Your Secure Start with Ledger®: A Step-by-Step Guide Using ledger.com/start

Welcome to true self-custody of your cryptocurrencies. Your Ledger® hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax) is the fortress for your digital assets, and ledger.com/start is your essential, secure gateway to setting it up correctly. This guide walks you through the official process and tools.

1. Your Ledger® Hardware Wallet: The Foundation of Security

What it is: A tamper-proof physical device storing your private keys offline in a certified secure element (EAL5+/EAL6+).
How it protects: Every transaction must be physically confirmed on the device's screen. Your private keys never leave the secure chip, making them immune to online hacks.

2. ledger.com/start: Your Official Setup Command Center

This is the only recommended starting point. It detects your Ledger® model and OS, providing tailored instructions:

Unbox & Connect: Plug your new Ledger® device into your computer using the supplied USB cable (Nano S Plus, Stax) or connect via Bluetooth (Nano X).
Visit: Open your browser and go directly to ledger.com/start.
Download Ledger Live®: The page will prompt you to download the official Ledger Live® application for your desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux). This is mandatory.
Install & Launch: Run the installer and open Ledger Live®.

**3. Initializing Your Ledger® Device Within Ledger Live®**

Ledger Live® guides you through device setup:

Set Up as New Device: Choose this option in Ledger Live®.
Choose PIN: Create a 4-8 digit PIN code directly on your Ledger® device's screen. This physically locks the device.
Write Down Your Recovery Phrase: THIS IS CRITICAL. Your device generates a unique 24-word recovery phrase displayed only on its screen.

Write it by hand on the included recovery sheets.
Store it offline, securely, and privately. Never digitize it!
Confirm words: Ledger Live® will ask you to verify random words from the sequence to ensure you wrote it down correctly.

Install Apps: Ledger Live® prompts you to install the necessary "apps" (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) onto your device to manage specific cryptocurrencies.
Add Accounts: Create accounts within Ledger Live® for each cryptocurrency you want to manage. Your device will derive the public keys.

4. Ledger® Login: Accessing Your Funds

"Ledger® Login" refers to the process of unlocking your Ledger Live® interface to interact with your wallet:

Connect/Unlock Device: Physically connect your Ledger® device (USB or Bluetooth) and enter its PIN on the device screen.
Open Ledger Live®: Launch the desktop or mobile app.
Authenticate Actions: When performing sensitive actions (sending crypto, managing accounts), Ledger Live® will require you to physically confirm the action details on your Ledger® device's screen. This is the core security step – your keys stay offline.

5. Ledger Live®: Your Unified Crypto Hub

Ledger Live® is the official, all-in-one platform for managing your crypto with your Ledger® device:

Functions: View balances, send/receive crypto, buy/sell (via partners), swap assets, stake coins, manage NFTs, and install device apps.
Access:
Ledger Live Desktop: Download from ledger.com/start or ledger.com. The primary interface.
Ledger Live App (Mobile): Available on iOS and Android via official app stores. Offers core features on-the-go (view, receive, buy, stake). Sending requires device confirmation.
Security: Acts as an interface; your private keys remain solely on the Ledger® device.

6. Key Concepts Clarified

Ledger.com: The official website for information, support, and the ledger.com/start portal.
Ledger Live Download: Always sourced from ledger.com/start, ledger.com, or official app stores (mobile). Never third-party sites.
"Ledger Live Login": Misnomer. You unlock your device physically. Ledger Live® itself doesn't have a traditional username/password login for accessing funds – it relies entirely on the connected, unlocked hardware device.

Ledger® Setup & Usage FAQ

Q1: Why must I use ledger.com/start? Can't I just download Ledger Live® elsewhere?
A: ledger.com/start ensures you get the genuine Ledger Live® installer and the correct setup flow for your device. Downloading from unofficial sources risks malware that could compromise your recovery phrase during setup. Always start here.

Q2: What if I lose my 24-word Recovery Phrase?
A: Your funds are irrecoverable. The recovery phrase is the only backup of your private keys. Store it permanently offline and securely. Never store it digitally.

Q3: Do I need an internet connection for my Ledger® device itself?
A: No. The Ledger® device operates offline. Only Ledger Live® (on your computer/phone) needs internet to communicate with blockchain networks. Your keys remain offline.

Q4: Can I use Ledger Live® without a Ledger® device?
A: You can download and explore Ledger Live®, but you cannot access, manage, or secure funds without a connected Ledger® hardware wallet. The device is mandatory for security.

Q5: Is Ledger Live® free? Are there hidden fees?
A: Ledger Live® is free software. You only pay:

Standard blockchain network (miner) fees for transactions.
Fees charged by third-party partners for Buy/Sell/Swap services (clearly displayed).
The cost of the Ledger® hardware device itself.

Q6: My Ledger Live® Desktop doesn't detect my device. What do I do?
A: Try these steps:

Ensure the device is unlocked (PIN entered) and connected securely (try a different USB cable/port if wired).
For Nano X: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both device and computer/phone; re-pair if needed.
Close and reopen Ledger Live®.
Update Ledger Live® and your device firmware (via Ledger Live® Manager).
Restart your computer/phone.
Consult the troubleshooting guide on ledger.com/support.

Begin Your Secure Journey
By starting at ledger.com/start and following the guided setup within Ledger Live®, you establish an unparalleled level of security for your cryptocurrency. Your private keys remain offline, under your physical control. Visit ledger.com today to choose your device and take the first step towards true digital asset ownership.