Ledger.com/Start® — Getting Started with Ledger

Ledger.com/Start® is the official gateway provided by Ledger to help users securely begin their journey with a Ledger hardware wallet. Whether this is your first hardware wallet or you are upgrading from another solution, this setup portal guides you step-by-step through unboxing, initializing, securing, and managing your digital assets. It’s designed with beginner-friendly instructions and security best practices at the core, so users can confidently protect their cryptocurrency and other blockchain assets.

At a glance, Ledger hardware wallets like the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X are built with industry-leading security features — including a secure element chip and offline storage for private keys — making them a trustworthy choice for anyone serious about self-custody of crypto.

Why Start at Ledger.com/Start®?

  1. Official and Secure Setup Path

The first and most important reason to use Ledger.com/Start® is security. This page provides only official downloads, instructions, and links — ensuring you aren’t tricked by counterfeit software, imitation setup tools, or phishing sites that could compromise your assets.

Downloading Ledger Live or setup instructions from anywhere other than Ledger’s official domain significantly increases the risk of malware and fraud. Ledger’s page helps you avoid this by centralizing all verified resources in one place.

What You’ll Need Before You Begin

Before diving into setup at Ledger.com/Start®, make sure you have:

A genuine Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Nano S Plus, Nano X).

A computer or smartphone compatible with Ledger Live.

The USB cable included in the package (or Bluetooth where supported).

A private, distraction-free space to set up the device.

A safe way to record and store your 24-word recovery phrase offline.

These requirements are straightforward, but essential — especially the offline recovery phrase storage, which is the only way to restore your wallet if the device is lost or damaged.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide Step 1 — Unbox and Inspect Your Ledger Device

Start by carefully unboxing your hardware wallet. Ensure the packaging is intact and shows no signs of tampering. Ledger devices should arrive brand new without any prewritten recovery phrase — if yours does, do not proceed and contact Ledger Support.

Step 2 — Visit Ledger.com/Start®

Open your web browser and enter the URL ledger.com/start manually. This avoids redirecting through unsafe search results or links. The page is designed to detect your operating system and guide you to the correct version of Ledger Live for your device — whether you’re using a desktop or mobile.

Step 3 — Download and Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion app that connects your hardware wallet to your computer or phone. From Ledger.com/Start®, download the appropriate version for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android. After the download, install and launch the app.

Ledger Live will be your dashboard for managing accounts, checking balances, performing transactions, installing crypto apps, and accessing additional Ledger features like buying or staking assets.

Step 4 — Initialize Your Device

Once Ledger Live is installed:

Connect your Ledger device. Use the USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X) to link your hardware wallet to your computer or phone.

Choose “Set up as a new device.” This tells your wallet you’re creating a fresh wallet rather than restoring one.

Create a PIN code. Choose a PIN with 4-8 digits — avoid obvious combinations. This protects your device from unauthorized access.

Receive and write down your recovery phrase. Your device will display a 24-word recovery phrase — this is the only backup of your private keys. Write it down carefully on paper or another secure offline medium. Never store it digitally or share it with anyone.

Remember: anyone with access to your recovery phrase can access your crypto funds, so keep it in a safe, offline place.

Step 5 — Confirm Recovery Phrase

After writing down your recovery phrase, Ledger Live will prompt you to confirm several words from the list. This ensures you recorded it accurately and helps prevent setup errors.

Step 6 — Install Cryptocurrency Apps

Once your device is initialized and your recovery phrase confirmed, Ledger Live lets you install specific apps for the digital assets you want to hold — such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and thousands of others.

Each app corresponds to a blockchain or token type, and installing them establishes a dedicated account you can then use to send, receive, or track your funds.

Step 7 — Add Accounts and Manage Crypto

In Ledger Live:

Navigate to Accounts.

Click Add account.

Choose the cryptocurrency you want to manage.

Follow the prompts to sync the account with your device.

You’re now set up to securely receive, send, and manage your crypto holdings.

Additional Tips and Best Practices Security Always Comes First

Only use Ledger.com/Start® for setup and software downloads.

Avoid entering your recovery phrase online — Ledger will never ask for it in any digital form.

Beware of phishing sites or fake support messages claiming to be from Ledger Support.

Conclusion

Starting with Ledger.com/Start® is your best first step in securing your cryptocurrency and digital assets with a Ledger hardware wallet. This official setup portal ensures you download genuine software, follow secure setup practices, and get connected to the right tools — all while minimizing exposure to scams, fake installers, and other threats in the crypto ecosystem. With a Ledger device and Ledger Live working together, you gain robust security, full ownership of your private keys, and a clear path toward managing your digital wealth with confidence.