Ledger.com/start — Manage Your Crypto with Security and Ease

Introduction — Why Ledger?

Ledger hardware wallets provide a proven, simple way to move your private keys offline and regain full ownership of your cryptocurrency. Ledger devices pair a compact, tamper-resistant device with Ledger Live — a desktop and mobile app that helps you manage accounts, check balances, send and receive assets, and interact with supported decentralized applications. This guide walks you through the essential steps on Ledger.com/start, from downloading official software to safeguarding your recovery phrase and using Ledger Live like a pro.

Who this is for

Whether you're brand new to crypto or moving from a custodial exchange to self-custody, this guide is written for everyday users who want clear, actionable steps. It covers setup, backups, everyday transfers, advanced features, and a security checklist to reduce mistakes that commonly lead to loss.

Core features you’ll use

• PK
  Cold Storage — Private keys are generated and stored on the Ledger device; signatures occur on-device so keys never leave the hardware.
• LL
  Ledger Live — A friendly companion app for portfolio overview, transaction building, firmware updates, and app management for each supported blockchain.
• SW
  Seamless Integration — Swap and earn features via audited partners (where available) let you exchange and grow holdings without exposing private keys.
• BG
  Backup & Recovery — Seed phrase (24 words) backup with optional security additions like passphrase support and third-party steel backups.

Step-by-step: Getting started on Ledger.com/start

The setup process is intentionally guided. Follow these steps carefully and never skip the backup step — losing the recovery phrase is the most common cause of permanent crypto loss.

1. Download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start

Visit Ledger.com/start and select your operating system. Always verify you are on the official site — type the URL manually if you're unsure. Ledger Live installers are signed and checksums are published. If you know how, verify the checksum or signature; otherwise confidently prefer the official site and avoid third-party package sites.

2. Connect your Ledger device

Use the supplied USB cable to connect your Ledger device to your computer or compatible mobile adapter. Open Ledger Live and follow the on-screen instructions. The device will show a welcome screen and ask you to choose to set up as a new device or restore an existing wallet.

3. Initialize and record your recovery phrase

If you create a new wallet, the Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write these words down precisely, in order, on a physical medium. NEVER store them digitally (not in photos, password managers, or cloud storage). Consider using dedicated steel backup plates for long-term durability against fire, water, and decay.

4. Set a PIN

Choose a PIN code that you can remember but that is not easily guessable. The PIN protects the device in case it is lost or stolen; the device will block brute-force attempts by increasing delays and wiping after many incorrect tries (if enabled).

5. Install apps and add accounts

Ledger devices use an app model: install only the apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) via Ledger Live. Each app lets you create and manage accounts for a specific blockchain. In Ledger Live, click "Manager" to install apps, then "Accounts" to add and name accounts for your assets.

Everyday use: send, receive, and monitor

Ledger Live shows portfolio balances, recent transactions, and account-level details. When sending crypto, Ledger Live constructs the transaction and the Ledger device displays the details (address, amount, fees) for you to verify and physically sign. This hardware confirmation is the most important security step — always compare addresses shown on your computer to the device display.

Receive safely

Always generate receive addresses inside Ledger Live with the device connected, then confirm the address on your Ledger's screen. Avoid copying addresses from receipts or third-party pages without confirmation on-device.

Transaction privacy & coin control

For Bitcoin users, advanced options like coin control help you choose which UTXOs to spend to preserve privacy or optimize fees. Use separate accounts to separate funds for taxes, savings, and daily spending.

Backup, recovery, and disaster planning

Your recovery phrase is the single point of recovery for all your funds — protect it like the most valuable key you own. Best practice: write it down in full, store copies in separate secure locations, and test recovery on a spare device (or using Ledger's test recovery flow) before trusting large balances solely to it.

Passphrase option

Ledger supports an optional passphrase which derives hidden wallets from the same recovery phrase. Passphrases are powerful for creating discrete accounts but are also unforgiving: loss of the passphrase means loss of the hidden funds. Only use passphrases if you understand how they affect recovery and backup procedures.

Security checklist — a quick, practical set of habits

• Always download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start — avoid third-party mirrors.
• Never share your recovery phrase or enter it into a computer or phone.
• Verify receive addresses on your Ledger device screen before sharing.
• Update firmware and Ledger Live from official sources only; read release notes before updating.
• Use hardware backups like steel plates for long-term protection against physical damage.
• Consider a dedicated device/computer for large transfers to reduce exposure to malware.

Common questions (FAQs)

Q: What if I lose my Ledger device?

A: If you have your 24-word recovery phrase you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger device or any compatible hardware wallet. Without the phrase, funds are irrecoverable.

Q: Can Ledger Live manage multiple cryptocurrencies?

A: Yes. Ledger Live supports a broad range of major blockchains and tokens. Some assets may rely on partner integrations or external explorers — Ledger Live will show recommended workflows.

Q: Is Ledger Live open source?

A: Ledger provides source code for many components and keeps documentation available; check Ledger's official repositories and documentation for details and verification steps.

Q: What is the difference between firmware and the Ledger Live app?

A: Firmware runs on the hardware device and controls key management and signing. Ledger Live is the companion app that interfaces with the device, displays balances, and helps manage apps. Both should be kept up to date from official sources.

Q: Are my private keys ever exposed to the internet?

A: No. Private keys are generated and remain on the device; only signed transactions leave the device. Ledger's architecture is designed to keep keys off-line during signing.

Final recommendations

The combination of a Ledger device and Ledger Live is designed to offer a secure, practical path to full custody of your crypto. The crucial decisions are simple: protect and test your recovery phrase, verify everything on-device, update only from official channels, and adopt a few routine habits that make accidental loss far less likely. Small upfront effort—writing down the seed carefully, testing recovery, and confirming addresses on-screen—pays off by preventing the most common forms of loss.