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Start Here: Welcome to Self-Custody with Ledger

Your journey to true digital ownership begins at this moment. For the first time in history, individuals can hold and control their wealth without intermediaries. Ledger provides the security infrastructure that makes this revolution accessible, reliable, and secure. We empower over 6 million customers worldwide to buy, secure, manage, and grow their cryptocurrency and digital assets with uncompromising protection. This is where you take your first step toward financial sovereignty.

Why Choose Ledger: The Gold Standard in Crypto Security

Ledger doesn't just store cryptocurrency—we protect digital value with institutional-grade security made personal. Our hardware wallets are built on a fundamental principle: your private keys should never be exposed to the internet. This simple yet revolutionary concept has made Ledger the most trusted name in crypto security.

Our Security Foundation

  • Secure Element Chip: Every Ledger device features a certified Secure Element (CC EAL5+), the same chip technology used in passports and payment systems. This tamper-resistant hardware isolates your private keys from online threats.

  • 100% Offline Key Generation: Your private keys are created within the device, never touching an internet-connected device. This eliminates remote attack vectors that plague software wallets and exchanges.

  • Transparent Verification: Our open-source software allows security experts worldwide to audit Ledger Live's code, ensuring transparency alongside our proprietary Secure Element technology.

Your First 10 Minutes with Ledger: Complete Setup Guide

1. Unbox and Verify

Your Ledger box contains:

  • Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax device

  • USB-C cable (and charging cable for Nano X/Stax)

  • Keychain strap

  • Recovery sheets

  • Getting started guide

Important: Check that your device's packaging is sealed. When you first power on your device, it should display "Welcome" or display a battery icon (Nano X/Stax).

2. Initialize Your Device

  1. Connect your Ledger to your computer using the USB cable

  2. Press the button to power on

  3. Choose "Configure as new device"

  4. Follow the on-screen prompts to set your PIN code (4-8 digits)

  5. Confirm your PIN

Security Tip: Choose a PIN you'll remember but that isn't easily guessable. This PIN protects physical access to your device.

3. Backup Your Recovery Phrase (Most Critical Step)

Your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase—this is your ultimate backup.

To properly secure it:

  1. Write it by hand on the provided recovery sheet

  2. Never digitize it—no photos, no typing, no cloud storage

  3. Store multiple copies in secure, separate locations (home safe, safety deposit box, etc.)

  4. Verify the words when prompted by your device

This phrase IS your crypto. Anyone with these words can access your assets. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.

4. Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from our official website only:

  1. Visit ledger.com/ledger-live

  2. Download for your operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android)

  3. Install and launch the application

  4. Follow the setup wizard, selecting your device when prompted

5. Add Crypto Accounts

  1. In Ledger Live, go to "Accounts" then "Add account"

  2. Select the cryptocurrency you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)

  3. Follow the prompts—you'll need to install the corresponding app on your device via Ledger Live Manager

  4. Once installed, your account will appear in Ledger Live

6. Make Your First Transaction

To receive crypto:

  1. Select your account in Ledger Live

  2. Click "Receive"

  3. Connect and unlock your Ledger device

  4. Verify the receiving address on your device screen

  5. Use this address to send crypto from an exchange or another wallet

To send crypto:

  1. Select the account and click "Send"

  2. Enter the recipient address and amount

  3. Connect and unlock your Ledger

  4. Verify all transaction details on your device screen

  5. Press both buttons to confirm

Ledger Live: Your Complete Crypto Management Platform

Ledger Live is more than just an interface—it's your gateway to the entire crypto ecosystem with security at its core.

Key Features:

  • Buy Crypto: Purchase 80+ cryptocurrencies directly with credit card or bank transfer through our regulated partners

  • Earn Rewards: Stake popular coins like ETH, SOL, DOT, and ATOM directly from Ledger Live to earn passive income

  • Swap Assets: Exchange between 200+ cryptocurrencies with competitive rates using our integrated DEX aggregation

  • Portfolio Tracking: Monitor your entire portfolio's performance with real-time pricing and detailed analytics

  • NFT Management: View and manage your NFTs across multiple chains (Ethereum, Polygon, Solana)

  • Discover Web3: Access DeFi platforms, dApps, and services through our secure Discover tab

Which Ledger Device Is Right For You?

Ledger Nano S Plus

  • Best for: Beginners and cost-conscious users

  • Price: Most affordable entry point

  • Features: Large screen, supports 5,500+ assets, USB-C connectivity

  • Storage: Holds 100+ applications simultaneously

Ledger Nano X

  • Best for: Active traders and mobile users

  • Key Advantage: Bluetooth connectivity for mobile use

  • Features: All Nano S Plus features plus mobile compatibility, larger capacity

  • Battery: Rechargeable battery for cordless operation

Ledger Stax

  • Best for: Premium users and NFT enthusiasts

  • Unique Feature: Curved E Ink touchscreen display

  • Design: Created by Tony Fadell (iPod inventor)

  • Experience: Best-in-class user interface and NFT visualization

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if I lose my Ledger device?

Your crypto remains safe because it's stored on the blockchain, not on the device. Simply purchase a new Ledger, select "Restore from recovery phrase," and enter your 24-word backup. Your accounts and funds will be fully restored. This is why safeguarding your recovery phrase is absolutely critical.

2. Can Ledger support new cryptocurrencies that emerge?

Yes. Ledger continuously adds support for new cryptocurrencies through free app installations via Ledger Live. Our development team works to integrate new blockchain standards, and our open-source approach allows community contributions for newer assets.

3. How often should I update my Ledger device?

Update your device firmware whenever Ledger Live notifies you of an available update. These updates include security enhancements, new features, and support for additional cryptocurrencies. Regular updates ensure you have the latest protections against emerging threats.

4. Is it safe to connect my Ledger to third-party wallets like MetaMask?

Yes, this is a secure practice. When connecting to MetaMask, Phantom, or other compatible wallets, your Ledger acts as a secure signer. The third-party wallet can propose transactions, but only your Ledger device can approve them—your private keys never leave the Secure Element.

5. Can I use one Ledger device for multiple people or purposes?

Yes. You can create a second PIN on your device, which generates an entirely separate set of accounts. This allows you to maintain completely isolated portfolios on a single device—perfect for separating personal and business assets or shared family access.

6. What makes Ledger more secure than a software wallet?

Ledger's hardware-based security provides critical advantages:

  • Isolation: Private keys never touch internet-connected devices

  • Physical confirmation: Every transaction requires manual verification on the device

  • Tamper resistance: Secure Element technology prevents physical extraction of keys

  • Malware protection: Even if your computer is compromised, your assets remain secure

Advanced Security Features

Ledger Recover (Optional)

For users who want an additional backup solution, Ledger Recover is an optional ID-based subscription service that encrypts and backs up your recovery phrase with trusted custodians. This provides a recovery option if you lose both your device and physical backup.

Transaction Blind Signing Protection

Ledger devices verify transaction details on-screen before signing. This prevents "blind signing" where users unknowingly approve malicious transactions—a common attack vector in DeFi.

Device Integrity Check

Every time you connect your Ledger, Ledger Live performs a genuine check to ensure your device hasn't been tampered with and is running authentic Ledger firmware.

Join the Sovereign Digital Future

Starting with Ledger means more than just securing crypto—it means participating in a fundamental shift toward individual financial sovereignty. With over 6 million devices sold and backing from leading investors, Ledger provides the confidence to explore Web3, DeFi, NFTs, and the next generation of digital assets.

Your journey to true digital ownership starts here.

Shop Devices | Download Ledger Live | Explore Learning Hub

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