Welcome to the world of self-custody and digital asset security. Ledger.com/Start is your essential onboarding portal for setting up your new Ledger hardware wallet—the cornerstone of protecting your cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
This page is designed to ensure a smooth and secure beginning. It guides you through the critical first steps: unboxing your device, initializing it, and creating your unique 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the absolute key to your assets; it is your wallet. The site emphasizes that Ledger never has access to this phrase and provides vital security tutorials to prevent scams.
The core purpose is to move your crypto off vulnerable exchanges and into your own control, a principle known as "Not your keys, not your coins." Ledger.com/Start is the first step in empowering you to be your own bank, securely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What do I do first when I get my Ledger device? A: Go directly to Ledger.com/Start from a secure computer. Follow the steps to set up the device, write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided card, and create a PIN. Never buy a pre-initialized device.
Q2: Is my recovery phrase that important? A: Yes, it is the most important piece of information in crypto. Anyone with these 24 words can access your funds. Write it by hand, store it offline and securely (like a safe), and never digitize it (no photos, clouds, or text files).
Q3: Do I need to install Ledger Live? A: Yes. Ledger Live (available at ledger.com/ledger-live) is the official companion app to manage your portfolio, send/receive assets, and install apps on your device. Your device must be connected to verify all transactions.
Q4: Can I recover my funds if I lose my Ledger device? A: Absolutely. Using a new Ledger (or any compatible wallet), you can enter your 24-word recovery phrase to restore full access to your assets. This is why protecting the phrase is crucial.
Q5: What’s the difference between my PIN and my recovery phrase? A: The PIN (4-8 digits) protects physical access to the device itself. The 24-word phrase backs up and restores the entire wallet contents, regardless of the device. You need both for optimal security.
Disclaimer
The information provided on Ledger.com/Start and in this summary is for educational and guidance purposes only. It is not financial, legal, or investment advice.
- Self-Custody Responsibility: Using a hardware wallet means you assume full responsibility for securing your recovery phrase and PIN. Loss of these may result in the permanent, irrecoverable loss of your assets.
- Security: Ledger provides the tools, but ultimate security practices (phishing awareness, source verification, etc.) depend on the user. Always verify addresses on your device screen.
- Official Channels: To avoid phishing, always navigate to Ledger's websites directly and never share your recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.
- Market Risk: The value of cryptocurrencies is volatile. Ledger secures your assets; it does not insure against market loss.
Starting your journey at Ledger.com/Start is the first act of taking true ownership in the digital age. Proceed with caution, educate yourself continuously, and prioritize security above all else.