Ledger Start — Secure your hardware wallet
Step-by-step setup, strong protection, and clear guidance for self-custody.
Welcome
Welcome to Ledger Start — the easiest, most secure way to take control of your crypto. Whether you’re new to digital assets or a seasoned trader, Ledger Start guides you step-by-step to set up a hardware wallet that keeps your private keys offline and your funds safe.
A hardware wallet is a physical device that stores the secret information needed to spend cryptocurrencies. By keeping that information off your computer and phone, a hardware wallet defends against hacking, phishing, and malware.
At Ledger Start we make security simple: clear instructions, friendly design, and smart features that protect your coins without slowing you down.
Get started in minutes: unbox your Ledger device, follow the guided setup, create a recovery phrase, and connect to Ledger Live — our companion app for managing assets, checking balances, and installing apps.
Ledger Live supports hundreds of tokens and offers portfolio overviews, transaction history, and seamless exchanges via integrated partners.
We built Ledger Start for people who value control, peace of mind, and transparency. Your private keys never leave the device, and you always own your crypto — not a custodian.
Security made friendly
Features you’ll love include PIN protection, passphrase support, device attestation to verify authenticity, and firmware updates delivered securely. Every step of the setup includes helpful prompts and safety tips so you can avoid common mistakes. If you misplace your device, recover your wallet with your recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet — but keep the phrase secret and offline.
Before you begin, make sure you have a clean workspace, the device that came in the box, and a pen to write down your recovery phrase. Do not store your recovery phrase digitally — never photograph or upload it.
During setup you’ll select a PIN code. Choose something memorable but not obvious. The device will confirm each action physically by requiring input on the device itself, preventing remote hacks.
Ledger devices are manufactured with supply-chain protections and each device includes a tamper-evident seal. Verify the seal when you unbox and follow the device attestation steps in Ledger Live to confirm authenticity.
Ledger Start also explains how to update firmware safely, connect to trusted partners for swaps, and customize your device settings for ease of use. You’ll learn how to verify addresses on-screen before sending, reducing the risk of address-manipulation attacks.
Advanced and community
For advanced users, Ledger Start covers using passphrases to create multiple hidden accounts, integrating with third-party wallets, and managing NFTs and decentralized applications. We provide best practices for backing up and rotating keys to keep a secure operational posture.
Customer support is ready to help if you run into any issues — our guides and community resources cover frequently asked questions, recovery scenarios, and troubleshooting steps. Remember: Ledger Support will never ask for your recovery phrase.
We care deeply about privacy: Ledger Start requires minimal personal data and focuses on device-level security. Your device generates keys locally, ensuring maximum privacy and true ownership of your assets.
If you’re moving funds from an exchange to self-custody, Ledger Start walks you through receiving funds securely and confirms transactions with on-device verification. Moving to self-custody reduces counterparty risk and gives you full control of your holdings.
Ready to begin?
Start today and join millions of people choosing self-custody with Ledger. Protect your crypto with hardware designed for the long term: durable, portable, and built with the latest cryptographic standards. Whether you’re saving, trading, or collecting NFTs, Ledger Start helps you protect what matters while keeping the experience simple and delightful.
Ready to begin? Click “Get Started” to start the guided setup, learn step-by-step, and secure your digital assets with confidence.