Your comprehensive guide to setting up and securing your cryptocurrency with Ledger hardware wallets
Starting your cryptocurrency journey with a Ledger hardware wallet is one of the smartest decisions you can make for securing your digital assets. Ledger.com/start provides the official setup process that has helped millions of users worldwide protect over $15 billion in cryptocurrency. Our step-by-step guide ensures you configure your device correctly from the very beginning, establishing a foundation of security that will protect your investments for years to come.
The Ledger.com/start process begins by visiting the official Ledger website and downloading Ledger Live, the companion application that manages your cryptocurrency portfolio. This software is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, ensuring compatibility across all major platforms. Once downloaded, connect your Ledger device using the provided USB cable and follow the intuitive setup wizard that guides you through creating a secure PIN, generating your recovery phrase, and installing your first cryptocurrency applications.
Ledger devices utilize a secure element chip (CC EAL5+ certified) that provides the same level of security used in passports and payment cards. This hardware-based security isolates your private keys from potential online threats, ensuring that even if your computer is compromised, your cryptocurrency remains protected. The device requires physical confirmation for all transactions, creating an air-gapped security layer that software wallets cannot match. Additionally, Ledger's proprietary BOLOS operating system provides multiple layers of security validation.
During the Ledger.com/start setup process, you'll create a 24-word recovery phrase that serves as the master key to your cryptocurrency wallet. This phrase follows the BIP39 standard and can restore your entire wallet on any compatible device, not just Ledger hardware. Store this phrase offline in multiple secure locations, as it's the only way to recover your funds if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Never store it digitally or share it online - treat it like the keys to your bank vault, because that's essentially what it is.