Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started

Getting Started with Ledger: Your Gateway to Secure Digital Ownership

Embarking on your journey into digital assets begins with a single step at Ledger.com/start. This portal is the launching point for one of the most trusted ecosystems in cryptocurrency, designed to help you securely buy, manage, and grow your digital wealth from day one. As digital threats evolve, starting with industry-leading security is not a luxury—it's a necessity.

The Core Philosophy: Security Meets Usability

Ledger's foundation is built on a simple yet powerful principle: you should have complete control over your digital assets without compromising on security. At the heart of this system is the combination of a Ledger hardware signer—a physical device that stores your private keys offline—and the Ledger Wallet companion software app (formerly Ledger Live). This pairing ensures that even when you are actively using your crypto to stake, swap, or make purchases, your private keys remain isolated from online threats like malware and phishing scams.

This philosophy is now expanding beyond finance. Recognizing that digital value encompasses identity and reputation, Ledger is evolving into a security company focused on digital proof. Concepts like "Proof of You" and "Proof of Authority" use your Ledger device to cryptographically verify your identity and permissions online, combating AI deepfakes and establishing trust.

First Steps: Choosing and Setting Up Your Device

Your journey starts by selecting a Ledger signer that fits your lifestyle and goals. Ledger offers a range of devices, from the compact, Bluetooth-enabled Ledger Nano X ($149) for on-the-go management to the next-generation Ledger Flex ($249) with its secure E Ink touchscreen for clearer transaction verification.

1. Order and Receive: After purchasing your device from the official Ledger website, it will arrive with critical accessories, including a recovery sheet.
2. Initialize the Device: Connect your signer to the Ledger Wallet app on your computer or smartphone. The device will guide you through generating your unique 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the master key to your funds—write it down by hand on the provided recovery sheet and store it in a safe, offline location. Never digitize it or share it with anyone.
3. Install Apps and Manage Assets: Within Ledger Wallet, you can install "apps" for different cryptocurrencies. The intuitive dashboard then becomes your command center for tracking your portfolio, checking market prices, and initiating transactions.

Beyond Storage: Activating Your Digital Life

Setting up cold storage is just the beginning. Ledger Wallet transforms your secure signer into an active hub for the decentralized economy. Key features accessible through your dashboard include:

• Clear Signing & Transaction Check: These features act as a security double-check. Clear Signing translates complex smart contract data into plain English on your device's screen, while Transaction Check scans transactions for known scams before you approve them.
• Earn Rewards: Grow your assets by staking cryptocurrencies like ETH, SOL, or DOT directly from the app, all while your keys remain secured on your device.
• Cross-Chain Swaps: Seamlessly trade assets across different blockchains (e.g., Bitcoin for Ethereum) without sending your funds to a centralized exchange, maintaining true self-custody throughout the process.

A Commitment to Privacy and Future-Proofing

Ledger understands that security is intertwined with privacy. The company employs a privacy-conscious model; for instance, data synced across your devices via Ledger Sync is encrypted by your signer itself, not tied to a central account. Furthermore, Ledger's leadership actively champions the integration of advanced cryptographic privacy, like Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE), into blockchains, aiming for a future where financial privacy is the default.

The Ledger.com/start page is more than a setup guide—it is the entrance to a comprehensive system for secure digital ownership. By choosing Ledger, you are not just storing crypto; you are equipping yourself with the tools to confidently participate in the future of digital assets, identity, and finance.