Ledger.com/start — Start, Secure, and Own Your Crypto
A friendly, step-by-step guide for beginners and intermediate users explaining how to set up a Ledger hardware wallet safely, avoid scams, and adopt smart custody practices for Bitcoin, Ethereum and tokens.
Cold storage
Private keys
Seed phrase
Quick Checklist
• Go to ledger.com/start
• Download Ledger Live
• Initialize device & save 24-word seed
• Install coin apps, verify addresses
Why Ledger.com/start is the single most important page you'll visit
Ledger.com/start is the official onboarding portal from Ledger. It ensures you download authentic Ledger Live software, apply verified firmware, and initialize your hardware wallet without falling for phishing or counterfeit device traps. Think of it as the secure doorway into self-custody — where you keep your private keys under your control rather than trusting an exchange or online wallet.
Analogy — Your Ledger is a Safe, Ledger.com/start is the Locksmith
Imagine your crypto is a stack of gold bars. Exchanges are like banks that say they will hold your bars — but banks can be hacked or go bankrupt. Ledger is a personal safe; the device stores the combination (your private keys) offline. Ledger.com/start is the locksmith who installs the safe correctly — if you hire a fake locksmith (phishing site), your safe gets a backdoor. This guide teaches you to hire the right locksmith every time.
Core principles
• Self-custody
• Verified downloads
• Offline key storage
• Recovery planning
Step 1 — Open the Official Door
Type ledger.com/start directly into your browser. Do not click email links or search ads. Verify the TLS padlock and domain exactly — attackers often create close imitations.
Step 2 — Download Ledger Live
From the site, get Ledger Live for your OS (Windows/macOS/Linux/iOS/Android). Only use downloads linked from ledger.com — never third-party mirrors.
Step 3 — Initialize Your Device
Connect your Ledger Nano. Follow Ledger Live to create a new device, set a secure PIN and write down the 24-word recovery phrase. Store it offline — never photograph or store digitally.
Step 4 — Install Coin Apps
Install apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) via Ledger Live. Each app allows secure signing of transactions for that blockchain while keys remain on-device.
Step 5 — Test with Small Transfers
Before sending large amounts, transfer a small amount to confirm everything — address verification and transaction signing should show on the device screen.
Step 6 — Advanced: Passphrase & Split Backups
Add an optional passphrase (BIP39 passphrase) to create hidden wallets. Consider split backups or metal seed storage for resilience against fire/water damage.
At-a-glance: Hardware Wallet vs Software Wallet vs Exchange
Hardware (Ledger)
Security: Highest (cold storage)
Control: You hold private keys
Convenience: Medium (device needed)
Best for: Long-term holders, large balances
Software Wallet
Security: Medium (hot wallet)
Control: You hold keys (on device)
Convenience: High (quick access)
Best for: Trading, day-to-day use
Exchange Custodial
Security: Low → relies on provider
Control: Provider holds keys
Convenience: Very high
Best for: Liquidity, beginners (but risky)
Practical Security Checklist — Do this right after setup
• Confirm device authenticity via Ledger Live verification.
• Write the 24-word recovery on paper/metal and store >1 secure location.
• Never enter the recovery phrase into a computer or phone.
• Use the device screen to verify recipient addresses when sending.
• Update firmware via Ledger Live only — do not install random packages.
• Consider multi-device backups or multisig for large holdings.
FAQ — Common Questions
Q: Is ledger.com/start the only safe place to download Ledger Live?
A: Yes — always use the official domain. Bookmark it. Avoid search ads or links from unknown sources.
Q: What if I lose my Ledger device?
A: Your funds live on-chain. With the 24-word recovery phrase you can restore wallets on any compatible device.
Q: Can Ledger Live hold my coins?
A: Ledger Live is an interface — it does not custody your private keys. The hardware wallet signs transactions locally.
Q: Are NFTs supported?
A: Yes — Ledger supports many NFT standards via Ledger Live and compatible wallets like MetaMask for advanced flows.
Quick Glossary
Cold storage — keeping keys offline.
Seed phrase — 24 words that restore wallets.
Private key — cryptographic secret proving ownership.
Self-custody — you control your keys, not an exchange.
Ledger Live — official companion app to manage assets.
“Not your keys, not your coins.”
If you want control, learn to hold keys securely. Ledger.com/start helps you do exactly that — from verified downloads to safe recovery planning.
Best Practices (Beyond the Basics)
1) Metal backup: Store seed on steel plates rated for fire/water resistance.
2) Shamir or multisig: For high net-worth, split secrets across multiple devices or use multisig schemes to reduce single-point risk.
3) Air-gapped workflows: For the most sensitive funds, use an air-gapped computer to prepare transactions and sign with the Ledger offline.
4) Phishing vigilance: Ledger support will never ask for your seed. Treat any such request as a scam.
5) Regular verification: Periodically verify firmware and keep Ledger Live updated — but only through the official site.
Start Securely — Quick Action Plan
1) Manually visit ledger.com/start · 2) Download Ledger Live · 3) Initialize device and secure your 24-word seed · 4) Test with a micro transfer · 5) Upgrade backups for major holdings.
Protect: Cold storage
Plan: Metal backup
Verify: Ledger Live
About this guide
This article explains ledger.com/start setup, cold storage fundamentals, seed phrase best practices, and advanced options like passphrases and multisig. It mentions key crypto terms — private keys, seed phrase, cold storage, Ledger Live, and self-custody — to help you find this resource when searching for how to securely start with Ledger hardware wallets.