Getting Started with Ledger: A Step-by-Step Guide from Ledger.com/Start®
In today’s digital age, protecting your crypto assets is more important than ever. That’s where Ledger® comes in. Whether you're a seasoned crypto investor or just beginning your journey, the first step is learning how to securely manage your cryptocurrencies. Ledger offers a secure and user-friendly hardware wallet that keeps your digital assets safe from online threats. This guide, inspired by the official Ledger.com/Start®, walks you through the process of setting up your Ledger device and securing your crypto holdings.
What is Ledger?
Ledger® is a world leader in security and infrastructure solutions for cryptocurrencies and blockchain applications. Its flagship products — the Ledger Nano S Plus™ and Ledger Nano X™ — are hardware wallets that store your private keys offline. This means your crypto stays safe even if your computer or smartphone is hacked.
Step 1: Unbox and Inspect
Start by carefully unboxing your Ledger device. Inside the box, you should find:
- The Ledger device (Nano S Plus™ or Nano X™)
- A USB cable
- Recovery sheets
- Keychain strap and accessories (may vary)
- Instruction booklet
Before proceeding, inspect the device for any signs of tampering. Your device should arrive in a sealed box. If anything looks unusual or suspicious, contact Ledger Support through the official site immediately.
Step 2: Navigate to Ledger.com/Start®
Go to Ledger.com/Start — the only official setup portal. This site ensures you're downloading legitimate software and receiving accurate setup instructions.
Avoid third-party websites or unofficial app stores, as these could compromise your security. The official Ledger® Live app, which you'll download here, is required to initialize your device and manage your crypto assets.
Step 3: Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live™ is the official software companion to your Ledger device. It's available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
- Download the version compatible with your device.
- Install and launch Ledger Live.
- Choose "Get Started" and select your device model.
Step 4: Initialize Your Device
Ledger Live will guide you step-by-step through the setup process. Key steps include:
- Set a PIN code: Choose a 4 to 8-digit PIN code directly on the device. This adds a layer of security, preventing unauthorized access.
- Write down your recovery phrase: Your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down in the correct order on the recovery sheet provided.
Step 5: Verify the Recovery Phrase
The device will ask you to confirm a few of the words from your 24-word phrase to ensure you wrote them down correctly. This is a crucial step to avoid mistakes that could result in losing access to your funds later.
