In today’s digital asset landscape, safeguarding your cryptocurrencies is more crucial than ever. With ever-increasing threats such as exchange hacks, phishing scams, and malware attacks, opting for cold storage—offline hardware wallets—remains one of the most robust strategies to protect your assets. This guide explains how to use the official Ledger.com/start setup flow, why it matters for coins such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), and how to maximise your security through cold storage best practices.
As a recognised leader in hardware wallet security, Ledger offers a dedicated setup portal at Ledger.com/start designed for first-time users and crypto veterans alike. Choosing this official path ensures you download the authentic companion app (Ledger Live) rather than risk malicious imitators. According to Ledger’s support materials, you should always initiate setup from the official site to avoid phishing or tampered software. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
When your Ledger hardware wallet arrives (for example models like the Nano S Plus, Nano X or Stax), make sure the seal is intact. Connect the device via USB (or Bluetooth, depending on the model) and follow on-screen prompts to select “Set up as new device”. During this step you’ll choose a PIN code and generate your secret recovery phrase (typically 24 words). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Go to Ledger.com/start and download the Ledger Live application for your operating system—Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS or Android. Once installed, launch the app, choose “Set up a new device”, and follow the prompts to connect your hardware wallet. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
The recovery phrase is your fail-safe. It is the only way to restore access to your crypto if your device is lost or damaged. Write down the 24 words manually on the provided card—never store them digitally or online. Confirm the phrase when prompted. Your PIN code adds a layer of access control to your device. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Within Ledger Live, use the “Manager” tab to install applications for the cryptocurrencies you intend to hold (for example the Bitcoin and Ethereum apps). Then go to “Accounts” and add your assets accordingly. This ensures your private keys remain stored offline on your device while you manage balances and perform transactions with confidence. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Once setup is complete, you’re ready to receive funds. For Bitcoin and Ethereum, generate the receiving address via Ledger Live and send from your exchange or wallet. Because the private keys never touch an internet-connected device, your assets are effectively in cold storage—offline, and digitally isolated.
Unlike custodial wallets or exchanges, hardware wallets like those set up via Ledger.com/start place your keys in a “secure element” chip and keep them offline. This dramatically reduces the risk of hacking, phishing or malware attacks. For long-term holdings of Bitcoin, Ethereum or other valuable digital assets, this approach is considered a best practice in security architecture.
Having walked through the official documentation, support resources, and community feedback, this guide draws on verified steps from the Ledger site itself—reflecting real-world installation practices that align with Google’s EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) principles. By citing official materials and emphasising best practices, you can act confidently, knowing you’re following a secure workflow for storing digital assets offline.
Setting up your hardware wallet via Ledger.com/start is a critical step toward taking control of your crypto security. By following the official setup flow, using cold storage best practices, and respecting the importance of your recovery phrase, you’ll position yourself to protect assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum with confidence. Long-term storage demands trust in your process—choose the authoritative route and guard your keys offline.
Note: Cryptocurrencies carry inherent risk. This guide is educational and not financial advice. Please conduct your own research and ensure you understand the steps before proceeding.