Ledger.com/start | Bitcoin & Crypto Security

Welcome to Ledger.com/start — Official Onboarding

Ledger.com/start is your trusted gateway to the most secure bitcoin and crypto wallet setup experience. Follow our verified steps for device activation, PIN & recovery phrase creation, Ledger Live installation, and advanced features like DeFi portfolio access, cold storage management, and NFT security. Make no compromises with your asset protection—choose certified hardware security from Ledger[web:19][web:28][web:31].

Why Use a Ledger Hardware Wallet?

Ledger wallets use certified secure element chips (CC EAL5+/EAL6+) — the same technology trusted in passports and payment cards, keeping your private keys isolated and protected from online threats, malware, and hacks[web:26][web:28][web:29].
Cold storage by default: Your private keys never leave the device. Transactions, coin management, staking, and DeFi access are always verified and signed within the wallet, completely offline[web:31][web:26][web:28].
Self-custody with true ownership: No third-party risks. Only you control your 24-word recovery phrase, securing your bitcoin and crypto portfolio for the long term[web:26][web:28][web:31].
Industry-leading multi-currency support: Effortlessly manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, altcoins, and more than 1,800 cryptocurrencies, all from a single interface[web:31].
DeFi and NFT compatibility: Connect securely to decentralized platforms, swap tokens, earn staking rewards, and display your NFT collections — all confirmed on your Ledger device[web:31][web:19].
Automatic firmware updates, PIN protection, app isolation, encrypted device communication, and true physical confirmation for every transaction, giving you total control[web:26][web:28][web:31].

Step-by-Step Ledger.com/start Onboarding Guide

Unbox your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano X, Nano S Plus, Stax, or Flex) and check for sealed, untampered packaging.
Navigate to Ledger.com/start in your browser to verify your device and download the official Ledger Live app[web:19][web:31].
Install Ledger Live on your desktop or smartphone (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android)[web:31][web:19].
Connect your Ledger device via secure USB (Nano X, Nano S Plus, Stax, Flex) or pair via Bluetooth (Nano X, Stax, Flex)[web:29][web:31].
Create a unique PIN directly on the wallet. Never use a device that arrives with a pre-set PIN[web:28][web:26][web:29].
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase securely — always offline, never digital. Store backups in two separate, secure locations. Never share with anyone[web:32][web:31].
Complete setup in Ledger Live, adding your chosen coins, exploring portfolio tracking, and connecting to supported DeFi/NFT apps for advanced asset control[web:31][web:19].
Follow security tips in Ledger.com/start to keep your PIN, device, and seed phrase secure for peace of mind[web:26][web:27][web:32].

Ledger Device Models: Features & Crypto Security

Ledger Stax: 2.8" E-Ink touchscreen, Bluetooth, NFC, USB-C, tamper-resistant secure element (EAL6+), best for daily management and advanced DeFi use[web:31].
Ledger Nano X: Portable, Bluetooth, 128x64 px screen, up to 100 coin/token apps installed simultaneously, EAL5+ secure chip[web:31][web:29].
Ledger Nano S Plus: Budget-friendly, USB-C, robust secure element, supports 100+ cryptocurrencies, great for beginners and backup storage[web:28][web:31].
Ledger Flex: E Ink display, connects with Ledger Live, high-end security, designed for the latest crypto and NFT protocols[web:31].

Advanced Ledger Security Architecture

Secure Element (CC EAL5+/EAL6+): Your private keys and wallet processes run on tamper-resistant crypto chips, immune to side-channel and fault-injection attacks. The Secure Element can detect tampering and wipe itself, safeguarding your funds[web:26][web:28].
App Isolation: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and DeFi apps run in isolated environments. A compromise in one app does not affect the security of other apps on your device[web:26].
Encrypted Communication: Every connection—desktop, mobile, Bluetooth—uses encryption, so transactions and account data are shielded from eavesdropping[web:26][web:31].
Regular Firmware Updates: Each device’s firmware is cryptographically signed and updated in response to new threats—the foundation of long-term crypto safety[web:27].
Physical Confirmation: No coins ever move without your manual button press or touch-screen confirmation[web:26][web:28][web:31].
Hidden Wallet / “Plausible Deniability”: Create alternate wallet layers accessible with different PINs to misdirect physical attackers and protect meaningful balances[web:29].

Ledger Live: Your Ultimate Crypto Control Center

Buy, sell, swap, send, and receive Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 1800 cryptocurrencies in a secure environment[web:31][web:19].
Track portfolio performance, manage NFTs, and access DeFi dApps all from Ledger Live, backed by hardware confirmation[web:31].
Easily stake coins for rewards—Ledger Live Secures every staking operation.
Manage accounts across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices with seamless hardware wallet integration[web:31][web:19].
Compare cross-chain swaps and providers for transparency and low fees[web:19].
Never surrender control: You sign every transaction, all keys and approval actions remain on your Ledger device[web:26][web:28].

Bitcoin & Crypto Security Tips from Ledger.com/start

Only buy hardware wallets directly from Ledger or authorized partners — avoid compromised or pre-owned devices at all costs[web:29][web:26].
Never enter your recovery phrase on any website, mobile, or computer — Ledger or anyone else will never ask for it except on your device[web:32].
Safeguard your PIN and practice plausible deniability with alternate wallets if concerned for your safety[web:29].
Update your firmware and Ledger Live app promptly to defend against evolving threats[web:27].
Consider redundant, offline backup strategies (bank safe, fireproof) for recovery phrase security[web:26][web:32].
Use Ledger Live's built-in educational Academy for wallet security awareness and DeFi/NFT learning[web:19][web:31].

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I securely set up my Ledger wallet for the first time?

Go to Ledger.com/start, unbox your official device, verify packaging, install Ledger Live, set a unique PIN, and write down your 24-word recovery phrase offline. Never use a device with a pre-set PIN or digital recovery phrase[web:31][web:28][web:29][web:32].

What makes Ledger hardware wallets safer than software wallets?

Ledger devices keep private keys offline in a secure element. No malicious software or online attack can extract your keys; all approvals are offline and require your physical action on the device[web:26][web:28][web:31].

What should I do if I lose my Ledger device?

Your funds remain safe. Restore your accounts with your 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger device. Without the phrase, no one (including Ledger) can recover your funds[web:26][web:32].

How do I protect my recovery phrase and PIN in 2025?

Always write your phrase by hand and store it offline in different, secure places. Never store it digitally, and never share with anyone. Choose a strong, non-obvious PIN and never disclose it[web:26][web:32][web:29].

Does Ledger support DeFi, NFTs, and cross-chain swaps?

Yes. Ledger Live enables direct access to DeFi platforms and NFT management. Transactions are signed via your Ledger device for unparalleled security. Cross-chain swaps are supported with the best rates and provider selection[web:31][web:19].