ledger

Ledger.com/start: Your Official Gateway to Self-Custody Crypto

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— 2 min read

Welcome to Ledger.com/start—the only official entry point for activating your Ledger Hardware Wallet and downloading Ledger Live. Whether you unboxed a Nano X, Nano S, or Nano S Plus, this page guides you through the Ledger Start process to ensure your digital assets remain unhackable from day one.

Unlike exchange wallets, a Ledger Hardware Wallet keeps your private keys offline. To manage this powerful device, you need Ledger Live, the companion software that lets you check balances, stake, swap, and transact—all while your keys stay cold.

Step 1: Download Ledger Live (Desktop & Mobile)

Your journey at Ledger.com/start begins with installing the correct interface. Ledger Live is available in two form factors:

  • Ledger Live Desktop: Full-featured client for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Ideal for deep portfolio management and firmware updates .
  • Ledger Live Mobile: iOS/Android app perfect for on-the-go checks. Pair via Bluetooth (Nano X only) or USB-OTG .

Direct Download Path:
Navigate to ledger.com/ledger-live/download from your browser. Select your OS and install the application locally. Remember: Ledger Live stores data on your device, not in the cloud .

Step 2: Connect and Initialize Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

With Ledger Live installed, it’s time to breathe life into your Ledger Hardware Wallet.

  1. Connect your device via the original USB cable.
  2. Open Ledger Live Desktop and click “Get Started”.
  3. Choose “Set up as new device”.
  4. Your device screen will display a 24-word recovery phrase. Write this on the included recovery sheet—never store it digitally .
  5. Confirm the phrase and set a strong PIN (4-8 digits).
⚠️ Critical Security Rule: Ledger will never ask for your 24 words. If any site or pop-up—even one mimicking Ledger.com/start—requests them, it is a phishing scam .

Step 3: Understanding Ledger Live Login

New users often search for “Ledger Live Login” expecting an email/password gateway. Ledger Live does not use traditional cloud logins. There is no “Ledger Live Login” via email because your data never leaves your machine .

Instead, Ledger Live Login refers to two things:

  • Device Authentication: Your physical Ledger Hardware Wallet is the “key”. No device = no transaction signing.
  • Password Lock: You can enable a local password lock inside Ledger Live settings. This encrypts your account names and transaction history locally—an optional but recommended layer .

If you see a Ledger Live Login screen asking for an email during setup, you have clicked the “Ledger Recover” tab. Simply toggle back to “Get Started” for standard Ledger Start flow .

Step 4: Add Accounts and Install Blockchain Apps

Your Ledger Hardware Wallet is now secure, but it needs apps to manage specific coins.

  • Inside Ledger Live Desktop, navigate to “Manager”.
  • Install blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) directly onto your device. Storage capacity varies: Nano S holds ~3 apps; Nano X/S Plus hold up to 100 .
  • Return to the “Accounts” tab and click “Add Account”. Select the asset and sync it with your device.

Once added, you can view your portfolio in real time—whether on Ledger Live Desktop or Ledger Live Mobile.

Step 5: Daily Management and Advanced Features

With Ledger Start complete, your ecosystem is live. Ledger Live now acts as your command center:

  • Send/Receive: Always verify the address on your hardware screen before confirming .
  • Staking & Growth: Earn yields on Proof-of-Stake assets directly via Ledger Live .
  • Web3 Discovery: Access dApps and swap services through the Discover section (feature availability varies by device and OS) .

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