Ledger.com/Start® — Your Complete Guide to Getting Started With Ledger

Cryptocurrency security starts with control — and nothing puts you in control of your digital assets like owning your private keys. Ledger.com/Start is the official onboarding destination for new Ledger users, offering step‑by‑step instructions, verified software, and security principles that help protect your crypto from hacks, scams, and unauthorized access. Whether you’re brand new to crypto or migrating from another wallet, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to set up and use your Ledger hardware wallet confidently.

1. Understanding What Ledger Is and Why It Matters

A Ledger wallet is a hardware device designed to protect your cryptocurrency by keeping your private keys offline and away from internet‑connected computers or phones. Unlike software wallets that store sensitive information digitally, Ledger devices use a secure chip to safeguard your keys, meaning even if your computer is compromised, your crypto remains protected.

Ledger devices such as the Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and Ledger Stax are trusted by millions worldwide due to their robust security, wide currency support, and integration with Ledger’s management platform, Ledger Live.

Key benefits include:

Cold storage security: private keys never leave the hardware device.

Multi‑currency support: manage thousands of coins and tokens in one place.

User‑friendly software: Ledger Live makes account management simple and secure.

Official support and guides: Ledger.com/Start ensures you always use verified tools.

2. Start at the Official Portal: Ledger.com/Start

To begin, open your web browser and enter ledger.com/start exactly as shown. This is the only official setup page for Ledger hardware wallets, and starting here ensures you avoid phishing sites, malicious downloads, or fake guides that could put your funds at risk.

⚠️ Security Tip: Always manually type this URL into your browser rather than clicking links from emails, social media, or search results. Ledger never sends unsolicited messages with direct download links.

From this page you will be guided to download the correct tools — most importantly Ledger Live — and follow the steps to initialize your device safely.

3. Unboxing and Initial Inspection

When your Ledger device arrives, take a moment to check the contents and packaging:

The box should be sealed and untampered.

Inside, you should find:

Your Ledger hardware wallet

A USB‑C cable

Recovery phrase sheets (for writing down your backup)

Quick start instructions

Important notes:

Never use a Ledger that includes a pre‑written recovery phrase. This is a major security red flag indicating a compromised device. If this happens, contact Ledger support immediately.

Only ever use devices purchased from the official Ledger shop or trusted authorized partners.

4. Download and Install Ledger Live

Once you’re on Ledger.com/Start, download Ledger Live, the official companion app that allows you to manage your wallets, check balances, send and receive funds, and access advanced features like staking, swaps, and decentralized apps.

Ledger Live is available for:

Windows

macOS

Linux

iOS

Android

Install the application and open it. The setup wizard will guide you through connecting your Ledger device and initializing your wallet.

⚠️ Never download Ledger Live from third‑party sites or links that do not come directly from ledger.com/start. Fake versions can steal your credentials and compromise your crypto.

5. Initialize Your Ledger Device

With Ledger Live open and your device connected via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X models), the app will prompt you to:

Set up as a new device (or restore an existing wallet if you already have a valid recovery phrase from another Ledger).

Choose and confirm a secure PIN (4–8 digits).

The device will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase — your ultimate backup.

PIN Security Guidelines

Choose a PIN that you will remember but others cannot guess.

Avoid using birthdays, repeated digits, or obvious combinations.

If you enter the wrong PIN three times in a row, the device will reset for security.

6. Record Your Recovery Phrase — The Most Critical Step

When your Ledger generates your 24‑word recovery phrase, it will display it word by word on the device screen. This phrase is the only way to restore your wallet and access your assets if the device is lost, damaged, or reset.

Write it down securely

Use the provided recovery sheets.

Never take a photo, screenshot, or store it digitally.

Never share it with anyone — including anyone pretending to be Ledger support.

⚠️ Ledger Support will NEVER ask for your recovery phrase. If someone asks for it — it’s a scam.

For added durability, some users choose metal backup plates that protect their phrase from fire, water, and other environmental damage.

7. Install Cryptocurrency Apps and Add Accounts

After initialization, Ledger Live will allow you to install apps for each blockchain you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).

To add accounts:

Go to the Accounts tab in Ledger Live.

Click Add account.

Select the crypto you want to manage.

Ledger Live will add the account after you confirm on the device.

Ledger supports thousands of assets — from major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum to thousands of tokens across many blockchains.

8. Sending and Receiving Crypto

With your accounts set up, you can:

Receive crypto: generate an address in Ledger Live and verify it on your device before sharing it with others.

Send crypto: specify the destination address, amount, and fee inside Ledger Live, then confirm the details on your Ledger device’s screen.

Always confirm critical information on the device’s display, not just on your computer screen — malware on a PC can fake addresses or amounts.

9. Keeping Your Ledger Secure and Updated

Regular updates to Ledger Live and your device’s firmware keep your wallet protected with the latest security enhancements.

To update firmware:

Connect your Ledger and unlock it.

Open Ledger Live and go to the My Ledger tab.

Follow the prompts if updates are available.

Never interrupt a firmware update in progress.

10. Troubleshooting and Support

Even with careful setup, you might encounter issues like connection problems, forgotten PINs, or transaction delays. Common solutions include:

Trying a different USB cable or port.

Restarting Ledger Live and reconnecting the device.

Using the Restore from recovery phrase option if your device resets after PIN errors.

Waiting for blockchain confirmations when networks are congested.

If these steps don’t help, contact Ledger Support through the official support center for help.

Conclusion — You’re Now in Control

By following the official setup process at Ledger.com/start, you’ve taken critical steps toward securing your crypto assets with industry‑leading hardware security. Keep your recovery phrase safe, verify every transaction on your device, and always download software from the official Ledger site. With these safeguards in place, you now hold the keys to your financial freedom — literally and securely.