Why visit Ledger.com/start?
The start page centralizes official downloads and step-by-step guides so you avoid harmful impostor sites.
Ledger hardware wallets keep your private keys offline — physically separated from the internet. The official start page is built to walk you through the exact steps: download the official Ledger Live app, initialize your device, and record your recovery phrase the right way. If you’re setting up a hardware wallet for the first time, that structured flow removes guesswork and makes the first handshake with your crypto secure and confident.
Step-by-step (in plain words)
- Download Ledger Live: Get the official app for your computer or phone from the start page — never from third-party links.
- Unbox and power up: Follow the on-screen prompts. The device will generate a recovery phrase — this is your single most important secret.
- Write the recovery phrase down: Use a pen and the provided card; store it somewhere physically secure and never share it.
- Add accounts: Use Ledger Live to add crypto accounts and manage transactions while the private keys stay on-device.
Best practices
Treat your recovery phrase like gold. Avoid copying it to a phone or cloud. Consider buying a metal seed backup if you want fire and water resistance. Enable firmware updates through Ledger Live regularly — updates patch security improvements and improve compatibility.
Common pitfalls
Beware of phishing: always type Ledger.com/start directly or use a trusted bookmark. Don’t install unofficial browser extensions that claim to "connect" to Ledger devices unless verified by Ledger’s documentation.