Ledger.com/start — Official Getting Started Guide

When it comes to securing your cryptocurrency assets — whether Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) or dozens of other supported coins — the foundation of strong protection is cold storage. This means keeping your private keys offline and out of reach of internet-connected threats. The team at Ledger has built a secure, user-friendly onboarding flow through Ledger.com/start so you can set up your hardware wallet with confidence.

Why cold storage matters

Crypto exchanges, software wallets and web-based services are convenient—but they remain exposed to online risk: hacking, phishing, malware or custodial failure. When you use a hardware wallet via the Ledger setup flow on Ledger.com/start, you achieve self-custody: your private keys never leave the device, they’re stored in a secure element chip, and you approve each transaction physically. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

What you’ll achieve via Ledger.com/start

Download the official Ledger Live companion app from the secure source. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Initialize your hardware wallet (e.g., Nano X, Nano S Plus) with a PIN and generate your recovery phrase offline. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Install cryptocurrency apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and link your accounts via Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Store your assets in cold (offline) mode so that your private keys are never exposed to the internet. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Manage and monitor your cryptocurrency portfolio securely, send/receive funds, engage in staking or DeFi—while using the hardware wallet to approve all critical operations. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Step-by-step: Setup via Ledger.com/start

Go to Ledger.com/start. This is the official starting point—typing it manually ensures you avoid phishing links. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Select your device model and download the Ledger Live app for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile (iOS/Android). :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Connect your hardware wallet (via USB or Bluetooth depending on model) and power it on. Follow on-screen prompts to initialize it as a new device. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Choose a PIN code that you’ll remember and that’s hard to guess. On the device you’ll then see a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down on the provided sheet (or preferably a metal backup) and store it in a safe, offline location. Never share it. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Confirm a few words of your recovery phrase as instructed to verify you wrote it correctly. Once confirmed, you’re ready to use the device. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Open Ledger Live, go to “Manager” to install the cryptocurrency app(s) you want (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.), then add accounts and synchronize. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Finally, you can receive crypto directly into your device-protected account or send out—each transaction must be approved on the hardware wallet itself, ensuring an offline signature. Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date to maintain security. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Best practices for secure storage

To adhere to institutional-grade security and the principles of experience, expertise, authoritativeness and trustworthiness (EEAT), follow these precautions:

Always **type** the URL rather than clicking links from emails or pop-ups. Phishing is a top threat vector. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Your recovery phrase must remain offline—never photograph it or store it digitally or in the cloud. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
Verify the firmware authenticity via Ledger Live and never install updates from unverified sources. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Separate amounts: use one device for large, long-term holdings (cold storage) and another for smaller, more active holdings if needed. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Keep backups of the device in safe locations (e.g., fire-safe, safe deposit box) and ensure access recovery methods are clear to you. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

Why this setup is an expert-level security move for Bitcoin & Ethereum

When you hold Bitcoin or Ethereum, or any significant amount of crypto, you hold responsibility—not an exchange or third-party. By using a hardware wallet via Ledger.com/start, you adhere to the strongest self-custody framework:

Your private keys never touch an internet-connected machine.
Transaction approvals require physical interaction with the device.
The recovery phrase ensures you can restore access even if the device is lost or damaged.
Ledger’s secure element and OS provide hardware-level protection against numerous attack vectors. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

FAQ

Q1: What exactly happens when I visit Ledger.com/start?: A1: It is the official portal that guides you through downloading Ledger Live, selecting your device model, initiating your hardware wallet setup, generating your recovery phrase, and installing crypto-apps. By starting here you avoid counterfeit downloads and phishing. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
Q2: Can I store both Bitcoin and Ethereum on the same Ledger device?: A2: Yes. After setup via Ledger.com/start, you install the Bitcoin app and the Ethereum app (plus other supported coins) via Ledger Live. Your device can securely hold multiple crypto assets. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
Q3: Why is it important to write down the recovery phrase offline?: A3: The 24-word recovery phrase is your ultimate backup—in case your device is lost, stolen or damaged you can restore your funds. If it is exposed digitally or to the cloud, attackers can steal your funds. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
Q4: What if I lose my hardware wallet after setup?: A4: If you lose the physical device but still have your recovery phrase, you can restore your accounts on a new Ledger device (or compatible wallet). Without the recovery phrase you cannot access those funds. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
Q5: Are hardware wallets really better than keeping crypto on an exchange?: A5: Yes—hardware wallets provide self-custody of private keys, offline storage, and require physical confirmation for transactions. Exchanges and hot wallets are connected online and present more attack surface. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
Q6: How do I know I'm not downloading a fake version of Ledger Live?: A6: Always download Ledger Live from the official link on Ledger.com/start. Avoid email or advertising links, verify the URL carefully, and verify the device’s genuine check during setup. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}

In conclusion: if you value your crypto assets and want to protect them long-term, begin your setup right now by visiting Ledger.com/start. Follow the steps, install the hardware wallet, enable cold storage for your Bitcoin, Ethereum (and more), and benefit from what’s widely regarded as best-in-class hardware wallet security.