Ledger.com/Start — Secure Your Crypto Wallet with Ledger®

A friendly, practical 1,000-word guide to get started, protect your keys, and manage crypto safely. 🚀

Why Ledger®? 🔒

Ledger® hardware wallets are tools that keep your private keys offline — away from internet threats and phishing attacks. Think of a hardware wallet as a separate safe for your crypto keys: you need the device and the physical recovery phrase to access funds. This guide quickly walks you through setting up your Ledger, best practices, and practical tips to reduce mistakes. ✨

Ready in minutes
Plug in device, follow prompts, write down recovery phrase.
Offline keys
Private keys never leave the device — they sign transactions locally.
Device options
Ledger Nano S, Nano X (Bluetooth) — choose based on features you need.
Recovery
24-word recovery phrase is your last resort — protect it like cash.

Step-by-step: Get started 🎯

1) Unbox & verify

Buy from an official channel. Unbox and check the tamper-evident seals. Always verify device authenticity through Ledger's official site: Ledger.com/Start. Do not use a device with broken seals. 🛡️

2) Initialize the device

Power on, choose a PIN, and allow the device to generate a recovery phrase. Never enter your recovery phrase on a computer or phone. Write the words on the supplied card or a durable backup — never in plain text files or photos. ✍️

3) Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the desktop/mobile companion app to manage accounts, install apps (for BTC, ETH, etc.), and send/receive crypto. Download Ledger Live only from the official website to avoid fake installers. 📲

4) Add accounts & practice

Create test transactions with small amounts first. Confirm every detail on the device screen — always verify address strings shown by the device. If something looks off, cancel. ✅

Security best practices 🔐

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger will never ask for it.
  • Store your recovery phrase in at least two secure physical locations (fireproof safe, safety deposit box), not as a photo or cloud note.
  • Keep your PIN secret and use a PIN you can remember without writing it down plainly.
  • Beware of phishing: verify domains, bookmarks, and only connect to trusted websites and dApps.
  • Use passphrase options (if you understand them) for an extra layer of account isolation.

Frequently asked questions ❓

Can Ledger be used with multiple cryptocurrencies?
Yes — Ledger supports hundreds of coins and tokens via Ledger Live and third-party apps (e.g., MetaMask). You install apps for the assets you need, and Ledger stores the keys offline.
What if I lose my device?
If you lose the device, you can restore funds using your 24-word recovery phrase on another compatible Ledger or supported wallet. That’s why securing the recovery phrase is critical.
Is Ledger a guarantee against theft?
No tool eliminates risk entirely. Ledger greatly reduces online attack surfaces, but users must follow security best practices — avoid phishing, protect backups, and keep devices updated.