Ledger.com Start® | Official Site® | Getting started — ledger

Welcome to the foundation of your cryptocurrency security journey. Ledger.com/start is your official, trusted gateway to setting up your new Ledger® hardware wallet correctly and securely. This dedicated portal, designed by Ledger®, ensures you avoid counterfeit software, follow verified procedures, and establish an impenetrable foundation for your digital assets. Here’s your essential guide to navigating this critical first step.

Why Ledger.com/Start is Non-Negotiable:

1. Guaranteed Authenticity: It's the only official source for downloading the genuine Ledger Live Desktop app. Avoid phishing sites offering malicious clones designed to steal your recovery phrase.
2. Device-Specific Guidance: Provides tailored, step-by-step instructions and videos precisely for your Ledger® device model (Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax).
3. Secure Initialization: Guides you through generating your 24-word recovery phrase offline on the device itself – the cornerstone of your security.
4. Trusted Path: Ensures you install only verified Ledger® software, minimizing potential attack vectors.
5. Seamless Integration: Sets up your device for effortless management via Ledger Live, the central hub for your crypto.

Your Step-by-Step Journey Through Ledger.com/Start:

1. Navigate & Select Your Device:
   • Type ledger.com/start directly into your browser's address bar (or use a trusted bookmark). Never search for it.
   • The page will prompt you to select your Ledger® device model.
   • Choose your computer's operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
2. Download & Install Ledger Live (Your Command Center):
   • The page presents the official Ledger Live download link for your OS.
   • Download and run the installer. Follow the on-screen prompts to install Ledger Live Desktop – your comprehensive platform for managing your crypto assets securely.
   • Mobile Option: Links to download the Ledger Live App on iOS (App Store) or Android (Google Play) are also provided for managing your device on the go.
3. Connect & Initialize Your Ledger® Device:
   • Connect your Ledger® hardware wallet to your computer using the supplied USB cable (or connect your Nano X/Stax via Bluetooth during setup if desired).
   • Open the installed Ledger Live Desktop app.
   • Ledger Live will guide you through the setup process.
   • Set Up as New Device: Choose this option for your first Ledger®.
4. Create Your Recovery Phrase (Your Ultimate Lifeline):
   • This is the most critical security step. Your Ledger® device will generate a unique sequence of 24 words – your recovery phrase.
   • Write this down by hand on the included recovery sheet. Ledger Live will instruct you. The device screen will display the words one by one.
   • NEVER digitize it (no photos, typing, cloud storage). Store multiple copies physically, securely, and offline. This phrase is the only way to recover your funds. Anyone possessing it controls your crypto.
5. Confirm Your Recovery Phrase:
   • Ledger Live will prompt you to re-enter a selection of the words directly on your Ledger® device to verify you recorded it accurately. This step is vital.
6. Set Your Device PIN (Physical Access Shield):
   • Choose a PIN code (4-8 digits). You will enter this PIN directly on your Ledger® device's screen using its buttons.
   • Choose a strong PIN (not 1234!) and remember it. The PIN protects the device from unauthorized physical access. After several incorrect attempts, the device wipes itself.
7. Install Apps & Add Accounts:
   • Ledger Live will guide you to install the necessary "apps" (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) onto your Ledger® device. These apps allow your device to manage different cryptocurrencies.
   • Once apps are installed, you can "Add Accounts" within Ledger Live for each cryptocurrency you want to manage. This generates your public keys and addresses.
8. Access Granted: Welcome to Ledger Live!
   • Your Ledger® is now initialized and secured. Ledger Live displays your dashboard.
   • You can now:
     • View cryptocurrency balances (once you receive funds).
     • See your transaction history.
     • Generate secure receive addresses (always verify them on your Ledger® device screen!).
     • Initiate transactions (requiring physical confirmation on the device).

