Official® | Lédger.com/Start® | Getting Started
Congratulations. By landing here, you've taken the first step toward true digital sovereignty. In a world where digital assets represent freedom, innovation, and a new financial paradigm, securing them is non-negotiable. Ledger isn't just a wallet; it's the gateway to the new digital ownership. This page is your launchpad. Let's begin.
Why Your Crypto Security Needs an Upgrade
If you buy, hold, or trade cryptocurrency on an exchange, you don't truly own your assets. You hold an IOU—a claim on assets controlled by a third party. This exposes you to risks like exchange hacks, platform insolvency, and limited access to the full potential of Web3.
True ownership means true control. It means holding your private keys—the unique cryptographic codes that prove ownership and allow you to sign transactions. Ledger's mission is to provide the tools to generate, safeguard, and manage these keys with uncompromising security.
The Ledger Solution: Unparalleled Security Meets Simplicity
A Ledger device is a dedicated, secure element-based hardware wallet. It keeps your private keys isolated offline, away from internet-connected devices and their vulnerabilities.
1. The Secure Element Chip: At the heart of every Ledger Nano is the same secure element chip used in passports and credit cards. It's a tamper-resistant fortress, certified to the highest security standards (CC EAL5+), designed to physically shield your keys from attacks.
2. Ledger Live: Your Command Center: Manage your entire portfolio with our intuitive, all-in-one companion app. Ledger Live allows you to:
- Securely manage 5,500+ coins and tokens.
- Buy, sell, and swap crypto directly through integrated partners.
- Stake assets to earn rewards, all while your keys remain safely in your hardware wallet.
- Monitor your portfolio in real-time with a clean, unified dashboard.
3. The Ledger Ecosystem: Security is just the beginning. Connect your Ledger device to leading Web3 applications like MetaMask, Phantom, and Aave to explore DeFi, NFTs, and more—always with the confidence that your private keys never leave your device.
Your 3-Step Journey to Ultimate Security
Step 1: Choose Your Ledger Device
Select the hardware wallet that matches your journey.
- Ledger Nano S Plus: Our best-value entry point. Perfect for beginners and veterans alike, with a larger screen and more memory for 100+ apps at a compelling price.
- Ledger Nano X: The premium choice for active users. Manage crypto on the go with Bluetooth connectivity to the Ledger Live Mobile app and expanded capacity.
Step 2: Set Up Your Device & Create Your Recovery Phrase
This is the most critical step in your security journey.
- Unbox & Connect: Download Ledger Live from our official website, connect your device via USB, and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Initialize Your Device: Your Ledger will generate a unique, random set of 24 words—your Recovery Phrase (also known as a seed phrase). This is your master key.
- Write It Down, Keep It Safe: You will write this phrase on the provided recovery sheet. Never digitize it. No photos, no cloud storage, no typing. Store it in a secure, physical location like a safe. Ledger will never ask for this phrase.
Step 3: Install Apps, Add Accounts, and Explore
- Install Asset Apps: Use Ledger Live to install the small apps for the cryptocurrencies you own (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polygon).
- Create Your Accounts: Add accounts for each asset to start receiving crypto. Your public addresses will be displayed on your device's screen for verification.
- Transfer Your Assets: Send a small test amount first from your exchange or software wallet to your new Ledger-secured address. Welcome to true ownership.
Begin Your Secure Journey Today
There's no better time to take control. Join the millions of users worldwide who trust Ledger to secure over 20% of the world's cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. I'm new to crypto. Is a Ledger device too complex for me?
Not at all. Ledger is designed for everyone. The Ledger Live app provides a guided setup, and our extensive Help Center offers step-by-step articles and videos. Starting with a Ledger from day one is the best security habit you can build.
2. What happens if I lose my Ledger device or it breaks?
This is where your Recovery Phrase is vital. As long as you have your 24-word phrase, you can fully restore your entire wallet—all your accounts, assets, and transaction history—onto a new Ledger device or any other BIP39-compatible wallet. Your crypto is not on the device; it's on the blockchain, accessible only with your keys, which your recovery phrase can regenerate.
3. Can Ledger see my holdings or block my transactions?
No. Ledger practices a strict principle of non-custodial security. We provide the tools; you hold the keys. We cannot access your recovery phrase, view your balances, freeze your assets, or prevent any transaction. You are in complete control. We are fundamentally different from an exchange or bank.
4. Do I need to use Ledger Live, or can I use other wallets?
While Ledger Live offers a seamless, all-in-one experience, your Ledger device is compatible with over 50 external software wallets and Web3 platforms. You can connect it to MetaMask for DeFi, Phantom for Solana NFTs, or other interfaces, using your device as a secure signer. Your keys always remain protected on the hardware.
5. How often do I need to update my Ledger device?
We recommend keeping your device's firmware and your Ledger Live app updated to the latest versions. Updates often include new security features, support for additional assets, and performance improvements. Ledger Live will notify you when an update is available, and the process is simple and secure.
6. Is it safe to buy a used or discounted Ledger from a third-party site?
For absolute security, only purchase from our official online shop or an authorized reseller. Devices from unofficial sources risk being tampered with. Every Ledger device comes with a genuine check in Ledger Live to verify its authenticity before you set it up.
Ready to Secure Your Future?
The next chapter of the internet is being built on blockchain. Participate with confidence. Participate with sovereignty. Start with Ledger.