You’ve arrived at ledger.com/start, the official first step toward managing and safeguarding your digital assets. In a world where cryptocurrency is increasingly part of everyday life, having the right tools and practices in place sets you apart. This page walks you through everything you need to begin with confidence.
Many investors overlook one of the most critical pieces of the crypto puzzle: safely storing and accessing their crypto keys. The portal at ledger.com/start is designed to guide both newcomers and experienced users through setup in a way that emphasises security without sacrificing ease of use.
Before you begin setup, gather these key items to ensure the process goes smoothly:
Visit ledger.com/start and download the official app (often called “Ledger Live” or similar) for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android). After installation, open the app and follow the prompts to begin setup.
Plug in your hardware wallet using the supplied USB (or if supported, connect via Bluetooth). You’ll be prompted to initialise it as a new device. Choose this option unless you’re restoring from an existing seed.
Next, pick a secure PIN code (typically 4–8 digits) that’s memorable but not obviously tied to your personal info (e.g., avoid birthdays). Confirm the PIN when prompted.
This is the single most important part of the setup. Your device will display a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it **carefully** and in the exact sequence shown. Confirm the phrase when prompted to ensure accuracy.
Store this phrase **offline** in a secure location—never digitally on your phone or computer, never share it. This is your safety net if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
With your hardware wallet connected and recognised, use the companion software to check for firmware updates. Installing the latest firmware ensures you benefit from the newest security fixes and enhancements.
Once updated, you can use the “Manager” or “Apps” section to install individual cryptocurrency applications (for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, or others) on your device. After installation, you can add accounts for those cryptocurrencies and begin sending/receiving funds.
With your accounts added, you can now generate receiving addresses for your crypto, check balances, and set up sending transactions—all via the hardware wallet and companion app combination.
It’s recommended to test with a small amount first to validate that everything works as expected. Once confirmed, you can transfer larger holdings and hold long-term with greater peace of mind.
As you go forward, keep these practices top of mind:
If you run into issues—such as your device not being recognised, firmware updates failing, or confusion about accounts—head to the official support centre at support.ledger.com. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Some users also recommend resetting and restoring the device (after verifying the recovery phrase) as a final check to confirm you’ve backed everything correctly. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Once everything is set up and tested, you’re ready to begin: fund your wallet, explore apps for the currencies you care about, and become familiar with the companion dashboard. With control of your private keys, you hold full custody of your assets—rather than leaving them with a third-party.
Remember: start slowly, stay vigilant, and reinforce your security habits early. By doing so, you’ll build an asset-management foundation that can scale with your portfolio and your crypto journey.