Lèdger.com/Start® — Getting™ Started | Ledger®

Jamie Larson

— 5 min read

Welcome to the beginning of true digital ownership. This is where you take control. Whether you're securing your first Bitcoin or managing a diverse digital asset portfolio, this guide will walk you through every step to achieving peace of mind with Ledger's industry-leading hardware wallets.

Why Start with Ledger?

In today's digital economy, your private keys are your sovereignty. When stored on exchanges or in software wallets, you're trusting third parties with your assets. Ledger empowers you with uncompromising self-custody through hardware security.

Three Pillars of Ledger Security:

  1. Certified Secure Element Chip
    Every Ledger device features a CC EAL5+ certified secure element—the same technology used in passports, payment systems, and military applications. This specialized hardware creates an isolated environment where your private keys are generated and stored, completely offline and protected from digital threats.
  2. True Self-Custody
    With Ledger, you own your keys. They never leave your device—not during transactions, not when staking, not when exploring Web3. This means you have complete control over your digital assets, 24/7, without intermediaries.
  3. Seamless Ecosystem Integration
    Security shouldn't mean complexity. Ledger provides intuitive access to:
    • 5,500+ cryptocurrencies and tokens
    • DeFi protocols and dApps
    • NFT marketplaces
    • Staking and earning opportunities
      All protected by hardware security.
"We don't secure cryptocurrencies. We secure the private keys that give you ownership of your digital assets."

— Ledger Security Principle

Choose Your Ledger Device

Select the hardware wallet that matches your journey:

Ledger Nano S Plus – The Essential Protector

text✓ Best entry point for security
✓ USB-C connectivity
✓ Manage 100+ cryptocurrencies
✓ Large screen for verification
✓ Most affordable option

Ideal for: Beginners and focused crypto holders

Ledger Nano X – The Mobile Powerhouse

text✓ Bluetooth for mobile use
✓ Manage 5,500+ assets
✓ Larger app capacity
✓ Ledger Live Mobile ready
✓ Long-lasting battery

Ideal for: Active traders and DeFi explorers

Ledger Stax – The Ultimate Web3 Experience

text✓ Revolutionary E Ink touch display
✓ Wireless charging
✓ Customizable NFT lock screen
✓ Magnetic stacking design
✓ Premium materials

Ideal for: NFT collectors and Web3 enthusiasts

Compare All Devices →

Your Complete Setup Guide

Phase 1: Preparation & Safety Check

Before You Unbox:

  1. Purchase Verification: Ensure you bought from shop.ledger.com or an authorized reseller
  2. Environment Check: Use a clean, malware-free computer in a private setting
  3. Time Allocation: Set aside 30 minutes without interruptions

Box Contents Verification:

  • Ledger hardware wallet
  • USB-C cable (or micro-USB for Nano S)
  • Recovery sheet (CRITICAL COMPONENT)
  • Keychain strap
  • Getting started guide

Phase 2: Initial Setup Process

Step 1: Download Ledger Live

textIMPORTANT: Only download from official sources:
• https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live
• Official app stores (iOS/Android)

Why this matters: Fake Ledger Live apps are a common attack vector. Always verify the source.

Step 2: Initialize Your Device

  1. Connect your Ledger via USB
  2. Follow on-screen instructions in Ledger Live
  3. Set your PIN code (4-8 digits)
    Security Tip: Don't use easily guessable combinations (1234, birthdays, etc.)

Step 3: Backup Your Recovery Phrase
This is the most critical security action you'll take.

What is a Recovery Phrase?
A 24-word sequence that represents your private keys in human-readable form. Anyone with these words controls your assets.

Backup Protocol – The Ledger Method:

textACTION: Write words on provided recovery sheet
LOCATION: Store in minimum two secure physical locations
SECRECY: Never share with anyone
DIGITAL RULE: Never photograph, type, or store digitally
VERIFICATION: Use recovery check app on device

Security Reality Check:

  • Ledger will NEVER ask for your recovery phrase
  • No legitimate service needs these words
  • Any request for them = 100% scam

Phase 3: Configuration & First Use

Installing Cryptocurrency Apps:

  1. Open Ledger Live Manager
  2. Install apps for assets you own
  3. Each app is tiny (1-5MB) and handles specific blockchain protocols

Creating Your First Account:

  1. Click "Add account" in Ledger Live
  2. Select cryptocurrency type
  3. Follow prompts (device verification required)
  4. Your secure receiving address is generated

