Ledger.com/Start – Official Setup for Ledger Hardware Wallets
Setting up a Ledger hardware wallet is the first and most important step toward securing your digital assets. As cryptocurrencies continue to grow in popularity, so does the need for reliable cold-storage solutions. Ledger devices—such as the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X—offer industry-leading protection through offline private-key storage, secure chip technology, and a user-friendly interface. If you are new to Ledger or setting up your device for the first time, Ledger.com/Start is the official onboarding portal designed to guide you through each step safely and efficiently.
This comprehensive guide explains the complete Ledger setup process, key security practices, how to install Ledger Live, how to manage accounts, and how to safeguard your recovery phrase. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned crypto user, this 1000-word tutorial will help you start with confidence.
What Is Ledger.com/Start?
Ledger.com/Start is the official setup page provided by Ledger. It serves as the trusted entry point for:
Downloading and installing Ledger Live, the official wallet-management software
Setting up and activating a new Ledger Nano X or Nano S Plus
Updating firmware and installing apps
Learning essential security guidelines
Accessing tutorials and support resources
Never download Ledger Live from third-party websites. Always use Ledger.com/Start, as it ensures that what you install is legitimate, verified, and secure.
1. Unboxing Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Inside your Ledger device package, you should find:
Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
USB cable
Recovery phrase sheets
Getting-started card
Keychain accessories or stickers (depending on model)
Before beginning the setup, confirm that:
The box is sealed properly
The device is brand new
There is no pre-written recovery phrase
If you discover a pre-written phrase, stop immediately—it is a scam.
2. Go to Ledger.com/Start
Open your browser and type:
ledger.com/start
This takes you directly to Ledger’s official startup page. From here, choose your device model, then follow the instructions to download Ledger Live, the official wallet-management app.
Ledger Live is available for:
Windows
macOS
Linux
Android (mobile)
iOS (limited pairing features depending on model)
3. Install Ledger Live
Click Download Ledger Live on the page. Once installed, open the application and select “Get Started.”
Ledger Live provides:
Account creation
Crypto transactions
Staking options
Portfolio tracking
Firmware updates
App installations
Secure asset management
During installation, Ledger Live automatically checks for authenticity and user safety.
4. Initialize Your Ledger Device
When Ledger Live prompts you to connect your device, use the USB cable to link it to your computer.
Choose “Set up as new device”
If this is your first time using Ledger, select:
✔ Set up as new device
If you’re recovering a previous wallet, choose Restore from recovery phrase.
5. Create a Strong PIN Code
Your device will ask you to set a PIN code (4–8 digits). This prevents unauthorized use of your hardware wallet.
Tips for choosing a secure PIN:
Avoid repeating numbers
Avoid birth dates or predictable patterns
Do not share your PIN with anyone
You will enter this PIN every time you unlock your Ledger.
6. Secure Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
After the PIN is set, your Ledger will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase.
This phrase:
Is the sole key to restoring your crypto
Must be written down exactly in order
Should never be stored digitally
Must never be photographed or saved online
Should never be shared with anyone
Ledger will never ask you for it. No support agent will ever request it.
Write the words clearly on the recovery sheets provided in the box. Store the sheets in a secure, offline location such as:
A safe
A lockbox
A fireproof storage device
For added protection, consider using a metal seed backup to prevent damage from fire or water.
7. Ledger Live Device Verification
Ledger Live will perform a security check to verify your device’s authenticity. This ensures you are using a genuine Ledger product, not a counterfeit.
Once verified, Ledger Live will prompt you to continue with the setup.
8. Install Apps for the Cryptocurrencies You Use
Ledger devices support thousands of cryptocurrencies, but you must install specific apps to manage certain coins.
Examples:
Bitcoin app
Ethereum app
Solana app
Polygon app
XRP app
Open Ledger Live → Manager → Install apps for your preferred networks.
This process only installs wallet infrastructure; your private keys remain offline within your Ledger device.
9. Add Crypto Accounts in Ledger Live
To manage or track assets, you’ll need to add accounts.
Steps:
Open Ledger Live
Click Accounts
Select Add account
Choose the cryptocurrency
Connect and unlock your Ledger
Follow the prompts until the account is added
You can add multiple accounts for multiple networks.
10. Send and Receive Crypto Safely
Once your setup is complete, you can start receiving and sending crypto.
To receive crypto:
Open the account
Click Receive
Verify receiving address on your Ledger device
Share the address securely with the sender
Always verify the address on the physical device screen to avoid phishing or malware attacks.
To send crypto:
Open Ledger Live
Select account → Send
Enter the destination address
Confirm transaction
Approve physically on the Ledger device
This physical confirmation ensures transactions cannot be executed by anyone other than you.
11. Keep Firmware Updated
Ledger regularly releases firmware updates to improve security and support new crypto networks.
To update:
Open Ledger Live
Go to Manager
Follow the firmware update instructions
Confirm on your device
Always ensure your recovery phrase is safely stored before updating.
12. Essential Security Tips for Ledger Users
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
Do not store your seed phrase online
Use a strong PIN
Verify URLs—always visit Ledger.com/Start
Avoid browser extensions claiming to be Ledger tools
Keep your Ledger device and Ledger Live updated
Use a reliable antivirus program
Only trust the official Ledger Live app
Conclusion
Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet using Ledger.com/Start is the safest way to begin your crypto-security journey. Ledger’s combination of offline private-key storage, secure-chip technology, and user-friendly software gives you complete control over your assets with maximum protection. By following the steps above—installing Ledger Live, writing down your recovery phrase, adding accounts, and following essential security practices—you can manage and grow your portfolio with confidence.