Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started — Ledger

In an age where digital assets are increasingly valuable, security and proper setup are the foundation of every successful crypto journey. If you’ve purchased a Ledger hardware wallet — such as the Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax — the first step to securing your digital wealth is visiting Ledger.com/start, the official onboarding portal provided by Ledger. This page is specifically designed to help both beginners and experienced users set up their devices securely and confidently.

🔍 What Is Ledger.com/Start?

Ledger.com/start is the central, official page Ledger offers for new users to begin managing their hardware wallet. From this portal, you can:

  • Download the official Ledger Live (now called Ledger Wallet) software for desktop or mobile.
  • Follow step-by-step instructions on initializing your hardware wallet.
  • Learn best practices for protecting your recovery phrase and setting up security features.
  • Access verified firmware updates, tutorials, and support resources.

Users are strongly advised to type the URL directly into their browser to avoid phishing pages or scam links.

🔐 Security — Why Ledger Leads the Industry

Security is the core reason millions worldwide trust Ledger for self-custody:

📌 Cold Storage Means Ultimate Protection

Your private keys (the cryptographic secret giving you ownership of your crypto) are generated and stored completely offline inside your Ledger device. They never touch the internet — even during transactions. This cold storage model helps guard against remote hacks, malware, or compromised computers.

📌 Secure Element and PIN Protection

Ledger hardware wallets contain a specialized Secure Element chip (similar to those found in passports and credit cards) that isolates and encrypts sensitive data. A PIN code — chosen during setup — protects access to the device itself and must be entered physically on the device for any transaction.

📌 Verified Firmware and Genuine Checks

Through Ledger Live, your device’s firmware is verified to ensure authenticity. This prevents cloned or tampered hardware from compromising your assets.

📌 Recovery Phrase Protection

During setup, you’ll receive a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the only backup to restore your wallet if the device is lost. Ledger never stores this phrase — keeping you in total control of your assets.

🌟 Key Benefits of Using Ledger.com/Start

Starting with Ledger.com/start brings several advantages:

  • Verified software downloads prevent exposure to fake or infected applications.
  • Intuitive onboarding helps avoid common setup mistakes that could compromise security.
  • Wide crypto support (5,000+ assets) and features like staking, swaps, and real-time portfolio tracking via Ledger Wallet.
  • Cross-platform compatibility across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

⚙️ Advanced Usage & New Features

For intermediate and advanced users, Ledger continues to expand capabilities:

🚀 Passphrase & Hidden Wallets

You can enable an optional passphrase — an extra word that creates a hidden wallet for added privacy and layer of security.

🔄 DeFi, dApps, and Third-Party Integration

Ledger hardware wallets can connect to decentralized apps (dApps) via secure bridges like WalletConnect, letting users interact with DeFi protocols without exposing private keys.

🆕 Enhanced Backup Options

New features such as optional advanced recovery solutions and physical Recovery Key devices provide more flexible recovery methods beyond the traditional seed phrase.

📌 Final Thoughts

Ledger.com/start isn’t just a setup page — it’s your first line of defense in securing your digital assets. By beginning here, you ensure that your wallet setup is authentic, secure, and equipped with the latest tools and guidance from Ledger itself. Whether you’re storing Bitcoin for the first time or expanding into NFTs and DeFi, Ledger’s ecosystem empowers you with control, security, and peace of mind.