Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started — Ledger Support

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Ledger.com/Start: The First and Most Critical Transaction You’ll Make

In cryptocurrency, security isn't just a feature—it's the foundation. Before your first Bitcoin purchase or NFT acquisition, there's a foundational ritual: the initial setup of your hardware wallet. For every Ledger device, this ritual officially commences at a single, crucial URL: ledger.com/start. This isn't merely a support page; it is the authenticated launchpad that bridges your new hardware to the ecosystem of Web3, ensuring your journey begins with uncompromised trust.

The "Why": A Bastion Against Digital Threats

The crypto landscape is rife with sophisticated phishing sites and counterfeit guides. Navigating directly to ledger.com/start is your primary shield. This portal guarantees you are downloading the genuine Ledger Live application and receiving the authentic setup instructions tailored to your specific device—Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax. It eliminates the peril of using compromised software from third-party sources. From this point forward, you will use Ledger® and its official suite of tools for all management; this disciplined habit is your first line of defense.

The Structured Path: From Box to Vault

Here is the precise workflow initiated at ledger.com/start:

  1. Authenticate Your Kit: Upon unboxing, verify the anti-tamper seal on your device. Then, proceed to the start page. This is where you download Ledger Live, the command center for your wallet, onto your computer or smartphone.
  2. Create Your Digital Fortress: Connect your device via USB or Bluetooth. You will be prompted to set a PIN code directly on the hardware screen. This PIN is local to the device; if lost, ten incorrect guesses will reset it, rendering it useless without your recovery phrase.
  3. Transcribe Your Ultimate Key: Your device generates a unique 24-word Recovery Phrase. This is not a password—it is the mathematical representation of your private keys. Hand-write these words on the provided steel backup sheet. This act of physical transcription is a sacred security protocol. Never, under any circumstance, digitize this phrase. It is the master key to your vault.
  4. Install Asset Managers: Think of your Ledger® as a secure computer. Through Ledger Live, you install small "apps" (like Bitcoin or Ethereum apps) onto its secure chip. These apps allow the device to manage different blockchains.
  5. Establish Your Blockchain Addresses: After installing an app, you can "add an account" in Ledger Live. This generates your first public receiving address. The critical rule: Always verify the address on your device's screen matches the one in Ledger Live. This confirms the transaction is routed through your secure hardware.

Beyond Setup: The Evolving Role of Your Ledger®

Completion of ledger.com/start is your commencement. Your initialized Ledger® device now acts as a secure anchor for diverse activities:

  • Active Portfolio Management: Use Ledger Live to buy, sell, or swap assets through integrated partners, with approval power residing solely in your hands.
  • Earn Through Participation: Stake various Proof-of-Stake assets directly from the app to earn rewards, all while your keys remain offline.
  • Explore Web3 with Confidence: Safely interact with decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and NFT marketplaces by using the "Connect Hardware Wallet" option. Your private keys sign transactions within the device, never exposing them to connected apps.

Your Official Security Directory

Bookmark these essential, official resources for ongoing education and support:

A Final Note: This guide serves as an educational overview. The definitive instructions for your specific model are found at ledger.com/start. Cryptocurrency involves risk; self-custody empowers you but also demands personal responsibility.

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