Lédger.com/Start® | Getting started with Ledger Wallet

Welcome to Ledger.com/Start, your gateway to securing your cryptocurrency investments with industry-leading hardware wallet technology. In an era where digital assets are becoming increasingly valuable, protecting your investments has never been more critical. Ledger provides you with the tools and security infrastructure needed to safeguard your cryptocurrencies against theft, hacking, and unauthorized access.

Ledger hardware wallets are designed with one primary goal: keeping your private keys offline and secure. Unlike software wallets that store your keys on internet-connected devices, Ledger uses a certified secure chip to isolate your private keys from potential online threats. This "cold storage" approach ensures that even if your computer is compromised, your cryptocurrencies remain safe and inaccessible to hackers.

Getting started with your Ledger device is straightforward and user-friendly. Whether you're a cryptocurrency veteran or just beginning your journey into digital assets, our step-by-step setup process guides you through every stage. From unboxing your device to making your first transaction, Ledger Live—our comprehensive companion application—provides an intuitive interface that makes managing your portfolio simple and secure.

The Ledger ecosystem supports over 5,500 different cryptocurrencies and tokens, giving you the flexibility to manage diverse portfolios from a single, secure device. From Bitcoin and Ethereum to emerging altcoins and DeFi tokens, your Ledger wallet serves as a universal vault for all your digital assets. You can buy, sell, swap, and stake cryptocurrencies directly through Ledger Live, creating a seamless experience that combines security with functionality.

Security is at the heart of everything Ledger does. Each device undergoes rigorous testing and certification processes to meet the highest industry standards. The secure element chip used in Ledger devices is the same technology that protects credit cards and passports, certified to CC EAL5+ level. Additionally, Ledger's proprietary operating system, BOLOS, provides an extra layer of security by creating isolated environments for each cryptocurrency application.

One of the most important aspects of using a Ledger wallet is understanding and protecting your 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the master key to your cryptocurrency holdings—it allows you to recover your assets if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. During the setup process, you'll write down this phrase on a recovery sheet provided with your device. It's crucial to store this phrase in a secure, offline location and never share it with anyone, including Ledger support staff.

Ledger Live, the companion application for your hardware wallet, transforms how you interact with your cryptocurrencies. Available on desktop and mobile platforms, Ledger Live provides a real-time overview of your portfolio, price charts, transaction history, and market insights. You can manage multiple accounts across different cryptocurrencies, track your portfolio's performance, and execute transactions—all while maintaining the security of your hardware wallet.

Beyond basic storage and transactions, Ledger opens up the world of decentralized finance (DeFi) to you. Through integrations with popular DeFi platforms, you can stake your cryptocurrencies to earn rewards, participate in lending protocols, and interact with decentralized applications—all while keeping your private keys secure on your Ledger device. This combination of security and functionality positions Ledger as more than just a storage solution; it's a complete platform for managing your digital asset journey.

Setting up your Ledger device takes just a few minutes. Start by connecting your device to your computer or smartphone, then download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Follow the on-screen instructions to initialize your device, create your PIN code, and generate your recovery phrase. Once setup is complete, you can immediately begin adding accounts for your favorite cryptocurrencies and transferring your assets to your secure hardware wallet.

Ledger's commitment to security extends beyond the device itself. The company maintains a robust bug bounty program, inviting security researchers worldwide to identify and report vulnerabilities. Regular firmware updates ensure your device stays protected against emerging threats, while the Ledger Security Team continuously monitors the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency security to keep you protected.

Join millions of users worldwide who trust Ledger to protect their digital assets. Whether you're holding Bitcoin for the long term, trading Ethereum regularly, or exploring the latest DeFi opportunities, Ledger provides the security foundation you need to participate in the cryptocurrency revolution with confidence. Visit Ledger.com/Start today to begin your journey toward complete cryptocurrency security and take control of your digital financial future.