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Welcome to Ledger: Where Your Digital Sovereignty Begins

In the world of digital value, true ownership isn't just about acquisition—it's about uncompromising security. At Ledger, we are more than a wallet; we are the foundation for your digital sovereignty. Since 2014, we have set the global standard for securing crypto assets, empowering over 6 million individuals across 200 countries to buy, secure, exchange, and grow their digital wealth with absolute confidence. Your keys, your coins. This is where you take control.

Step Into Secure Crypto Ownership

ledger.com/start is your dedicated portal to begin securing your cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and digital assets. We combine best-in-class hardware wallets with the intuitive Ledger Live platform to create a seamless bridge between ironclad security and everyday usability.

Why Your Journey Starts With Ledger:

  • Military-Grade Security: Our devices are powered by a Secure Element chip, a tamper-resistant component certified to the highest civilian security standard (CC EAL5+). Your private keys are generated and stored offline, never exposed to the internet.

  • Uncompromising Self-Custody: Move beyond exchanges. With a Ledger, you hold the private keys—the literal keys to your digital wealth. We provide the vault; you hold the only key.

  • One Ecosystem, Infinite Possibilities: Ledger Live is your mission control. Securely buy 80+ coins with credit card or bank transfer, swap tokens in seconds, earn rewards through staking, and manage a unified portfolio of 5,500+ assets.

  • Gateway to Web3: Confidently explore decentralized finance (DeFi), collect NFTs, and interact with thousands of dApps. Your Ledger device signs every transaction, keeping your keys safe even when connecting to new applications.

Your Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Follow these simple, secure steps to activate your Ledger device and begin your secure crypto journey.

Step 1: Unbox Your Ledger

Your box contains your Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax device, a USB cable, a keychain strap, and three recovery sheets. Ensure the packaging seal is intact. Connect your device to your computer using the included USB cable.

Step 2: Initialize & Create Your PIN

Press the side button to power on your device. Select "Configure as new device." You will then set a PIN code (4 to 8 digits). This is your first line of defense—it physically locks your device. Anyone without the PIN cannot access it.

Step 3: Safeguard Your Recovery Phrase

Your device will now generate a unique, random 24-word Recovery Phrase. This is your master key.

  • Write each word in order on your recovery sheet.

  • This is non-negotiable: Never digitize these words. No photos, no typing, no cloud storage. The paper stays offline. Store multiple copies in secure, separate physical locations (e.g., safe, safety deposit box).

  • Ledger will NEVER ask for this phrase. Anyone who does is a scammer.

Step 4: Install Ledger Live – Your Command Center

On your computer or smartphone, visit ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live, the official app. It's your secure dashboard for managing all your crypto activities. Install and open the application.

Step 5: Connect & Verify

In Ledger Live, select "Get started" and choose your Ledger device. Follow the on-screen prompts. The app will ask you to "Verify Genuineness," a critical process that confirms your device is authentic and has not been tampered with. Always ensure this check passes.

Step 6: Install Apps & Add Accounts

Your device can run specific apps for each cryptocurrency. In Ledger Live, go to the "Manager" tab, connect your device, and install apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Then, go to "Accounts" and "Add account" for each crypto you own. Your device will confirm each action.

Step 7: You're Ready. Take Control.

You are now sovereign. To receive crypto, get your address from Ledger Live (confirmed on device). To send or swap, initiate in Ledger Live and physically approve the transaction on your device. Your keys never leave the secure chip.

Ledger Live: The Heart of Your Crypto Experience

Ledger Live transforms security into simplicity. It’s the one app for everything:

  • Buy: Use our integrated partners (Coinify, MoonPay, etc.) to buy crypto with fiat, sent directly to your secure Ledger accounts.

  • Grow: Earn rewards on assets like ETH, DOT, SOL, and ATOM through non-custodial staking—you keep possession while earning.

  • Swap: Exchange one crypto for another directly within Ledger Live with optimal rates sourced from leading exchanges.

  • Discover: Access curated Web3 applications and services like Lido, Aave, and OpenSea through the secure "Discover" tab, using your Ledger as the gateway.

  • Track: Watch your entire portfolio’s performance in real-time with clear charts and insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I lose my Recovery Phrase?
If you lose your 24-word Recovery Phrase, it is irrecoverable. Not even Ledger can retrieve it. This is the core of self-custody. If you also lose your device, your funds will be permanently lost. This is why backing up your phrase on paper and storing it securely is the single most important step. We recommend using a Ledger Recovery Phrase backup solution like Ledger Recover (an optional, paid, ID-based service) for an additional backup layer.

2. Is my Ledger device future-proof? Will it support new coins?
Yes. You can manage over 5,500 coins and tokens today. Support for new assets is continuously added via free app installations through Ledger Live Manager. Firmware updates (free) ensure your device remains compatible with the latest protocols and security standards.

3. Can I use one Ledger device for multiple portfolios?
Yes. You can create multiple accounts for the same cryptocurrency (e.g., separate Bitcoin accounts for savings and spending). For complete separation, you can generate a second, independent PIN on the same device, which will create a whole new set of accounts tied to a different 24-word phrase. It’s like having two separate wallets in one device.

4. How does Ledger Live ensure my privacy?
Ledger Live is a non-custodial interface. It does not hold your assets or private keys. For features like buying and swapping, you interact with regulated third-party partners. Portfolio data is derived from public blockchain addresses. You can disable balance tracking for specific accounts for increased privacy.

5. What’s the difference between the Nano S Plus and the Nano X?

  • Ledger Nano S Plus: Our versatile entry-point. Features a large screen and secure storage for 100+ apps. USB-C only, perfect for desktop-first users seeking premium security at a great price.

  • Ledger Nano X: Our flagship for mobility. Has Bluetooth connectivity to pair with Ledger Live Mobile on iOS/Android, and larger storage for 100+ apps. Ideal for users who actively manage crypto on the go.

6. Is connecting my Ledger to MetaMask or other wallets safe?
Yes, this is a core strength. When you "Connect Hardware Wallet" to MetaMask, Phantom, or others, you are using your Ledger as a secure signer. The dApp or wallet can propose transactions, but only your Ledger device can approve them by physically pressing the buttons. Your private keys remain isolated in the Secure Element, never exposed to the potentially risky online environment.

Begin Your Secure Journey Today

From your first satoshi to a complex multi-chain portfolio, Ledger provides the confidence to navigate the future of finance. We don't just secure your assets; we secure your freedom to explore, invest, and own in the digital age.

Get Your Ledger | Download Ledger Live | Visit Support & Learning

Ledger. Own your tomorrow.

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