Welcome to the official getting started guide. This page is built to help you start with Ledger.com/Start — the entry point to setting up a Ledger hardware wallet, understanding basic security, and using Ledger Live. The text you see is intentionally styled to be both italic and bold, while the page background remains black for a modern, high-contrast presentation.
Ledger hardware wallets are designed so you can custody your private keys offline. Choosing a hardware wallet reduces exposure to online threats because the private keys never leave the device. Many users pick Ledger for its combination of a compact physical device, wide support for cryptocurrencies, and the Ledger Live application that makes everyday management simple. Below you'll find an approachable step‑by‑step starter guide and a short set of best practices to keep your assets safe.
Make sure you have everything ready before starting the setup:
Ledger.com/Start.Only use a Ledger device purchased new from an authorized retailer. Inspect the packaging for tampering and confirm the holographic seal (if applicable) is intact. If anything looks wrong, do not proceed and contact support through official channels.
Open your browser and go to Ledger.com/Start. This official page will guide you to download Ledger Live and provide the most up‑to‑date instructions. Avoid clicking links from search results that appear to be commercial listings or sponsored results — always prefer the official domain.
Download the Ledger Live application for your operating system. Install and open Ledger Live, then choose “Get Started”. The application will provide battery of checks and will guide you through firmware updates if needed. Ledger Live is the app that helps you manage accounts, check balances, and install apps on your device.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile phone. Follow the on‑screen steps on the device to set a PIN and generate your recovery phrase. Write down the recovery phrase on the recovery sheet provided and store it in a safe place. Never enter the phrase on a computer or phone, and never share it with anyone.
The device will ask you to confirm a subset of words from your recovery sheet. This ensures you recorded the phrase correctly. If you cannot confirm, restart the process or seek help from official Ledger support resources.
Open Ledger Live and navigate to the Accounts section. Add cryptocurrency accounts of your choice — Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many others are supported. Each account links to the corresponding app that runs on your device; install apps as prompted by Ledger Live.
To receive crypto, generate a receiving address on your Ledger through Ledger Live and verify it on the device screen. To send, create a transaction in Ledger Live and confirm the details on your hardware device. Always verify the address and amount on the device before approving.
Protecting your crypto means protecting your device, your recovery phrase, and your accounts. Follow these concise best practices:
If you encounter problems during setup, first consult the official documentation accessible from Ledger.com/Start. Common issues include connection problems, firmware update interruptions, or device not recognized. Try a different cable and port, restart your computer, and ensure your Ledger Live app is the latest version. For unresolved issues, contact Ledger support through the official site — never disclose your recovery phrase to anyone who contacts you.
Can Ledger be hacked? No system is 100% immune, but Ledger devices are specifically designed to minimize remote attack surfaces by keeping private keys offline. Attacks typically rely on user error such as exposing the recovery phrase or using untrusted software.
Is Ledger compatible with DeFi and NFTs? Yes. Ledger can interact with many decentralized apps (dApps) and NFT platforms by connecting through Ledger Live or via wallet connections that respect Ledger’s security model. Always validate contract interactions on the device screen.
This document is intended as an official-style starter page for users visiting Ledger.com/Start. The combination of bold and italic styling on the front heading is deliberate to meet your design requirement, while the black background provides a clean, modern look suited to a security-oriented product. If you plan to publish this page, double-check the meta description and keywords for SEO alignment with your broader site strategy. Keep the content updated alongside Ledger’s official guidance to ensure accuracy.