you can return to the "Accounts" tab in Ledger Live and "Add Account" for that cryptocurrency. Ledger Live will then generate a receiving address for you.

This process ensures that the private keys for your accounts never leave the secure chip inside your Ledger device.

Why This Process is Non-Negotiable for Security

The meticulous process outlined at Ledger.com/start is built around one core principle: keeping your private keys offline and isolated. Unlike "hot wallets" (software wallets on your computer or phone), a hardware wallet like Ledger stores your private keys in a secure, certified chip that cannot be accessed by a connected computer, even if it's infected with malware.

Every transaction must be physically verified and approved by pressing the buttons on the Ledger device itself. This means that even if your computer is compromised, a hacker cannot move your funds without physical access to your device and its PIN.

Conclusion: Your Gateway to Sovereign Finance

Visiting Ledger.com/start is more than just a setup routine; it's your initiation into truly secure and self-custodied cryptocurrency management. By carefully following the instructions on this official portal, you are building an unshakeable foundation for your digital wealth. You are taking control, moving from trusting a third-party exchange to trusting a system you have set up and secured yourself. Bookmark the page, follow the steps diligently, and welcome to the future of finance.