Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started | Ledger Support

Welcome to the first, most critical step in taking true ownership of your digital assets. The URL Ledger.com/start is the only official starting point for setting up your new Ledger® hardware wallet. This guide will walk you through the essential process of transforming your device from a secure vault into a functional gateway for managing cryptocurrencies and NFTs.

Why Starting Correctly is Paramount
Your Ledger® hardware wallet’s unmatched security relies on a correct initial setup. This process generates your unique, private cryptographic keys offline, within the secure chip of the device, ensuring they are never exposed to the internet. Navigating to the correct site, Ledger.com/start, guarantees you are following the authentic instructions and downloading the genuine Ledger Live application, safeguarding you against phishing scams.

The Three-Phase Setup Process

  1. Initialize Your Device: Upon unboxing, connect your Ledger® device and visit Ledger.com/start. You will be directed to download Ledger Live, the official companion app. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new wallet. Your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase.
  2. Secure Your Recovery Phrase: This phrase is your master key. Write it down by hand on the provided recovery sheet and store it in a physically secure location. Never digitize it—no photos, cloud storage, or typing it online. Verify the phrase on your device's screen as prompted. This step is non-negotiable for asset recovery.
  3. Install Apps & Manage Assets: Through Ledger Live, you can install "apps" for specific cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) onto your Ledger® device’s secure storage. Once installed, you can create accounts, receive assets by sharing your public address, and securely send transactions by physically verifying and approving them on your device.

Crucial Security Practices

  • Official Links Only: Only use Ledger.com/start and our official Ledger Support page (https://support.ledger.com/) for guidance.
  • Device Verification: Always confirm transaction details on your Ledger® device's screen, not just on your computer.
  • Beware of Phishing: Ledger will never ask for your 24-word phrase. Anyone who does is a scammer.

Getting Started is Just the Beginning
After completing the setup at Ledger.com/start, your Ledger® device, managed via Ledger Live, becomes your portal to Web3. You can securely buy, sell, swap, stake, and explore countless decentralized applications (dApps), knowing your private keys remain isolated and protected.

Take control with confidence. Begin your journey to true sovereignty at the only official source: Ledger.com/start.

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