Lédger.com/Start® | Getting started — Lédger® Support

Welcome to the official starting point for securing your cryptocurrency and digital assets. Ledger.com/Start is your essential roadmap to setting up your new Ledger device—whether it's a Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax. This guide is designed to walk you through the initial setup, ensuring you can confidently manage altcoins, connect to dApps, engage with DeFi, and store your seed phrase with ultimate safety.

Why Start with Ledger? The Foundation of Self-Custody

In the world of Web3, "Not your keys, not your coins" is the fundamental principle. A Ledger hardware wallet is a secure DeFi wallet and mobile crypto wallet companion that gives you true ownership. Unlike software wallets or exchange accounts, your private keys—the secret codes that control your assets—are generated and stored offline in your device's secure chip. This makes them immune to remote hacks, providing a fortress for your Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of altcoins.

Step-by-Step: Unboxing to First Transaction

1. Initial Setup and Device Initialization

• Unbox & Connect: Carefully unbox your Ledger device. You will find the hardware wallet itself, a USB cable, and a recovery sheet. Connect your device to your computer or smartphone using the cable (for Bluetooth-enabled models like the Nano X, you can also pair via Bluetooth with the Ledger Live mobile app).
• Download Ledger Live: The next crucial step is to download Ledger Live, the official companion application, from the official Ledger website. Never download it from a third-party source. It's available for desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and as a mobile crypto wallet app (iOS, Android).
• Initialize Your Device: Follow the on-screen instructions in Ledger Live. Your device will prompt you to set a strong PIN code—a critical first layer of physical security.

2. The Most Critical Step: Writing Your Recovery Phrase (Seed Phrase)

• Generation: Your device will generate a unique 24-word Recovery Phrase (or seed phrase). This is the master key to your entire crypto portfolio.
• Safeguarding: Store this phrase safely and offline. Write each word in the exact order on your provided recovery sheet. Never, ever:
  • Take a digital photo or screenshot of it.
  • Store it in a cloud service or note-taking app.
  • Type it on a keyboard.
  • Share it with anyone, under any circumstance.
• This phrase is your last line of defense. If your device is lost or damaged, this phrase alone can restore all your accounts on a new Ledger or compatible wallet.

3. Installing Apps and Adding Accounts

• Install Asset Apps: Your Ledger device manages assets via small applications. Open the "Manager" tab in Ledger Live. Here, you can install apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and all the altcoins you wish to manage. These apps are lightweight and don't store the assets themselves—they just enable the interface.
• Create Your Accounts: After installing an app (e.g., Bitcoin), you can add an account for that asset in Ledger Live. The app will derive your public address. Double-check that the address shown on your Ledger's screen matches the one shown in Ledger Live before receiving funds.

4. Managing Assets and Exploring the Ecosystem

• Send/Receive: To receive crypto, use the "Receive" function in Ledger Live, verify the address on your device's screen, and share that address with the sender. To send, initiate the transaction in Ledger Live, but physically verify and confirm all details (amount, address, fees) on your Ledger device before pressing the buttons to approve.
• Staking and Earning: Use Ledger Live to securely stake assets like ETH, DOT, or ADA directly from your wallet to earn rewards, all while your keys remain secured offline.
• Connect to dApps and DeFi: One of the most powerful features is using your Ledger as a secure DeFi wallet. When you visit a decentralized application (like Uniswap, Aave, or a NFT marketplace), you can connect via "WalletConnect" or directly. Your Ledger device will sign every transaction, allowing you to trade, lend, borrow, and mint NFTs without exposing your private keys to the internet or the dApp's frontend.

Security Best Practices: Staying Secure

• Firmware Updates: Always keep your Ledger device's firmware and the Ledger Live application updated to benefit from the latest security patches and features.
• Verification is Key: Always verify transaction details on your device's screen. This protects you from malware that might alter information on your computer.
• Beware of Phishing: Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. Be vigilant against fake emails, websites, and support scams. Always navigate to the official site directly.

By following this guide from Ledger.com/Start, you have taken the most important step in your crypto journey: securing your assets with industry-leading technology. You are now ready to explore the vast world of crypto with confidence, knowing you hold the keys.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main purpose of the Ledger.com/Start page?
The Ledger.com/Start page is the official, step-by-step guide for setting up any new Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax). It ensures users initialize their device correctly, safeguard their recovery phrase, and install the necessary software to begin managing their crypto assets securely.

2. How do I safely store my 24-word recovery seed phrase?
You must write down the 24 words in the exact order on the provided recovery sheet and store it in a secure, private, and offline location—like a fireproof safe or a safety deposit box. Never digitize it (no photos, cloud storage, or text files). Anyone with access to this phrase can control your funds.

3. Can I use my Ledger device to interact with DeFi protocols and NFT marketplaces?
Absolutely. Your Ledger device functions as a ultra-secure DeFi wallet. You can connect it to decentralized applications (dApps) via browser extensions or WalletConnect. Your device will sign all transactions, allowing you to swap tokens, provide liquidity, or buy NFTs while keeping your private keys offline and secure.

4. Is Ledger Live necessary, and can I use the wallet on my mobile phone?
Yes, Ledger Live is the essential official companion app for managing your portfolio, installing apps on your device, and performing firmware updates. It also has a full-featured mobile crypto wallet app (iOS/Android) that pairs with Bluetooth-enabled devices like the Ledger Nano X, allowing you to manage assets and receive notifications on the go.

5. What happens if I lose my Ledger device or it gets damaged?
As long as you have your securely stored 24-word recovery phrase, your funds are safe. Simply purchase a new Ledger (or any BIP39-compatible wallet), select the "Restore from Recovery Phrase" option during setup, and enter your words. Your complete wallet, with all accounts and assets, will be restored.

6. How many different altcoins can I manage with a Ledger wallet?
Ledger devices support over 5,500 coins and tokens. You manage them by installing small "apps" for each blockchain onto your device via Ledger Live. Due to limited storage on some models (like the Nano S Plus), you may need to uninstall one app to install another, but this never affects your stored assets, which remain safely on the blockchain.

Conclusion

Starting your journey with a Ledger hardware wallet from Ledger.com/Start is the definitive move towards achieving financial sovereignty in the digital age. It transforms the complex world of cryptocurrency management into a secure, intuitive, and empowering experience. By diligently following the setup—particularly the safeguarding of your recovery phrase—you establish an unshakeable foundation. From managing diverse altcoins and connecting seamlessly to dApps, to using it as your primary DeFi wallet and mobile crypto wallet companion, Ledger provides the tools to explore Web3 with unparalleled confidence. Remember, in this new paradigm, security and self-custody are not just features; they are the entire point. Your journey to true ownership begins here.