Ledger.com/Start® – The Official Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up Your Ledger Device
Securing your cryptocurrency begins with choosing the right hardware wallet—and Ledger remains one of the most trusted names in the industry. Whether you’ve purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or the latest Ledger Stax, the official setup process begins at Ledger.com/Start®.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know: from unboxing your device, installing Ledger Live, securing your recovery phrase, and managing your crypto safely and confidently.
Why Ledger Hardware Wallets Are Trusted Worldwide
As digital currencies grow in popularity, so do online threats. Holding crypto on exchanges or software wallets leaves your assets exposed to:
Exchange breaches
Phishing scams
Malware and keyloggers
SIM swaps
Ransomware
Ledger hardware wallets solve these issues by storing your private keys inside a Secure Element chip, isolated from internet-connected devices. This means:
Your private keys never leave the device
Transactions must be physically verified
Hackers can’t access your funds remotely
Your crypto stays protected even on compromised computers
In short: Ledger = complete control and maximum security.
Ledger.com/Start® – Your Official Setup Portal
When you visit Ledger.com/Start®, you’re directed to the official onboarding page that ensures your device is genuine and initializes it safely.
Avoid using links from social media or random sites—only use the official domain Ledger.com.
Below is the complete, step-by-step setup process.
1. Unbox Your Ledger Device
Inside the box, you’ll typically find:
Your Ledger hardware wallet
USB cable
Recovery phrase sheets
Quick-start guide
Security checklist
Ledger devices come in tamper-proof packaging. If anything looks damaged, resealed, or suspicious, contact Ledger support before proceeding.
2. Go to Ledger.com/Start®
Open a browser and enter:
➡️ Ledger.com/Start®
This takes you to the official setup assistant where you will:
Verify your device
Download Ledger Live
Complete the initialization process
Learn security basics
3. Download Ledger Live (Official App)
Ledger Live is the all-in-one dashboard to manage your crypto.
Download it for your operating system:
Windows
macOS
Linux
Android (mobile app)
iOS (depending on device type/Bluetooth support)
Avoid downloading Ledger software from any unofficial websites.
4. Connect Your Ledger Device
Using the provided cable or Bluetooth (Nano X), connect your device to your computer or phone. Ledger Live will automatically detect it.
Once connected, the screen on your Ledger device will turn on and prompt you with simple instructions.
5. Set Up a New Wallet
Ledger Live will ask:
“Set up as new device”
“Restore from recovery phrase”
For new users, select Set up as new device.
You will now create a secure PIN code (4–8 digits).
Always:
Set a strong PIN
Avoid using birthdates or easy patterns
Never share your PIN with anyone
You must enter the PIN each time you unlock your Ledger device.
6. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase (The Most Important Step)
Your Ledger will display a unique 24-word recovery phrase.
This phrase is the master key to your crypto wallet.
You must:
✔ Write all 24 words on the provided recovery sheets
✔ Keep them offline and out of sight
✔ Store them in a safe, secure, physical location
You must NOT:
✘ Take pictures of your recovery phrase
✘ Store it digitally or in cloud storage
✘ Share your phrase online
✘ Enter it on any website, ever (including Ledger)
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Any website or person that does is a scam.
7. Confirm Your Recovery Phrase on the Device
Your Ledger will ask you to verify several of the 24 words to ensure you recorded them correctly.
Double-check every word for spelling and order.
This step ensures your wallet can be restored in case the device is lost, damaged, or replaced.
8. Install the Latest Firmware (If Needed)
Ledger Live may prompt you to:
Update firmware
Install security updates
Apply patches for new coin support
Only install updates through Ledger Live, never via websites or files.
9. Add Crypto Accounts to Ledger Live
Ledger Live supports a wide range of blockchains, including:
Bitcoin
Ethereum
Solana
XRP
Cardano
Polygon
Binance Smart Chain
Litecoin
Polkadot
More than 5,500 coins and tokens
To add an account:
Open Ledger Live
Navigate to Accounts
Click Add Account
Install the required app on your Ledger device
Approve installation on the device
Account appears in Ledger Live’s dashboard
10. Receiving Crypto Safely
To receive crypto:
Select the crypto account in Ledger Live
Click Receive
Ledger Live will display a receiving address
Your Ledger device will show the same address
Compare both screens
Only proceed if they match exactly
Share the address with the sender
Always confirm addresses on the Ledger device screen itself—this prevents malware-based address manipulation.
11. Sending Crypto
When sending funds:
Initiate the transaction in Ledger Live
Review all transaction details on your computer
Confirm the transaction on your physical Ledger device
Approve only when everything matches
Your Ledger must physically approve every outgoing transaction.
This is your primary defense against unauthorized transfers.
12. Enable Advanced Security Features
Ledger offers several optional layers of protection:
✔ Passphrase Feature
Adds an extra word to your 24-word recovery phrase, creating a hidden wallet.
✔ Anti-Phishing Check
Ledger Live alerts you of fake connections or suspicious activity.
✔ Secure Element Chip
Your keys stay protected even if your computer is compromised.
13. Back Up Your Recovery Phrase Securely
Many users choose to store their recovery phrase in:
Fireproof safes
Safety deposit boxes
Metal recovery-phrase plates (fire-proof & corrosion-resistant)
Your recovery phrase is the single most important component of your wallet security—treat it like a treasure.
14. Ongoing Best Practices for Maximum Security
To keep your wallet safe:
Keep your recovery phrase offline, always
Never share your PIN or phrase
Update firmware only through Ledger Live
Bookmark the official site (Ledger.com)
Avoid downloading wallet extensions from unknown sources
Only interact with verified dApps
Your Ledger device cannot protect you from phishing websites or malicious dApps—always stay vigilant.
Conclusion: Secure Your Crypto Journey with Ledger
Visiting Ledger.com/Start® is the first step toward taking control of your digital wealth. Ledger’s hardware wallets provide unmatched security, user-friendly setup, and trusted protection against the evolving threats of the online world.
By following the official setup process—creating a PIN, securing your 24-word recovery phrase, installing Ledger Live, and verifying all transactions on the device—you’re building a secure foundation for all your cryptocurrency activities.