ledger.com/start — the official gateway to setting up, protecting, and managing your wallet
Welcome to the official starting point for using a Ledger hardware wallet. If you’ve just purchased a Ledger device or are exploring a safer way to control your cryptocurrency, you’ve come to the right place. At ledger.com/start, you’ll find verified instructions, secure downloads, and essential guidance to help you confidently onboard your wallet, protect your assets, and avoid common risks.
In the fast-moving world of digital assets, even a small misstep can lead to serious losses. That’s why the setup process matters. Below is a detailed, step‑by‑step guide, feature overview, and security best practices to ensure you begin with full confidence.
When your Ledger device arrives, do not rush. First, check the packaging carefully. Ledger hardware wallets are shipped in tamper‑evident packaging. If anything seems altered, damaged, or pre-opened, do not proceed — contact the vendor or support. Ensure you have all expected contents (device, USB cable, recovery sheets, documentation).
Why this matters: counterfeit devices or prior tampering is a real risk that can compromise your private keys before you even use the device.
Once your device is verified, launch your browser and navigate to https://www.ledger.com/start. Always type the address directly — don’t click links from emails or chats. This ensures you land on the official, trusted setup portal.
From there, choose your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android) and download the Ledger Live application. Ledger Live is the companion software you’ll use to initialize your wallet, manage accounts, update firmware, and access crypto features.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile device (USB or Bluetooth, depending on model). In Ledger Live, select “Set up as new device.” You’ll then be prompted to:
Never store your recovery phrase electronically — no screenshots, no cloud backups, no phone notes. The safety of your crypto depends entirely on how well you protect this phrase.
Within Ledger Live, open the "Manager" tab and install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you hold (for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). Once apps are installed, go to “Add Account” and connect each to your Ledger device.
After adding accounts, Ledger Live becomes your control hub. You can now view balances, send or receive crypto, swap assets, stake supported tokens, and explore integrated DeFi or NFT features — all while your private keys remain securely in the hardware device.
You’re now ready to use your Ledger wallet. With all setup complete:
Every action that moves funds or interacts with smart contracts must be confirmed physically on your Ledger device, ensuring that malware or phishing pages cannot intervene.
Your private keys never leave the device. Even when using the computer or mobile, they stay securely isolated in the hardware — protected from online threats.
Ledger supports over 5,500 cryptocurrencies and tokens — from Bitcoin and Ethereum to emerging altcoins. You can manage many assets within one interface.
Directly inside Ledger Live, you can buy crypto with fiat partners, swap tokens, and access exchanges — all without compromising your keys.
Participate in staking programs (e.g. ETH, DOT) or engage in DeFi protocols — all while preserving custody of your funds.
View and manage NFTs, interact with dApps, and connect to Web3 services — with on‑device confirmations to keep you safe from scams.
Ledger periodically releases firmware and software updates to patch vulnerabilities, add features, and maintain compatibility. Update via Ledger Live.
https://www.ledger.com/start in your browser — never click links from unverified sources.