Ledger.com/start - Official Site | Ledger

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Ledger.com/start — Your Complete Guide to Setting Up a Ledger Hardware Wallet

Welcome to Ledger.com/start, your simplified pathway to setting up, securing, and optimizing your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you’re using a Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, or another model, this step-by-step guide is designed to help beginners and experienced users alike start their crypto journey with confidence. By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to install Ledger’s companion software, configure your device, manage digital assets, and follow essential security best practices.

Why Start With Ledger?

When you deal with cryptocurrency—whether Bitcoin, Ethereum, or thousands of other digital assets—security is everything. Ledger wallets combine secure hardware with Ledger’s operating system to create a robust layer of protection around your private keys. Unlike software wallets or mobile apps, a hardware wallet stores your private keys offline, drastically reducing the risk of hacks, malware, and phishing attacks.

At Ledger.com/start, new users get a clear onboarding path, ensuring that their device is genuine, correctly initialized, and fully secured from day one.

Step 1: Unbox and Verify Your Ledger Device

Before turning on your device, make sure everything inside the box looks correct, sealed, and untampered. A typical Ledger package includes:

  • The Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.)
  • A USB cable
  • Recovery phrase sheets
  • User documentation
  • Optional accessories depending on model

Ledger no longer uses tamper-proof stickers, relying instead on a secure-chip verification process. If you’re unsure whether your device is legitimate, the Ledger software will run an authenticity check during setup.

Step 2: Go to Ledger.com/start

Open your browser and type Ledger.com/start. This is the official onboarding portal that guides you through downloading Ledger’s software and configuring your device. Avoid searching for unofficial links, as phishing sites can mimic crypto websites. Always double-check the URL to protect yourself from scams.

Step 3: Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official application used to manage your Ledger wallet. From Ledger.com/start, select your device model and click the download link for your operating system:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android / iOS (depending on model and mobile compatibility)

Ledger Live is the central command hub for your device, allowing you to:

  • Install and manage crypto apps on your hardware wallet
  • Send and receive digital assets
  • Buy, sell, or swap supported cryptocurrencies
  • Track your portfolio balance
  • Update your device’s firmware

Once installed, launch Ledger Live and follow the setup instructions.

Step 4: Initialize Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

When you first power on your Ledger device, you will see step-by-step instructions on its screen. You will be asked to:

  1. Create a new wallet or Restore an existing one
    • Choose “Set up as new device” if this is your first hardware wallet.
    • Choose “Restore” only if you have an existing 24-word recovery phrase.
  2. Set a PIN code
    • The PIN protects your device from unauthorized access.
    • Choose a PIN that is secure and not easily guessable.
    • Never share this PIN with anyone.
  3. Write down your 24-word recovery phrase
    • This phrase is the backup of your entire crypto wallet.
    • It can restore access if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
    • Write the words on the provided sheets—never store them digitally.
    • Do not take photos of it or upload it online.
    • Ledger employees will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Keep this phrase in a safe, private location. Anyone with access to it can access your crypto.

Step 5: Connect Ledger to Ledger Live

Next, open Ledger Live and connect your device with the USB cable (or Bluetooth, if supported). The app will walk you through:

  • Device verification
  • Firmware update (if available)
  • Installing specific apps, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or others

Each cryptocurrency has its own app on the hardware wallet. Installing apps does not store coins on the device—apps simply allow Ledger to manage those blockchain networks.

Step 6: Add Accounts to Manage Crypto

In Ledger Live, navigate to Accounts and click Add account. Choose the cryptocurrency you want to manage. Ledger Live will synchronize with your device and create an account for that asset.

Once your account is created, you will be able to:

  • View asset balances
  • Generate receive addresses
  • Send transactions
  • Track your portfolio performance over time

Ledger Live supports hundreds of coins natively, and even more through third-party integrations.

Step 7: Receive Crypto to Your Ledger Wallet

To receive crypto:

  1. Select your account in Ledger Live
  2. Click Receive
  3. Verify the address displayed on your computer matches the address shown on your Ledger device
  4. Copy the verified address and send funds from your exchange or wallet

Always check the device screen. This ensures no malware has replaced your address.

Step 8: Sending Crypto Safely

To send cryptocurrency:

  1. Choose the account you want to send from
  2. Click Send
  3. Enter the recipient’s address
  4. Confirm details in Ledger Live
  5. Approve the transaction on the hardware device

Transactions are only valid if physically confirmed on your Ledger wallet, meaning even if your computer is compromised, your crypto cannot be moved without your confirmation.

Step 9: Keep Firmware and Ledger Live Updated

Ledger regularly releases updates to enhance security and add new features. Ledger Live will notify you when an update is available. Updating requires connecting your device and following the prompts.

Firmware updates often include:

  • Enhanced security features
  • New asset support
  • Performance improvements

Make sure your recovery phrase is safely stored before updating.

Step 10: Follow Essential Security Practices

Crypto security is ongoing. Here are key practices to protect your assets:

  • Store your recovery phrase offline in multiple secure places
  • Do not share your phrase with anyone
  • Verify all addresses on your hardware device screen
  • Download Ledger Live only from the official website
  • Be cautious with emails claiming to be from “Ledger support”
  • Avoid browser extensions or apps that ask for your seed phrase

Your wallet is only as secure as your habits.

Troubleshooting and Support

If you encounter issues during setup, Ledger offers resources such as:

  • Official help center articles
  • Device troubleshooting
  • Step-by-step error code explanations
  • Community and developer documentation

Always make sure you are using the official support channels linked through Ledger.com/start.

Begin Your Journey With Confidence

Getting started with Ledger means taking the first step toward full control of your cryptocurrency. By following this guide, you’re ensuring that your digital assets are protected by hardware-based security, industry best practices, and trusted tools. Visit Ledger.com/start anytime you need help reinstalling Ledger Live, setting up a new device, or refreshing your knowledge.

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