Welcome to the simple world of Ledger hardware wallets. This guide walks you through everything you need to know when you open Ledger.com/Start on your computer or phone. Whether you just received a Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or the new Stax, the steps stay the same and take less than fifteen minutes.
A Ledger device is a small gadget that keeps your cryptocurrency private keys away from the internet. Unlike phone apps or exchange accounts, hackers cannot steal your coins even if your computer gets infected. Every time you want to send money, you confirm it physically on the device. This extra step gives you full control and real peace of mind.
Open any web browser and type Ledger.com/Start. The page looks clean and friendly. It shows big buttons and clear pictures. Ledger made this page only for new users, so you never feel confused. The site works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and even on your phone browser.
Take the Ledger box and open it gently. You should see the device, a USB-C cable, three blank recovery sheets, and a small getting-started card. Check that nothing looks opened before. Ledger never ships devices with a recovery phrase already written down. If you find any paper with 24 words inside the box, stop everything and contact Ledger support right away.
Click the green button that says “Set up my Ledger”. The page asks what device you have. Pick your model. Then choose “Set up as new device”. Now connect the Ledger to your computer with the cable. The screen lights up and shows the Ledger logo.
Follow the arrows on the website. Press both buttons at the same time when the device says “Welcome”. Choose your language if you want. Next, create a PIN code. Pick something easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. Use 4 to 8 numbers. Confirm the PIN twice.
The device now shows 24 words, one after another. Take one of the blank recovery sheets and write every word in the exact order. Use a pen that does not fade. Count the words to make sure you have all 24. Store this paper in a safe place where only you can find it. Many people split the phrase into two parts and keep them in different locations.
After you finish writing, the device asks you to verify random words. Look at your paper and press the correct buttons. When everything matches, the screen says “Your device is now ready”. You just created the safest backup possible.
Go back to Ledger.com/Start. Click the download button for your computer. The file is small and safe. Open it and drag Ledger Live to your Applications folder on Mac or just run the installer on Windows. When the app opens, click “Get Started”. Choose “I already have a device” and connect your Ledger again.
Ledger Live checks that your device is real. This check takes a few seconds. A green message appears saying “Genuine check passed”. You are now inside the main dashboard.
The left side of Ledger Live shows five big sections. Portfolio shows your total balance. Accounts lists every cryptocurrency you own. Send and Receive let you move money. Manager installs small apps on your device for different coins.
To add Bitcoin, click “Add account”. Choose Bitcoin. The app asks you to open the Bitcoin app on your Ledger device. Press both buttons to open it. Ledger Live then creates your first Bitcoin address. Copy this address or show the QR code to receive money.
Click “Send”. Paste the receiver’s address. Type the amount. Choose the network fee – normal speed is fine for most people. Review the summary. Connect your Ledger and open the same app you used before. The device screen shows the exact amount and address. Check every digit. Press both buttons to sign. The transaction goes to the blockchain. Your private keys never touched the internet.
Click “Receive”. Choose the account. Ledger Live shows an address. Always click “Continue” so your Ledger device displays the same address on its screen. Compare both screens carefully. Only when they match exactly should you give this address to the sender. This simple habit stops clipboard malware from stealing your funds.
Ledger Live shows a yellow banner when a new firmware update is ready. Never ignore it. Click the banner and follow every instruction. Keep the cable connected the whole time. The update finishes in three to five minutes. After restart, your device stays protected against new threats.
Ledger Nano X and Stax connect to phones with Bluetooth. Download the Ledger Live app from the official App Store or Google Play. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices. Open the app and tap “Add device”. The connection takes ten seconds. You can now send and receive on the go.
Ledger supports over five thousand coins and tokens. Add Ethereum to stake or hold ERC-20 tokens. Add Solana for fast payments. Add Cardano for ADA. Each coin needs its own small app installed through Manager. The device has enough space for many apps at once.
After setup, send a tiny amount to your new Ledger address. Ten dollars is enough. Wait for the confirmation. Then send it back to another wallet. This practice teaches you the flow without any risk. Once you feel comfortable, move larger amounts.
Store the recovery sheet away from your device. Water, fire, and thieves should not reach both at the same time. Consider a metal backup plate that survives house fires. Never type your 24 words into any website or app except when restoring on a new genuine Ledger.
You now own your cryptocurrency the right way. No exchange can freeze your account. No hacker can steal without the physical device and your PIN. Enjoy the freedom.
This guide is created independently for educational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ledger SAS. Always use the official website Ledger.com/Start and the official Ledger Live application for setup and management. Cryptocurrency involves significant risk of loss. You are solely responsible for the security of your private keys and recovery phrase. Never share your 24-word recovery phrase or PIN with anyone, including people claiming to be Ledger support. Ledger employees will never ask for your recovery phrase. Verify every URL starts.