Ledger.com/Start® | Starting Up Your Device - Ledger®
Welcome to Ledger.com/Start. This is where your journey to true digital asset ownership begins. In a world where your crypto is often held by third parties (exchanges, apps), Ledger provides the tools to take back control. Self-custody means you, and only you, hold the keys to your cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and other digital assets.
A Ledger hardware wallet—like the Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X—is a dedicated, secure device that stores your private keys offline. This "cold storage" method keeps them isolated from internet-connected devices, dramatically reducing the risk of hacks and unauthorized access. The companion Ledger Live app allows you to securely manage your portfolio, buy, sell, swap, and grow your assets—all while your keys remain safely in your device.
Visiting Ledger.com/Start guides you through the essential first steps: unboxing your device, setting up your recovery phrase, installing Ledger Live, and adding your first crypto accounts. It’s the foundation for a safer and more sovereign financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the recovery phrase, and why is it so critical?
Your 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your entire wallet. If your Ledger device is lost or damaged, this phrase is the only way to recover all your assets on a new device. Never digitize it (no photos, cloud notes, texts). Write it on the provided sheet and store it physically in a very safe place.
2. Can I use my Ledger with other apps like MetaMask or Phantom?
Yes. Ledger devices integrate seamlessly with many third-party web3 applications. You can connect your Ledger to these apps to sign transactions securely, keeping your keys protected even while interacting with DeFi, NFTs, and dApps.
3. Is my crypto stored on the Ledger device itself?
No. Your crypto always remains on the blockchain. The Ledger device stores only your private keys—the proof of ownership. The device signs transactions offline, allowing you to access and move your on-chain assets securely.
4. What happens if Ledger the company goes out of business?
Your assets are unaffected. They are on the blockchain, accessible with your recovery phrase. The Ledger device and Ledger Live app are built on open-source principles, meaning the ecosystem can continue to function independently.
5. Where should I buy a Ledger to ensure it's genuine?
Only purchase from Ledger.com or official authorized resellers. Buying from unofficial third-party marketplaces carries a risk of tampering and supply chain attacks.