Making Your First Transaction:

  1. Start small – Send a test amount first
  2. Copy your receiving address from Ledger Live
  3. Withdraw from exchange to this address
  4. ALWAYS verify address on device screen
  5. Wait for confirmations (varies by blockchain)

Advanced Security Framework

Level 1: Foundation Security (All Users)

  • PIN code protection
  • Recovery phrase backup
  • Regular firmware updates
  • Address verification on device

Passphrase Feature:
Adds a 25th custom word to create hidden accounts. Provides:

  • Plausible deniability
  • Extra security layer
  • Separate account spaces

Transaction Details:

  • Always review amount, address, and fees
  • Understand "blind signing" warnings
  • Verify contract interactions

Level 3: Institutional-Grade (Optional)

Multi-Signature Setups:
Require multiple devices to authorize transactions
Ledger Recover:
Encrypted backup service for recovery phrase
Dedicated Security Environment:
Air-gapped computers for high-value transactions

Ledger Live Ecosystem Tour

Portfolio Dashboard:
Real-time tracking of all your assets across multiple blockchains

Buy/Ramp Integration:
Purchase crypto directly with fiat through trusted partners

Swap Feature:
Exchange assets directly within Ledger Live with competitive rates

Earn Section:
Stake assets to earn rewards while maintaining custody

Discover Tab:
Access verified dApps and services through Ledger's secure gateway

NFT Gallery:
View and manage your NFT collections across Ethereum, Polygon, and more

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: I'm new to crypto and feeling overwhelmed. Is this too complex for me?
Starting with proper security is actually simpler than fixing problems later. Ledger is designed for all experience levels. The guided setup in Ledger Live walks you through each step, and our Academy provides beginner-friendly education. Remember: millions of beginners started their journey with Ledger. Take it one step at a time—security first, exploration second.

Q2: What's the real difference between Ledger and a software wallet like MetaMask?
The fundamental difference is where your private keys are stored. Software wallets keep keys on your internet-connected device, vulnerable to malware and phishing. Ledger stores keys in a secure element chip, completely isolated from online threats. You can even connect your Ledger to MetaMask for enhanced security—the best of both worlds.

Q3: How do updates work, and are they safe to install?
Regular updates are crucial for security. Ledger Live notifies you when updates are available. All updates are cryptographically signed by Ledger and verified by your device before installation. The process: 1) Backup confirmed, 2) Follow Ledger Live prompts, 3) Device verifies update authenticity, 4) Install completes. Never interrupt during updates.

Q4: Can I use multiple cryptocurrencies on one Ledger device?
Absolutely. Your Ledger device is like a secure USB drive that can run multiple small apps. Each cryptocurrency has its own app (Bitcoin app, Ethereum app, etc.). You can install/uninstall apps as needed—your assets remain safe on the blockchain. The Nano X can hold 100+ apps simultaneously; Nano S Plus holds fewer but still sufficient for most users.

Q5: What happens during device failure or loss?
If your device fails or is lost: 1) Obtain a new Ledger device, 2) Select "Restore from recovery phrase" during setup, 3) Enter your 24 words in exact order, 4) Reinstall cryptocurrency apps, 5) Your complete wallet is restored. This is why your recovery phrase backup is critical. Test this process with small funds first to build confidence.

Q6: Are there ongoing costs after purchasing my Ledger device?
No subscription is required for basic functionality. The one-time device purchase includes: lifetime use, all security updates, Ledger Live access, and customer support. Optional paid services include Ledger Recover (backup service) and certain transaction fees (blockchain network fees, swap spreads), but the core security features have no recurring costs.

Your Security Journey Continues

Week 1: Master setup and basic transactions
Month 1: Explore staking and simple dApps
Quarter 1: Utilize advanced features like passphrase
Ongoing: Stay updated with security best practices

Recommended Resources:

Begin Your Secure Journey Today

Why Start Now?

  1. Security Gap: Every day without hardware protection is unnecessary risk
  2. Learning Curve: Starting secure is easier than migrating later
  3. Peace of Mind: True ownership brings true freedom

Your Next Actions:

  1. Choose Your Device
  2. Download Ledger Live
  3. Bookmark This Guide
  4. Join 6+ million users in the secure crypto revolution

Shop Ledger Devices | Get Ledger Live | Learn Security

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