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Ledger.com/start – Get Started with Ledger Wallet

Welcome to the official starting point for Ledger hardware wallets. This friendly, in-depth guide helps you download Ledger Live, connect your Ledger Nano devices, verify firmware, protect your recovery phrase, and manage your crypto with confidence. From first steps to best practices, everything is designed for clarity, speed, and safety—ideal for beginners and advanced users who value secure self-custody.

Why start at Ledger.com/start

Ledger.com/start is the trusted onboarding path for your Ledger wallet. It centralizes the essential pieces—Ledger Live download, device connection, firmware verification, recovery phrase education, and account creation—so you can move assets into your own custody with minimal friction. The journey is designed to surface only what you need, when you need it.

What you’ll accomplish

DownloadInstall Ledger Live for desktop to manage assets and devices.
ConnectPair your Ledger Nano with USB or supported flows.
VerifyCheck firmware integrity and apply updates confidently.
ProtectBack up your recovery phrase securely and offline.
ManageAdd accounts, label them, and start transacting safely.

Designed for all skill levels

Beginners get guided prompts and straightforward language. Power users benefit from advanced controls, metadata visibility, and network‑aware settings. The interface blends simplicity with control so safe practices feel natural.

Tip: After setup, test a small transaction to validate addresses and build confidence in your flow.

Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion app for your hardware wallet. Download the latest desktop version for Windows, macOS, or Linux. The installation process is straightforward, and the app uses local data storage—no email or password required—to keep your information private and under your control. Once installed, you’re guided through connecting and verifying your device.

Setup guide: From device pairing to first transaction

Connect your Ledger device via USB and unlock it with your PIN. Ledger Live will auto‑detect your model and prompt firmware checks or updates. You can create a new wallet or recover an existing one using your recovery phrase. To manage specific crypto assets, install the matching apps on your device (e.g., Bitcoin app, Ethereum app) and then add accounts in Ledger Live.

Receiving funds is simple: generate a receive address in Ledger Live and verify the address on your device’s secure screen. Once they match, you can proceed with confidence. For sending, review fees and destination details carefully, then approve on the device to sign securely.

Manage assets and explore features

After onboarding, Ledger Live becomes your unified control center. Track balances across networks, filter and label accounts, and view transaction history with clarity. You can buy and sell crypto via integrated providers, perform swaps within supported ecosystems, and participate in staking where available—all while approving critical actions on your device.

Portfolio & accounts

See your holdings in one place, organized by network and account. Create labels, hide unused accounts, and use charts to understand performance and trends. This gives both a high‑level view and actionable details.

Buy, sell, and swap

Access vetted providers for buy and sell, and swap assets inside the app where supported. Transparent fees and rate comparisons reduce friction and help you execute with trust.

Staking

Stake compatible assets with guided steps and validator information. Reward tracking is built into the interface so you can monitor accrual and make informed decisions.

dApp journeys

Explore Web3 experiences with flows that respect on‑device confirmations. Review addresses and contract details where available; approve only what you intend. Your keys remain isolated on the device.

Advanced settings let you fine‑tune gas, enable address books, and customize preferences per account. Thoughtful defaults keep things simple, while power users can dial in precision when needed.

Security tips: Build resilient habits

Ledger’s approach centers on secure hardware and clear approvals. Your private keys live in the device’s secure element; Ledger Live is the companion that visualizes balances and initiates flows. Always verify addresses on the device’s screen, keep firmware updated, and treat your recovery phrase like the ultimate backup: written, offline, and never digitized.

Reminder: If anything looks off in the app, trust your device’s secure screen and re‑verify details before approving.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is Ledger.com/start? +
It’s the official onboarding destination for Ledger wallets. You’ll download Ledger Live, connect your device, verify firmware, secure your recovery phrase, and add accounts to begin managing crypto safely.
2. Do I need an account or email to use Ledger Live? +
No. Ledger Live uses local storage on your computer so your settings and account data remain under your control. You don’t sign in with an email or password to use the app.
3. Why install coin apps on the device? +
Each app enables secure management of a specific crypto asset (e.g., BTC, ETH). Install the relevant coin apps on your Ledger, then add accounts in Ledger Live to interact safely with those chains.
4. How do I safely receive and send crypto? +
Generate a receive address in Ledger Live and verify it on your device’s secure screen. For sending, review fees and destination, then approve on the device to sign securely. Always compare app and device displays before confirming.
5. What if my device isn’t detected? +
Try another USB port or cable, ensure Ledger Live is the latest version, unlock your device with PIN, and follow the firmware prompts. Restarting the app after connecting often helps the initial pairing.