Welcome to Digital Ownership: Start Your Ledger Journey

Welcome toLedger.com/start, your essential first step into the world of secure, self-custodial digital asset management. Whether you're a crypto veteran or taking your first steps into Web3, your Ledger hardware wallet is the most critical tool for true ownership. This page is your comprehensive, 100% unique guide to setting up your device, downloading the must-have Ledger Live app, and connecting to the decentralized web with unparalleled security.

The crypto landscape demands personal responsibility, and Ledger provides the uncompromised security to meet that challenge. Your private keys—the actual proof of ownership for your Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, and more—remain offline, locked within the certified Secure Element chip of your device.

Ready to take control? Let’s begin.

1. Genuine Check: Ensuring Your Security

Before you even plug in, the first and most critical step is confirming your device's authenticity. A genuine Ledger device is the bedrock of your security.

⚠️ Stop and Verify:

  • Is the box sealed? The packaging should be intact and untampered with.
  • Is the Recovery Sheet blank? Your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase is generated on the device during the setup. If your device came with a pre-printed phrase, do not use it. Contact Ledger Support immediately.
  • Does it ask for a PIN? When you first connect it, a genuine device will always display “Welcome to Ledger Nano S Plus. Press right button to continue.” If it immediately asks for a PIN, do not use it.

Every Ledger device runs a cryptographic check of its internal firmware with the Ledger server every time you connect via Ledger Live. This process automatically verifies that your device is genuine and has not been compromised.

2. Download the Essential: Ledger Live

Ledger Live is your secure desktop and mobile gateway to manage, buy, sell, swap, and stake your digital assets, all while your private keys remain safely offline on your Ledger device.

Important: Always download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website or approved app stores. Searching and downloading from unverified sources is a common security risk.
  • Download for Desktop: Get the Windows, macOS, or Linux version.
  • Download for Mobile: Find the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Once installed, open Ledger Live and select your device model (e.g., Nano S Plus). The app will guide you with clear, interactive on-screen instructions that mirror your device setup.

3. Device Setup: Your Pin & Secret Recovery Phrase

This is the most crucial part of your journey. Follow the instructions precisely, as any mistake here could compromise your future access to your funds.

🔐 Step A: Set Your PIN Code

  1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the supplied cable.
  2. Press the right or left button to navigate and both buttons simultaneously to confirm.
  3. Select "Set up as new device" on the screen.
  4. Choose a unique 4-to-8 digit PIN code. An 8-digit PIN offers the best security.
  5. Re-enter the PIN to confirm. Memorize this PIN. It unlocks your device and is not a part of your online account.

📝 Step B: Write Down Your Secret Recovery Phrase

This 24-word phrase is the single, absolute backup of your private keys. It is the master key to your crypto assets. It will be displayed only once on your Ledger screen.

  1. Take the blank Recovery Sheet provided in your box.
  2. Follow the instructions on your Ledger screen to view each word, one by one.
  3. Write the 24 words down in order, exactly as they appear.
  4. Never type this phrase into a computer, smartphone, camera, or cloud storage. Keep it offline and secure—ideally in a fireproof safe.
  5. Your device will then prompt you to confirm random words from your list to ensure you have recorded them correctly.
Security Rule #1: Your Secret Recovery Phrase must never be digitized or shared with anyone, not even Ledger Support.

✅ Step C: Complete the Setup

Once the Secret Recovery Phrase confirmation is successful, your device will display, “Your device is ready.” You have successfully completed the secure initialization of your Ledger hardware wallet.

4. Final Steps: Using Ledger Live

With your device set up, the final steps are performed within the Ledger Live application.

  • Firmware Check: Ledger Live will automatically check and confirm that your device is running the latest, genuine Ledger operating system.
  • Install Apps: Use the Manager section in Ledger Live to install the blockchain apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). You need the corresponding app on your device to manage an asset.
  • Add Accounts: Create accounts for your installed cryptocurrencies. This is how you generate the public addresses (like a bank account number) where you will receive your crypto.

💡 Your Next Step: Explore Secure Management

Congratulations! You are now the secure owner of your digital assets. Ledger Live is your control center for the new digital economy.

  • Send & Receive: Generate your public receiving addresses and securely approve transactions.
  • Discover: Explore the Web3 world—DEXs, DeFi, and NFTs—all secured by your device.
  • Learn: Visit the Ledger Academy for in-depth educational content to expand your knowledge of crypto and security.