The Essential Guide to Getting Started with Ledger.com

If you're new to the world of self-custody in cryptocurrency, the journey begins at Ledger.com/start. This is your gateway to a secure digital ownership experience, where you hold the keys to your own crypto future. Unlike centralized exchanges where you don't control your private keys, Ledger provides the tools for true self-custody. The starting process revolves around two core components: the Ledger hardware signer (a physical device) and the Ledger Wallet app (the companion software), which work together to keep your assets secure.

Your First Steps: Setting Up Hardware and Software

The initial setup is straightforward and foundational to your security. First, you'll need to download the Ledger Wallet app (formerly Ledger Live) for your desktop or mobile device from the official Ledger website.

Once the app is installed, you'll initialize your Ledger hardware device, such as a Nano X or Stax. This involves setting a secure PIN and, most critically, writing down your 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the master key to your crypto assets; it must be stored offline and never shared with anyone or entered into a computer or phone. You then connect your device to the app via USB or Bluetooth to manage your portfolio.

Building Your Portfolio: Buying and Managing Crypto

With your wallet secured, Ledger Wallet becomes your all-in-one dashboard for the crypto ecosystem. The app allows you to:

• Buy Crypto Directly: Through integrated partners like MoonPay or Coinbase Pay, you can purchase cryptocurrency with fiat money. Your newly bought assets are delivered directly to your self-custodied account.
• Swap Across Chains: You can exchange assets across different blockchains (like Bitcoin for Ethereum) directly within the app without sending funds to a risky centralized exchange.
• Grow Your Assets: Use the Earn dashboard to stake your crypto and potentially earn rewards, all while your private keys remain protected on your hardware device.

Advanced Security: Navigating the Modern Threat Landscape

The reason for using a hardware wallet becomes clear when examining today's threats. In 2025, crypto losses from scams like malware and phishing hit record highs. Ledger's system is designed to counter these specific risks:

• Defeating Malware: Malicious software can lurk in fake browser extensions or infected downloads, designed to steal private keys from internet-connected devices. A Ledger signer keeps your keys in a secure, offline chip, making this attack vector impossible.
• Preventing Phishing: Scammers use fake emails, deepfake videos, and fraudulent support teams to trick you into revealing your seed phrase. With Ledger, you never enter your recovery phrase online—it stays with your physical device.
• Understanding Transactions: The Clear Signing feature translates complex smart contract interactions into human-readable text on your device's secure screen. This ensures "what you see is what you sign," eliminating the danger of "blind signing" a malicious transaction.

Why Start with Ledger? Control in a Growing Ecosystem

Choosing Ledger is about more than just safe storage; it's about taking control in a rapidly evolving space. The collapse of major exchanges has highlighted the critical importance of self-custody. Ledger provides that security without sacrificing usability. You maintain true ownership of your assets, from your first Bitcoin purchase to exploring decentralized finance (DeFi), all through a unified, secure interface.

By starting at Ledger.com, you're not just setting up a wallet—you're building the foundation for secure and empowered participation in the future of digital assets.