Ledger.com/start: Begin Your Crypto Journey
Welcome to the official and most secure starting point for your Ledger hardware wallet. Follow our step-by-step guide to take control of your crypto assets and navigate the digital world with confidence.
Your Journey to Self-Custody Starts Here
In the world of cryptocurrency, the most significant risk is often not from the technology itself, but from malicious actors targeting users. Phishing is a primary threat, where attackers create fake websites that look exactly like official ones. Their goal is to trick you into entering your recovery phrase, which gives them instant and irreversible access to your funds. The simple act of typing **ledger.com/start** directly into your browser’s address bar is your first and most vital defense. This action ensures you are on the official, verified site, protected by Ledger's security measures. Our mission is to empower you with the tools for self-sovereignty, but that journey requires conscious action on your part, and it begins right here on this page. Every piece of software and every instruction you receive from this domain is vetted and guaranteed to be authentic.
Absolute Control
Your keys are held on the device, never on a computer. You are the sole owner of your crypto.
Tamper-Proof Security
Your device is designed to resist physical attacks, keeping your keys safe from all forms of theft.
Multi-Asset Support
Manage hundreds of different crypto assets from a single, secure device with the Ledger Live app.
Your Secure Setup Guide
This guide is a complete roadmap for the setup of your Ledger device. Follow these five crucial steps to activate your hardware wallet and secure your crypto assets. Do not skip any steps or rely on information from unverified sources.
Connect Your Ledger Device
The very first step is to unbox your Ledger hardware wallet and connect it to your computer using the USB cable provided in the box. This physical connection is the foundation of a secure, offline environment for your private keys. Once connected, the device will power on and its screen will display a welcome message. This is normal behavior for a brand-new device. The device is in its factory state and has no pre-configured information. It’s crucial to inspect your device for any signs of tampering, such as damaged packaging or pre-configured software. If anything seems suspicious, do not proceed and contact Ledger support immediately.
Install and Launch Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official desktop application that serves as your secure interface for managing your Ledger device and crypto assets. You must download it directly from **ledger.com/start** to ensure you receive the genuine software. After the download is complete, install the application and launch it. Ledger Live will immediately begin a "Genuine Check," a cryptographic verification process to ensure your device is an authentic Ledger product and has not been compromised. This check is a vital security layer that protects you from counterfeit devices. The Ledger Live app also performs all communications with the device in a secure manner, ensuring your sensitive data remains offline and protected.
Create Your PIN Code
The PIN code is a 4- to 8-digit password you will use to unlock your Ledger device. This code is created and entered exclusively on the device itself, using its physical buttons. The PIN entry process is designed to protect you from malware such as keyloggers. Even if your computer is infected, the malware cannot capture your PIN because you are not typing it on the keyboard. This PIN is your second line of defense against physical theft. If someone were to steal your device, they would be unable to access your funds without this code. It's crucial to choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.
Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase (Critically Important)
This is the most critical step in the entire setup process. Your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase for you. This phrase is the only backup of your private keys and the ultimate key to your crypto assets. You must write it down **meticulously** on the provided Recovery Sheet. Write each word in the correct order and double-check your spelling. The phrase is generated offline and is never displayed on your computer screen.
**The Dangers and the Rules:**
- **Never** take a photo of your recovery phrase or store it on any digital device.
- **Never** type your phrase into a computer or a phone. This is a common phishing trick.
- **Never** share your phrase with anyone, including Ledger support. Ledger employees will **never** ask for it.
- The phrase is your master key. Treat it with the utmost care. Store it in a secure, physical location, like a safe or a fireproof box.
Confirm Your Recovery Phrase
After writing down your phrase, Ledger Live will prompt you to confirm a few of the words from your recovery phrase. This is a final, vital check to ensure you have accurately transcribed the phrase. It is the only opportunity to confirm your backup before you begin using your device. Once you have successfully confirmed the phrase, your device will be initialized, and you can begin installing cryptocurrency apps on your Ledger to manage your assets.
Understanding Ledger's Security Architecture
Ledger's robust security is built on a simple premise: your private keys never leave the device. This is made possible by a number of sophisticated security layers designed to protect your assets from both remote and physical threats.
The Secure Element
A Secure Element is a tiny, tamper-proof chip embedded in every Ledger device. This chip is certified to withstand advanced physical attacks. It’s the same type of technology used in passports and credit cards. Your private keys are generated and stored exclusively within this secure chip. They are never exposed to the outside world, not even to the device's own microcontroller. When you need to sign a transaction, the Secure Element performs the cryptographic signature internally, without revealing the key. This isolation is what makes Ledger wallets immune to computer viruses and online attacks.
The Power of Offline Transaction Signing
The Ledger device's small screen is a critical security feature. When you initiate a transaction on Ledger Live, you must physically verify the details (recipient address, amount, etc.) on your device's trusted screen. Malware on your computer might try to alter the recipient address, but you would see the correct address on your device's screen. Only after you manually confirm the transaction using the physical buttons will your device sign it. This "what you see is what you sign" principle ensures that even a compromised computer cannot trick you into sending funds to the wrong address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my device is lost or stolen?
If your Ledger device is lost or stolen, your funds are safe as long as no one has access to your 24-word recovery phrase. Because your private keys never leave the device, a thief cannot simply plug it in and steal your crypto. Your PIN code adds a further layer of protection. You can simply purchase a new Ledger device and use your recovery phrase to restore all of your assets.
Why can't I just use a software wallet?
Software wallets, while convenient, are always connected to the internet, making them "hot wallets." This constant connection makes them susceptible to various online threats, including malware, keyloggers, and viruses that can steal your private keys. A Ledger hardware wallet is a "cold wallet" that keeps your keys offline, providing a much higher level of security against these attacks.
Can I manage multiple cryptocurrencies with one Ledger?
Yes. Ledger devices support hundreds of different cryptocurrencies. You can install the specific apps for the crypto you own directly through the Ledger Live application. This allows you to manage all of your assets from a single, secure device.
Start Your Secure Journey Today
Download the official Ledger Live application to begin the secure setup process with your new hardware wallet.