ledger.com/start | The Secure Start to Self-Custody

Welcome to Your Self-Custody Journey

Congratulations on choosing Ledger. You've just taken the most important step toward securing your digital assets. This page is your complete guide to setting up your Ledger device—the foundation of your financial sovereignty.

Your Ledger hardware wallet isn't just a device; it's a personal vault designed to give you complete control over your cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and digital identity. Unlike exchange wallets or software solutions, Ledger keeps your private keys—the cryptographic secrets that control your assets—secured in a state-of-the-art Secure Element, completely isolated from online threats.

Why This Setup Matters

In the world of digital assets, security isn't optional—it's fundamental. The process you're about to complete ensures that only you control your funds. No third party can freeze your assets, no exchange can be hacked to steal your Bitcoin, and no software vulnerability can compromise your Ethereum. This is what true ownership means in Web3.

Your Complete Setup Journey

Stage 1: Preparation & Unboxing

Before You Begin: Essential First Steps

Download Ledger Live First
- Visit our official website: ledger.com/ledger-live/download
- Install on your desktop or mobile device
- Never download from third-party sources
Verify Your Device Authenticity
Every Ledger device features multiple security layers:
- Holographic Security Seal: Check for intact, factory-applied seal
- Genuine Check: Ledger Live automatically verifies authenticity
- First-Boot Security: Screen should only activate on first connection

Important: If any security feature appears compromised, contact support immediately and do not proceed with setup.

Stage 2: Initial Device Configuration

Creating Your PIN Code

Your PIN is the first physical layer of security:

Choose a 4-8 digit code you'll remember
The device will never display it again
Three incorrect attempts triggers a factory reset (protecting against physical attacks)

The Critical Step: Your Recovery Phrase

This 24-word sequence is your master key—the single most important piece of information in your crypto journey.

How to Securely Handle Your Recovery Phrase:

Write It Immediately: Use the included recovery sheet
Manual Recording Only: No photos, no digital copies, no cloud storage
Verify Accuracy: Carefully check each word against the device display
Secure Storage: Consider these options:
- Fireproof/waterproof safe
- Safety deposit box
- Ledger's Cryptosteel Capsule for ultimate durability
- Geographically separated backups for disaster recovery

Remember: Anyone with these 24 words controls your assets. Ledger will never ask for them—ever.

Stage 3: Ledger Live Integration

Installing Cryptocurrency Apps

Your Ledger device supports 5,500+ assets through our app system:

Open Manager in Ledger Live
Connect and unlock your device
Browse and install needed apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
Each app is optimized for minimal storage usage

Creating Your First Accounts

Navigate to Accounts → Add Account
Select your cryptocurrency
Follow device verification prompts
Name your account for easy management

Your First Secure Transactions

Receiving Crypto: The Safe Way

The "receive" process demonstrates Ledger's security philosophy:

In Ledger Live, select Receive
Choose cryptocurrency and account
Critical Verification Step: Compare addresses
- Address shown in Ledger Live
- Address displayed on your device screen
Only proceed if they match exactly

This dual-verification prevents address-swapping malware—a common attack vector defeated by Ledger's architecture.

Sending Assets with Confidence

When sending cryptocurrency:

Initiate transaction in Ledger Live
Verify all details on device screen:
- Amount
- Destination address
- Network fees
Physically approve with device buttons
Transaction signs offline, then broadcasts

This process ensures even a compromised computer cannot alter your transactions.

Pro Tips for Advanced Security

Immediate Next Steps After Setup

Enable Blind Signing (if using advanced dApps)
- Required for DeFi, NFT minting, and smart contracts
- Disable when not needed for added security
Consider a Passphrase
- Adds a 25th custom word to your recovery phrase
- Creates hidden accounts for plausible deniability
- Advanced feature—research thoroughly before implementing
Set Up a Backup Device
- Initialize second Ledger with same recovery phrase
- Store in separate secure location
- Ensures access if primary device is lost

Ongoing Security Maintenance

Regular Updates: Always install firmware updates via Ledger Live Manager
App Management: Keep cryptocurrency apps current
Backup Verification: Periodically ensure recovery phrase accessibility
Security Audits: Review connected addresses and permissions quarterly

Beyond Storage: The Ledger Ecosystem

Your device is just the beginning. With Ledger, you can:

Earn Through Staking

Stake directly through Ledger Live
Maintain custody while earning rewards
Support network security

Explore Web3 Securely

Connect to dApps via Ledger Live or compatible wallets
Never expose private keys
Sign transactions with hardware security

Manage Digital Collectibles

Secure your NFT portfolio
Display and interact with collections
Trade safely through integrated markets

Access Financial Services

Buy crypto with fiat
Swap assets through trusted partners
Track portfolio performance

Your Security, Our Priority

Ledger provides multiple layers of support:

Educational Resources

Ledger Academy: Free, comprehensive crypto education
Step-by-step tutorials and security guides
Market insights and technology explanations

Technical Support

24/7 Help Center with troubleshooting guides
Community forums for peer support
Direct support for critical issues

Security Updates

Regular firmware enhancements
Threat intelligence alerts
Best practice recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does Ledger protect against physical theft?

Ledger devices employ multiple physical security layers: The Secure Element chip is tamper-resistant and erases itself upon detection of physical attacks. Your PIN provides the first defense, and without it (or the recovery phrase), the device is useless to thieves. Even sophisticated physical attacks cannot extract keys from our Secure Element chips.

2. Can I use my Ledger with mobile devices?

Yes. Ledger Nano X and Stax feature Bluetooth connectivity for use with Ledger Live Mobile. Nano S Plus connects via USB-C to compatible Android devices. All transactions still require physical verification on the device itself, maintaining the same security standard as desktop usage.

3. What happens during a firmware update?

Firmware updates enhance security and add features. The process:

Backs up your current state
Verifies update authenticity cryptographically
Preserves your private keys and accounts
Typically completes in under 10 minutes
Always update via Ledger Live Manager only, and ensure your recovery phrase is accessible before beginning.

4. How many different cryptocurrencies can I store?

Ledger devices support over 5,500 assets. Storage is limited by device memory (1.5MB on Nano S Plus, more on other models), not by number of currencies. You can manage hundreds of different assets by installing/uninstalling apps as needed—your assets remain safe on the blockchain regardless of which apps are currently installed.

5. Is my recovery phrase compatible with other wallets?

Yes. Your 24-word recovery phrase follows the industry-standard BIP39 protocol. This means you can restore your assets to any BIP39-compatible wallet (software or hardware) if needed. However, for maximum security, we recommend restoring only to another hardware wallet.

6. What should I do if I suspect my recovery phrase is compromised?

Immediately:

Do not panic—your funds are still secure if you act quickly
Transfer assets to a new temporary wallet (exchange or temporary software wallet)
Reset your Ledger device to generate a new recovery phrase
Transfer assets back to your newly secured Ledger
Securely destroy all copies of the compromised phrase
Consider this a "security fire drill"—it reinforces why proper phrase handling matters.

Begin Your Secure Journey

You now possess the knowledge and tools to securely enter the world of self-custody. Remember: security is a habit, not a one-time action. Your Ledger device gives you the capability, but your vigilance maintains the protection.

Next Steps:

Complete your device setup using the steps above
Explore Ledger Academy to deepen your understanding
Start with small transactions to build confidence
Join our community to share knowledge and experiences

Welcome to the Ledger family—where security meets sovereignty, and you remain in complete control.