Ledger.com/start – The Official Guide to Setting Up Your Ledger Wallet
When entering the world of cryptocurrency, one of the most critical decisions is how to store your assets securely. Ledger hardware wallets are widely regarded as one of the safest ways to protect digital assets, offering physical security through certified devices and secure software integration. The first step in using a Ledger wallet safely is to begin with the official onboarding page: Ledger.com/start.
This official portal serves as the verified gateway to initialize your Ledger hardware wallet, install the necessary software, and ensure your device is genuine and ready to use. Starting here helps users avoid counterfeit tools, phishing attempts, and improper setup — all of which can lead to loss of funds if not handled correctly.
What Is Ledger.com/start?
Ledger.com/start is the official setup page for all Ledger hardware wallets, including the Ledger Nano S Plus and the Ledger Nano X. This secure portal walks new users through every stage of getting started with their device, from initial connection to installing Ledger Live, Ledger’s official app for managing crypto assets.
The purpose of Ledger.com/start is not only to help users configure their device but also to verify that the Ledger hardware wallet is authentic and untampered. By starting at the official website, users can confidently download verified software, avoid malicious downloads, and follow the best practices for crypto security.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect at Ledger.com/start
1. Select Your Device
Upon visiting Ledger.com/start, you’ll first be prompted to select your Ledger device model. This ensures that the instructions are tailored to your specific hardware, whether it's the Nano S Plus or Nano X. Each device has slightly different button layouts and features, so model-specific guidance is important.
2. Download and Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application used to interact with your Ledger device. It allows you to manage your assets, install coin apps, stake tokens, and track your portfolio. Download links are provided directly from the site to ensure you receive the correct and secure version.
Once installed, Ledger Live will guide you through the remaining steps of device setup.
3. Initialize Your Ledger Wallet
Connect your Ledger wallet to your computer or smartphone via USB (or Bluetooth, for Nano X) and launch Ledger Live. You’ll be asked whether you want to set up a new device or restore from a recovery phrase.
New device setup involves generating a unique 24-word recovery phrase, which serves as your backup in case the device is lost or damaged.
Restore device is used when migrating an existing wallet by entering your original 24-word phrase.
In either case, Ledger Live ensures that these steps are completed securely, and any sensitive information remains offline.
4. Write Down and Secure Your Recovery Phrase
The recovery phrase is the most important element of your wallet security. Ledger.com/start and the Ledger Live app will emphasize this point. You will be prompted to write down your 24 words on a physical recovery sheet. This phrase is never shown again and never stored by Ledger — it's your sole backup to access funds.
It’s recommended to store this recovery phrase in a secure, offline location, such as a safe or fireproof document case. Digital storage (e.g., cloud, phone, computer) is strongly discouraged due to the risk of hacks or malware.
5. Choose a PIN Code
The device will ask you to set a PIN code, which is required each time you power on or connect your Ledger wallet. This code protects your device from unauthorized physical access.
6. Verify Authenticity
Ledger Live automatically verifies the authenticity of the device’s secure element. This step is crucial for detecting tampered or counterfeit products. Ledger hardware uses certified secure chips (CC EAL5+) to ensure cryptographic secrets cannot be extracted, and verification provides users with confidence that the device is legitimate.
7. Install Apps for Crypto Assets
Ledger wallets don’t come pre-loaded with coins. Instead, you can install individual apps for specific blockchains using Ledger Live. Each app allows your Ledger wallet to manage that coin (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). The app installation is fast, simple, and safe — with all installations requiring confirmation on your device.
8. Add Accounts and Receive Crypto
After installing apps, you can create individual accounts for each crypto asset. These accounts are used to generate receiving addresses, which you can use to send funds to your wallet from exchanges or other wallets.
Before sending funds, you will confirm each receiving address on your Ledger device screen. This step is vital, as it ensures no malware has altered the address on your screen.
Why It's Critical to Use Ledger.com/start
Many crypto losses occur not because of vulnerabilities in hardware wallets themselves, but because of improper setup, phishing scams, or tampered software. Starting at Ledger.com/start ensures:
You download Ledger Live from the official source
You learn how to properly record and store your recovery phrase
Your device is authenticated against Ledger’s secure element database
You follow verified setup instructions, not third-party content
You stay protected from fake wallet apps or cloned websites
Ledger.com/start is more than just a welcome screen — it’s a critical security layer for your crypto journey.
Post-Setup: What Comes Next?
After setup is complete, Ledger Live becomes your secure control panel. You can send and receive funds, buy or swap crypto, stake supported coins, manage NFTs, or access DeFi protocols — all while your private keys remain safely inside your Ledger hardware wallet.
Ledger Live is updated regularly to support new features, coins, and security enhancements. Users can also upgrade firmware and install app updates directly through Ledger Live, ensuring that the device remains current and protected.
It’s also advisable to explore advanced features such as passphrase protection, which adds another layer of encryption to your seed phrase, and multiple accounts for managing portfolios across different asset classes.
Best Practices for Ledger Users
Always begin with Ledger.com/start to ensure a verified setup process
Write down your recovery phrase once, store it securely, and never share it
Keep your PIN code private and unique
Verify every address and transaction on your Ledger screen before confirming
Use only Ledger Live or verified DApps to interact with your wallet
Regularly update Ledger Live and your device firmware
Disclaimer
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Ledger does not have access to your PIN, private keys, or recovery phrase. You are solely responsible for securing your wallet and backup credentials. Loss of your recovery phrase may result in the irreversible loss of funds. Always verify that you are using official Ledger resources and never enter your recovery phrase into any device or platform except your Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger is not liable for losses resulting from user error, third-party services, or failure to follow official security practices.