Get Started with Ledger
A secure, beginner-friendly guide to signing up, setting up your hardware wallet, and protecting your crypto holdings. This page (ledger.com/start) gives clear steps and a quick sign-up to begin.
Why choose a hardware wallet?
When you hold cryptocurrency, you control the private keys. A hardware wallet like Ledger stores those keys offline, meaning they are much harder to steal than if they are stored on an exchange or software wallet. Here are the main reasons people choose a hardware wallet:
Cold Storage
Private keys kept offline — protection from online hacks and phishing.
User Control
You are the only one with access to your recovery phrase and private keys.
Recovery
Set up with a recovery phrase enabling secure backup and restore when needed.
Compatibility
Works with many wallets and blockchains, giving you flexibility to manage assets.
Step-by-step: Sign up & Setup
This section outlines the typical flow: sign up for an account, purchase or connect your Ledger device, initialize it, and secure your recovery phrase. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your device version and firmware, but the core principles remain the same.
1 — Sign up
Use the sign-up form on the right to create an account. An email is used for account recovery, notifications, and optional integrations. We recommend using a strong, unique password and enabling two-factor authentication where available.
2 — Obtain and Inspect
Only buy Ledger devices from official channels or authorized resellers. Inspect the box for tamper-evident seals and follow the on-screen setup instructions that appear when you power on your device.
3 — Initialize & Back Up
During initialization you'll generate a recovery phrase (commonly 24 words). Write those words down in order on the provided recovery sheet — never store this phrase digitally or share it with anyone. This phrase is the only way to recover your funds if your device is lost or damaged.
4 — Install apps & Use
Install the apps you need for specific blockchains via the Ledger Live app or other supported wallet apps. When sending or receiving funds, always confirm addresses on your hardware device screen to ensure they match the host application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ledger.com/start the right place to begin?
Yes — this landing page collects the essential steps and offers a safe, guided flow for beginners. Always confirm you are on the correct domain when providing personal information.
Do I need to create an online account to use a Ledger device?
No. A Ledger hardware wallet can be used standalone to generate and store private keys. Creating an account is useful for managing device-related settings, firmware updates, and optional cloud-linked services, but your crypto is secured by the device and recovery phrase.
What happens if I lose my device?
If you lose the device, you can recover your funds using the recovery phrase on a new compatible hardware wallet or software wallet that supports the same seed standard. Keep your recovery phrase safe and confidential.
Security tip: Ledger representatives or official support will never ask for your recovery phrase. If anyone asks for it, treat it as a scam.