Ledger Start® | Get Started with Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Introduction: Begin Your Crypto Security Journey with Ledger Start®
In today’s digital world, keeping your crypto assets safe is more important than ever. With millions of dollars lost annually to hacks, phishing scams, and exchange vulnerabilities, hardware wallets have become a necessity—not a luxury.
Ledger Start® is the onboarding process designed to help you activate, initialize, and secure your Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X. This guide goes beyond the basics, giving you a complete walkthrough of every step, best practices, and security recommendations so you can confidently take your crypto security into your own hands.
Chapter 1: What Is Ledger? Why Does It Matter?
Ledger is one of the world’s leading hardware wallet companies. Their devices are trusted globally because they allow users to securely store private keys offline, away from potential cyber threats.
Key Reasons to Choose a Ledger Hardware Wallet
Offline private key storage (cold storage)
Secure Element chip for military-grade protection
Ledger Live® app for managing crypto
Support for 5,000+ coins and tokens
Bluetooth support on Ledger Nano X
Recovery seed backup system
Built-in staking features for passive reward earning
Owning a Ledger wallet means you—not the exchange—control your crypto.
Chapter 2: What You Need Before Starting
Before visiting Ledger Start®, make sure you have the following:
✔ A New, Sealed Ledger Device
Never purchase used or unsealed devices. Ledger hardware wallets never come pre-configured with a recovery phrase.
✔ A Computer or Smartphone
Supported systems:
MacOS
Windows
Linux
Android (for Nano X via Bluetooth or USB)
✔ Internet Connection
Only needed to install Ledger Live and firmware—not to create private keys.
✔ Pen & Paper
For writing down your 24-word recovery phrase.
Chapter 3: Go to Ledger Start® (Setup Portal)
Open your browser and navigate to:
👉 Ledger Start® (official onboarding)
This guide will walk you into Ledger Live, which is the main application you'll use for setup and crypto management.
Chapter 4: Downloading & Installing Ledger Live
Ledger Live® is the control center for your Ledger hardware wallet.
How to Install Ledger Live
Visit the official Ledger site via Ledger Start®.
Choose your operating system.
Download and install the application.
Launch Ledger Live.
Select “Get Started”.
Why Ledger Live Is Important
Manages all your assets in one place
Sends and receives crypto securely
Installs coin apps on your Ledger device
Initiates firmware updates
Enables staking for supported assets
Lets you purchase, swap, and sell crypto safely
Ledger Live + a Ledger device = a complete, secure crypto ecosystem.
Chapter 5: Setting Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Once Ledger Live is installed, follow these steps:
1. Choose Your Device
Ledger Nano S Plus
Ledger Nano X
Then select “Set up as new device.”
2. Choose and Confirm a PIN Code
This protects your device if it’s lost or stolen.
Use a PIN that is:
6–8 digits
Not obvious or repetitive
3. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
Your Ledger will generate a 24-word recovery seed.
This is the most important step.
⚠ Very Important
Your recovery phrase:
Is only shown once
Must be written down on paper
Should be stored in a secure, private place
Should never be typed online or photographed
Acts as the only backup of your crypto
Anyone with these 24 words can access your crypto.
Chapter 6: Verifying & Securing Your Recovery Phrase
Ledger Live will ask you to confirm your 24 words on the device.
This ensures your backup is correct.
Best Backup Practices
Write your phrase clearly using permanent ink
Store in two separate secure locations
Consider using metal seed storage plates for fireproof/waterproof protection
Never share the phrase with anyone—even “support agents” (Ledger will NEVER ask)
Crypto ownership = seed ownership.
Chapter 7: Installing Coin Apps on Your Ledger Device
Ledger devices work with apps for each coin or blockchain.
Steps:
Open Ledger Live
Go to “My Ledger”
Connect your device
Install the apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.)
Each app allows you to send, receive, or stake assets on that blockchain.
Chapter 8: Adding Crypto to Your Ledger Wallet
To receive crypto:
Open Ledger Live
Choose “Receive”
Select the asset
Connect your Ledger device
Verify the address on the device screen
Copy it and send funds
Always verify the address on the device.
This protects you from malware that could swap your address.
Chapter 9: Sending Crypto from Ledger Live
To send crypto safely:
Open Ledger Live
Choose Send
Paste the recipient’s address
Enter the amount
Confirm transaction on your Ledger device
The private keys never leave the device, ensuring maximum security.
Chapter 10: Firmware Updates & Long-Term Security
Keep Your Firmware Updated
Updates may include:
Security improvements
New features
Bug fixes
Better coin support
Always update through Ledger Live, never from third-party download sites.
Security Best Practices
Use a malware-free computer
Never store your recovery phrase digitally
Avoid public Wi-Fi when managing funds
Enable Ledger Live’s password lock
Activate advanced security options (like blind signing) if needed
Conclusion: Start Your Crypto Journey Safely with Ledger Start®
Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet using Ledger Start® is essential for securing your digital assets properly. Ledger provides one of the safest and most intuitive systems for managing cryptocurrency, but the security of your wallet ultimately depends on how well you protect your recovery phrase and follow best practices.