Understanding the Ledger® Ecosystem:

• Ledger.com: The official website for information, support, and accessing ledger.com/start.
• Ledger Live Desktop: The primary application for managing your Ledger® device on your computer. Downloaded securely via ledger.com/start.
• Ledger Live App: The mobile application (iOS/Android) for managing your Ledger® device on the go (Nano X/Stax via Bluetooth, Nano S Plus via USB OTG on Android). Also downloaded via official app stores or links on ledger.com/start.
• Ledger Login: Unlike online accounts, "logging in" means physically connecting your Ledger® device and entering your PIN on the device itself to unlock it for use with Ledger Live. Your private keys remain secure offline.
• Ledger Live Login: Refers to the process of unlocking your Ledger® device via Ledger Live (connect device, enter PIN on device). You don't log into Ledger Live with online credentials; security is device-centric.

Key Takeaway: ledger.com/start is your security checkpoint. It ensures you:

1. Download the authentic Ledger Live Desktop app.
2. Initialize your device securely, creating your vital 24-word recovery phrase offline.
3. Verify your recovery phrase.
4. Set a strong PIN.
5. Establish a foundation for secure Ledger® login and management within Ledger Live.

Ledger.com/Start: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Q: Can I set up my Ledger® without using ledger.com/start?
   • A: It is extremely risky and strongly discouraged. ledger.com/start is the only guaranteed source for the authentic Ledger Live download and device-specific setup instructions. Downloading Ledger Live elsewhere exposes you to phishing and malware designed to steal your recovery phrase during setup. Always start at the official source.
2. Q: I lost my 24-word recovery phrase generated during setup. Can I recover my funds?
   • A: No. If you lose your recovery phrase, you lose access to your funds permanently if your Ledger® device is lost, stolen, damaged, or reset. The recovery phrase is the only backup. Your PIN only protects physical device access. Treat your handwritten recovery phrase with maximum security – it is your crypto.
3. Q: What's the difference between Ledger Live Desktop and the Ledger Live App?
   • A: Both connect to your Ledger® device securely.
   • Ledger Live Desktop: Installed on your computer (Windows/macOS/Linux). Offers the full feature set, including initial device setup, firmware updates, app installation, and comprehensive account management. Downloaded via ledger.com/start.
   • Ledger Live App: Installed on your mobile device (iOS/Android). Primarily for checking balances, receiving funds, and sending transactions on the go (requires device connection). Supports Bluetooth for Nano X/Stax. Downloaded via official app stores. Initial setup is best done via Desktop.
4. Q: I completed setup via ledger.com/start. How do I "log in" to access my crypto?
   • A: The Ledger® login process is device-centric:
     1. Connect your Ledger® device to your computer (USB) or pair via Bluetooth (Nano X/Stax).
     2. Open Ledger Live Desktop or the Ledger Live App.
     3. Ledger Live will detect your device.
     4. Enter your PIN directly on your Ledger® device's screen using its buttons.
     5. You can now view balances and generate receive addresses (verify on device!). To send funds, you must physically confirm the transaction on the device.
5. Q: Can I use ledger.com/start on my phone to set up my Ledger®?
   • A: ledger.com/start primarily guides desktop/laptop setup for initializing Ledger® devices via USB. While you can browse it on your phone, initial device setup (firmware install, recovery phrase generation) is strongly recommended on a desktop/laptop using Ledger Live Desktop downloaded via ledger.com/start. The mobile app is best for managing an already set up device.
6. Q: Is Ledger Live free? Do I need my Ledger® connected all the time?
   • A: Yes, Ledger Live is completely free software. You only need your Ledger® device physically connected (and unlocked via PIN) when you want to:
     • View real-time balances (optional, you can see cached balances).
     • Generate new receive addresses.
     • Send/sign transactions.
     • Install apps or update firmware. You can explore Ledger Live and see your portfolio value (based on last sync) without the device connected.

Begin with Confidence: Your Security Starts Here

Bookmark ledger.com/start today. It’s your indispensable, official resource for setting up your Ledger® hardware wallet, downloading the genuine Ledger Live Desktop application, and establishing the uncompromising security practices that keep your digital wealth truly protected. Your keys, your coins – secured offline from the very first step.