Secure your cryptocurrency assets with industry-leading hardware wallet technology. Follow our comprehensive setup guide to protect your digital wealth.
In the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency, security is paramount. Ledger.com/Start serves as your comprehensive guide to setting up and utilizing Ledger hardware wallets—the gold standard in crypto asset protection. Whether you've just purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X, this guide will walk you through every step of securing your digital assets with confidence.
Ledger hardware wallets are trusted by over 6 million users worldwide because they provide an unmatched level of security through offline storage and certified secure element technology. Unlike software wallets that remain connected to the internet and vulnerable to hacking attempts, Ledger devices keep your private keys completely offline, ensuring your cryptocurrency remains safe even if your computer is compromised.
Follow these simple steps to set up your Ledger hardware wallet and start securing your cryptocurrency assets
Carefully unpack your Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X. Verify that the box is sealed and contains your device, USB cable, Recovery Sheet, and getting started leaflet. Never use a device that appears tampered with.
Visit the official Ledger website and download Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Ledger Live is the companion app that lets you manage your crypto, install apps, and update your device firmware securely.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable. The device will power on automatically. Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the initialization process.
Set up a secure 4-8 digit PIN code that you'll use to unlock your Ledger device. Choose a PIN that's memorable but not easily guessable. You'll need to enter this PIN every time you connect your device.
Your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write each word carefully on your Recovery Sheet in the correct order. This phrase is the master key to your cryptocurrency—never share it or store it digitally.
Open Ledger Live and install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. Each cryptocurrency requires its own app on your device. You can install and uninstall apps anytime without affecting your holdings.
Industry-leading security features that protect your digital assets
Military-grade security with certified CC EAL5+ secure element chip, the same technology used in credit cards and passports to protect sensitive data.
Your private keys never leave the device and are never exposed to your computer or the internet, providing complete protection from remote attacks and malware.
Manage over 5,500 cryptocurrencies and tokens including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and all major altcoins from a single device with Ledger Live.
The cornerstone of Ledger's security architecture is the Secure Element chip, a tamper-resistant component that stores your private keys in an isolated environment. This means that even if your computer is infected with malware, hackers cannot access your cryptocurrency because the keys never leave the secure chip.
Every transaction you make with your Ledger device requires physical confirmation on the device itself. This two-factor authentication ensures that no transaction can be executed without your explicit approval, protecting you from unauthorized access even if someone gains access to your computer.
Your 24-word recovery phrase is generated using industry-standard BIP39 protocol and serves as a complete backup of your wallet. If your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can restore all your accounts and assets on a new device using this recovery phrase. Store it in a secure location, separate from your device, and never enter it into any computer or website.
Purchase your Ledger device only from Ledger.com or authorized retailers. Never buy from third-party sellers on marketplaces as devices may be compromised.
Never take a photo, screenshot, or digital copy of your recovery phrase. Write it on the Recovery Sheet and store it in a secure physical location.
Always check transaction details on your Ledger device screen before confirming. Never approve a transaction that you didn't initiate.
Regularly update your Ledger device firmware through Ledger Live to benefit from the latest security enhancements and features.
Everything you need to know about getting started with Ledger
Join millions of users worldwide who trust Ledger to protect their digital assets