The gateway to secure Web3
Welcome to the gold standard of digital asset self-custody. When you navigate to Ledger.com/Start, you aren't just setting up a gadget; you are establishing your personal sovereignty in the decentralized world.
The Ledger ecosystem consists of two vital components: the physical Nano or Stax hardware and the Ledger Live application. Together, they ensure that your private keys remain isolated from the vulnerabilities of your computer or smartphone.
In this guide, we will walk through the 1,500-word roadmap of securing your assets, from the initial "Genuine Check" to the advanced management of multiple blockchains. Security is a journey, and this is your first step.
Verifying your hardware.
Before plugging in your device, physical inspection is paramount. Unlike many electronics, Ledger does not use holographic seals on its boxes. Why? Because these are easily faked. Instead, Ledger relies on a "Root of Trust" cryptographic check performed by Ledger Live.
When you first connect your device to the Ledger Live app, the software performs a challenge-response protocol. It asks the Secure Element (SE) chip inside your device to prove it has the official Ledger private key. This is the only way to be 100% sure your device hasn't been tampered with in the supply chain.
If you purchased a device that already came with a pre-marked recovery sheet or a PIN, STOP. A genuine Ledger will always let you choose your own PIN and generate a fresh 24-word seed on the device screen itself.
The 24-word foundation.
The most critical moment of the Ledger.com/Start process is the generation of your Recovery Phrase. This is your "Master Key."
Your PIN (4 to 8 digits) is the local lock for your physical device. It is not stored on any server. If you enter it incorrectly three times, the device factory resets. This is a security feature to prevent physical theft from leading to asset loss.
Your device will display 24 words one by one. These words are the plain-English representation of your private key. You must write them down on the provided card. Note the following rules:
The Ledger Live application will never ask for your 24 words. If any software asks for them, it is a scam designed to drain your wallet.
Managing your portfolio.
Ledger Live is the "Mission Control" for your crypto. It provides the visual interface to track your portfolio, but it does not "contain" your coins.
Because the Ledger hardware has limited storage, you use the "Manager" section of the app to install or uninstall coin apps (like the Bitcoin app, Ethereum app, or Solana app). Uninstalling an app does not delete your coins; it only removes the interface from the device. Your coins are always on the blockchain.
A common point of confusion is the difference between an app and an account. You must install the App on the device first, then you create an Account in Ledger Live. This process allows Ledger Live to fetch your specific transaction history from the blockchain and display your balance.
Signing with confidence.
The beauty of the Ledger setup is the "What You See Is What You Sign" (WYSIWYS) principle.
When you click "Receive" in Ledger Live, the software generates an address. However, you must verify this address on the Ledger device's screen. If the address on your computer and the address on your device do not match, your computer is likely compromised. Always trust the device.
When sending, the transaction is prepared in Ledger Live but remains "unsigned." It is sent to your Ledger via USB or Bluetooth. You then review the amount and destination address on the device. Only when you physically press both buttons to "Confirm" does the device sign the transaction and send it back to the computer to be broadcast to the network.
Passphrases & Beyond.
Once you are comfortable with the standard setup, you can explore advanced security features like the Passphrase (BIP-39).
A passphrase is an optional 25th word that you choose. It creates an entirely new set of accounts. Ledger allows you to "Attach to PIN," meaning you can have one PIN for your main wallet and a second PIN that unlocks your "hidden" passphrase-protected wallet.
This provides "Plausible Deniability." If you are ever forced to reveal your PIN, you can provide the one for your "Standard" wallet containing a smaller balance, while your significant holdings remain invisible behind the second PIN.
Warning: Unlike the 24-word seed, if you lose your passphrase, Ledger cannot help you recover it. There is no "Forgot Password" button in the world of decentralized finance.
Common questions answered.
Yes. You can install Ledger Live on as many devices as you like. You simply connect your Ledger and "Add Accounts" to sync your balances on the new machine. Your device holds the keys; Ledger Live is just the viewer.
Your assets are safe. Ledger uses the BIP-39 standard. You can take your 24 words and import them into any other compatible wallet (like Trezor, BitBox, or even software wallets like BlueWallet) to regain access to your funds.
Firmware updates are released to add new features, support new coins, and patch security vulnerabilities. Always perform updates through the official Ledger Live "Manager" tab. Ensure you have your 24 words handy, just in case.
Ledger Live connects to Ledger’s nodes to fetch data. While Ledger does not know your identity (name/address), they can see your IP address and public keys. For maximum privacy, advanced users can connect Ledger Live to their own full Bitcoin node.
Yes. Ledger Live has a dedicated "NFT" section for Ethereum and Polygon. You can view, send, and receive NFTs directly within the app, ensuring that the "Blind Signing" risks often associated with NFTs are mitigated by Ledger's Clear Signing tech.