🔰 Welcome to Ledger - A New Era of Crypto Security
Ledger® is the leading provider of secure hardware wallets used to store cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of other digital assets. If you just received your Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax — you're only a few minutes away from complete control over your crypto.
This guide will walk you through your first steps with your device via Ledger.com/Start, the official starting point.
🧰 What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before you plug in your device, make sure you have the following:
- ✅ Your Ledger device (Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Stax)
- ✅ The original USB cable (USB-C or USB-A depending on model)
- ✅ Access to a computer or smartphone
- ✅ Paper and pen (for your recovery phrase)
It’s extremely important to verify that your Ledger is brand new and untampered. Never use a device that came with a recovery phrase or has been pre-configured.
🌐 Step 1: Go to Ledger.com/Start
This is the only official place to begin your Ledger journey. When you visit the site, you’ll be directed to download the Ledger Live app — the software interface that lets you manage your device.
- 🖥️ Download for Windows, macOS, or Linux
- 📱 Or download for Android/iOS from your app store
- 🔒 Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com
🔌 Step 2: Connect & Initialize Your Device
Once Ledger Live is installed, you can begin the setup:
- Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the USB cable
- Select “Set up as new device” on the device
- Choose a PIN code (4 to 8 digits)
- Write down the 24-word recovery phrase shown on the screen
- Confirm your phrase directly on the device
This phrase is your backup key. Store it offline. If you lose it, you could lose access to your crypto forever.
🔗 Step 3: Verify Device Authenticity
After setting your PIN and recovery phrase, Ledger Live will check that your device is authentic. This ensures the firmware hasn’t been tampered with.
- 🔍 Ledger Live runs an automated check via USB
- 🟢 Once verified, you can proceed to install apps and add accounts
- 📲 No blockchain data is stored on the device itself
💼 Step 4: Add Crypto Accounts
With your device now set up, you can add accounts for various cryptocurrencies:
- 📥 Go to “Accounts” in Ledger Live
- ➕ Click “Add account”
- 💾 Choose the cryptocurrency and install its app onto your device
- 🔐 Confirm on your Ledger to authorize app installation
Ledger supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, BNB, and thousands of tokens. You can even stake coins like DOT, ADA, and ATOM right from Ledger Live.
💳 Receiving & Sending Crypto
To receive crypto:
- 📩 Click “Receive” in Ledger Live
- 📋 Choose the account (e.g., Bitcoin)
- 🔎 Verify the address on your device screen
- 📨 Share the verified address with the sender
To send crypto:
- ✉️ Click “Send” in Ledger Live
- 📬 Enter the recipient address and amount
- 🔐 Confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device
🧠 Protecting Your Recovery Phrase
Your 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your crypto. It must be:
- 📝 Written on paper and stored securely
- 📦 Kept away from fire, water, and theft
- 📵 Never stored in cloud storage, photos, or notes apps
- 👤 Never shared with anyone — not even Ledger support
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the official app that connects with your Ledger device, lets you manage your coins, and perform transactions securely.
Can I use Ledger with MetaMask?
Yes, advanced users can connect their Ledger hardware wallet to MetaMask for DeFi and NFT management. Always verify interactions on your device screen.
What happens if I forget my PIN?
If you forget your PIN, you can reset the device and recover it using your 24-word phrase. This is why securing your recovery phrase is vital.
Is Ledger open source?
Ledger's software (Ledger Live) is partly open source. However, the hardware firmware is proprietary for security reasons.
🆘 Need Support?
If you're stuck or need help, visit the Ledger Support Center for official guidance, troubleshooting tips, and contact options.
You can also find Ledger's setup videos and community guides on YouTube and Twitter.