Ledger Start:
Managing crypto safely begins with taking ownership of your private keys. Ledger Start is your guided entry point into secure, self-custodied digital asset management using Ledger hardware wallets. This page walks you through everything you need to know—from unboxing your Ledger device to executing your first transaction with confidence.
Why Use Ledger for Self-Custody?
Cryptocurrencies and digital assets operate on decentralized networks. While this grants freedom and control, it also comes with responsibility: you must protect your private keys. Storing those keys in software wallets or online exchanges introduces unnecessary risks such as hacking, phishing, and platform failures.
Ledger hardware wallets solve this by isolating your private keys inside a Certified Secure Element chip. This ensures that even if your computer or phone is compromised, your keys—and therefore your crypto—remain protected.
With Ledger, you own your crypto. No third party can freeze or access your assets.
Unboxing Your Ledger Device
When you receive your Ledger device, inspect the packaging carefully. Ledger devices are never shipped with a PIN or recovery phrase preset. Any such inclusion indicates tampering.
Inside the box, you should find:
Your Ledger hardware wallet
USB cable (or USB-C cable, depending on model)
Recovery sheets for writing down your 24-word phrase
Device documentation and instructions
Before proceeding, ensure your device arrived sealed and untampered.
Step 1: Access Ledger Start and Download Ledger Live
Visit ledger.com/start from a secure browser. This page serves as the official entry point for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet and downloading Ledger Live, the companion app used for managing accounts and performing transactions.
Ledger Live is available for:
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
Download the version appropriate for your device to avoid fake or malicious software.
Step 2: Install Ledger Live and Begin Setup
Once installed, open Ledger Live. You’ll be guided through an initial setup that includes selecting your Ledger device model. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
During setup, you’ll be asked to:
Initialize your Ledger device
Generate your 24-word recovery phrase
Create and confirm a PIN code
Securely store your recovery phrase
These steps are critical to ensuring your long-term security.
Step 3: Generate and Secure Your Recovery Phrase
Your Ledger device will display a 24-word recovery phrase—the most important component of crypto security. This phrase is the one and only backup to your private keys.
Important Rules for Your Recovery Phrase
Write it down exactly as shown, in the correct order
Never store it digitally (no screenshots, photos, or typed documents)
Never share it with anyone, including Ledger
Store it in multiple secure physical locations
Your recovery phrase allows you to restore your wallet on any compatible device. Anyone with access to it can control your assets. Treat it like digital gold.
Step 4: Install Apps and Add Accounts in Ledger Live
To manage specific cryptocurrencies, you’ll install the corresponding apps on your Ledger device. For example, the Bitcoin app allows you to manage BTC; the Ethereum app allows you to manage ETH and ERC-20 tokens.
Here’s how:
Open Ledger Live
Navigate to the My Ledger section
Connect and unlock your hardware wallet
Install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage
Once installed, return to Ledger Live’s Accounts tab to add accounts. This enables Ledger Live to track balances, transactions, and portfolio value for each asset.
Step 5: Receive Crypto Safely
With your account set up, you can now receive your first crypto. In Ledger Live:
Select the Receive option
Choose the desired account
Connect and unlock your Ledger device
Verify the receiving address displayed on your device screen
Always trust the address shown on the Ledger device, not your computer. Confirm the address with your device to prevent malware-based address manipulation.
Once verified, share the address with the sender or use it to transfer crypto from an exchange.
Step 6: Send Crypto With Full Hardware-Level Security
Sending crypto is similar but requires manual confirmation:
Select Send in Ledger Live
Enter the recipient’s address and amount
Connect and unlock your device
Confirm the transaction details directly on your Ledger device screen
Transactions only execute once approved on the hardware wallet, keeping your private keys safe even if your computer is compromised.
Step 7: Explore Web3 Securely
Ledger doesn’t just store your crypto—it enables advanced Web3 interaction. Through Ledger Live or compatible external apps, you can:
Use decentralized exchanges (DEXs)
Mint and store NFTs
Participate in staking
Connect to DeFi applications via Ledger’s secure connection layer
All Web3 actions require on-device confirmation, protecting your keys from phishing and malicious contracts.
Best Practices for Long-Term Ledger Security
1. Keep Your Device’s Firmware Updated
Ledger releases security and performance updates. Install them through Ledger Live only.
2. Regularly Review Recovery Phrase Storage
Ensure your recovery phrase remains readable, intact, and stored securely.
3. Never Share Your Screen During Crypto Operations
Screen-sharing enables scammers to capture sensitive information. Avoid sharing Ledger Live or device screens.
4. Beware of Fake Support Channels
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Support interactions never require it.
Common Questions
What if I lose my Ledger device?
You can restore your entire wallet on a new Ledger using your 24-word recovery phrase.
Can someone hack my Ledger?
Hardware wallets isolate private keys inside a secure chip. Unless someone obtains your recovery phrase or PIN, your assets remain safe.
Can I use Ledger with multiple devices?
Yes—Ledger Live can run on several devices as long as you connect your Ledger hardware wallet for transaction approvals.
Troubleshooting Tips
If Ledger Live won’t detect your device, try a different USB cable or port.
When installing apps, ensure your device has enough memory available.
If a balance doesn’t update, refresh the account or resync in Ledger Live.
Ledger’s support pages offer detailed help for each scenario.
A Safer Way to Grow Your Crypto Portfolio
Ledger provides an ecosystem designed for one goal: protecting your digital assets. By combining the physical security of a hardware wallet with the flexibility of Ledger Live, you gain full control of your crypto while reducing exposure to common digital threats.
Whether you're managing Bitcoin, exploring DeFi, collecting NFTs, or simply securing long-term holdings, Ledger Start gives you the foundation you need to operate safely and confidently.
Begin Your Journey to Secure Crypto Ownership
If you’re ready to take custody of your crypto:
Visit ledger.com/start
Download Ledger Live
Set up your Ledger device
Add accounts and secure your assets
Self-custody doesn’t have to be complicated. With Ledger, it becomes clear, manageable, and secure.