Ledger.com/start Guide – Easy Ledger Wallet Setup

Getting Started with Your Ledger Hardware Wallet: Your Guide to Secure Crypto Ownership

Whether you're taking your first steps into cryptocurrency or are an experienced trader, securing your digital assets is your number one priority. This guide will walk you through the initial setup of your Ledger hardware wallet—a device trusted by over seven million users worldwide—and explain the core principles that make it a cornerstone of crypto security.

Step 1: Download the Official Ledger Wallet™ App

Your first and most crucial step is to download the official Ledger Wallet™ app, which is your all-in-one companion software for managing your digital assets. This app, which is compatible with both desktop and mobile devices, is the secure gateway to buying, selling, swapping, and tracking over 15,000 different cryptocurrencies and tokens.

Important: Always download the app directly from the official Ledger website at Ledger.com/start to avoid counterfeit software. Your security journey begins with this trusted application.

Step 2: Set Up Your Hardware Device

After installing the app, you'll connect your Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Ledger Stax device. The setup process creates the foundation of your security.

Create a Strong PIN Code: Your device will prompt you to set up a 4 to 8-digit PIN code. This PIN is your first physical layer of defense. Without it, no one can access your device or sign transactions.

Write Down Your Recovery Phrase: Next, your device will generate a 24-word secret recovery phrase. This is the master key to your entire crypto portfolio. Write it down by hand on the provided card and store it offline in a safe, fireproof, and waterproof place. Never digitize this phrase—do not type it on your computer, store it in the cloud, or take a photo of it.

Understanding Your Ledger’s Core Security

What makes a Ledger device different from software wallets on your phone? The answer lies in its multi-layered security model, designed to protect you from both digital and physical threats.

Offline Storage & Secure Element: Unlike "hot" wallets connected to the internet, a Ledger device stores your private keys in a Secure Element chip, the same certified chip used in bank cards and passports. This chip keeps your keys in an isolated, offline environment, far from online hackers.

The Secure Screen: One of Ledger's unique security features is its secure screen. In many cyber-attacks, hackers tamper with what you see on your computer or phone screen to trick you. The secure screen on your Ledger device is driven directly by the Secure Element chip, guaranteeing that the transaction details you approve are tamper-proof. This "What You See Is What You Sign" principle is critical for verifying every transaction.

Continuous Protection: Your security is proactive. Features like Transaction Check act like an antivirus, scanning transactions for malicious smart contracts before you sign them. Furthermore, Clear Signing translates complex blockchain code into plain, readable language on your device's screen, so you never have to "blind sign" a transaction you don't understand.

Beyond Storage: Using Your Assets Securely

A Ledger does more than just store crypto; it enables you to actively and safely participate in the digital economy through the Ledger Wallet™ app.

Feature	What It Lets You Do	Key Benefit
Cross-Chain Swaps	Trade assets across different blockchains (e.g., Bitcoin for Ethereum) directly within the app.	Maintain true self-custody; your private keys never leave your device, unlike using a centralized exchange.
Earn Staking Rewards	Stake assets like ETH, SOL, or DOT to potentially earn rewards directly from your secure wallet.	Generate yield securely without handing over control of your assets to a third-party platform.
Dollar-Cost Averaging	Set up automated, recurring purchases of crypto like Bitcoin or Ethereum.	Build your portfolio consistently and automate your strategy while assets go directly to your self-custodied wallet.
NFT Management	Visually manage, display, and secure your digital art and collectibles from the app.	Enjoy and showcase your NFTs while keeping them in the safety of cold storage.

Staying Secure: Your Role as the Final Layer

The Ledger ecosystem provides powerful tools, but you are the final and most important layer of security. The company has an exemplary track record, with zero devices hacked since its founding. Most losses occur due to user error or scams, not technical failures.

Guard Your Recovery Phrase and PIN: These are the keys to your kingdom. Anyone with access to them has access to your funds. Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase.

Verify, Then Trust: Always double-check transaction addresses on your Ledger's secure screen against your computer screen. Be cautious of unsolicited requests and too-good-to-be-true opportunities.

Keep Firmware Updated: Regular firmware updates delivered through the Ledger Wallet™ app contain vital security enhancements tested by Ledger's in-house team of security experts, the Donjon.

By following these steps and principles, you do more than just set up a wallet—you establish a secure foundation for your financial future in the digital age. Your Ledger device gives you the confidence to explore, transact, and grow your assets, knowing that you are always in full control.