Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started — Ledger Support™

Cryptocurrency is decentralized by design, which means you control your own assets — but that also means you are responsible for securing them. Ledger hardware wallets are physical devices that keep your private keys offline, protected from the constant threats found online. Ledger.com/Start® is Ledger’s official onboarding portal to help you safely set up your device and begin managing your digital assets.

1. What Ledger.com/Start® Is

Ledger.com/Start® is the official, secure launch point for your Ledger device setup — often called “the start page” or the onboarding portal. It’s where you download Ledger Live, find step‑by‑step setup instructions, and follow official guidance straight from Ledger Support. Unlike random webpages or videos, this page is curated by Ledger to ensure you only follow authentic and safe setup steps.

2. Why Hardware Wallets Like Ledger Matter

Before you begin, it helps to understand why Ledger devices are different from software wallets:

Your private keys stay offline — the most secure place possible.

Safe from malware — internet‑connected computers and phones are common targets for hacks.

Transactions are always confirmed physically — you must approve them on the device’s screen.

Supports thousands of coins and tokens — from Bitcoin and Ethereum to many altcoins.

In essence, Ledger allows you to manage your crypto independently — without trusting an exchange or third party with your keys.

3. What You’ll Need Before You Start

Here’s what you should have before you begin the setup:

A genuine Ledger hardware wallet such as:

Ledger Nano S Plus

Ledger Nano X

Ledger Stax (or other supported model)
(Always buy directly from ledger.com or authorized sellers.)

A computer or smartphone with internet access.

A compatible USB cable (included with your Ledger).

A clean, secure location — setup should only be done in private.

Pen and paper or a secure metal backup for your recovery phrase.
Do not store your recovery phrase digitally or photograph it.

Having these ready ensures you can complete the setup without interruptions.

4. Step‑by‑Step Setup via Ledger.com/Start®

Step 1 — Visit the Official Start Page

Open your browser and go to:

🔗 https://www.ledger.com/start

Always type the address manually or use a verified bookmark. This prevents phishing sites pretending to be Ledger’s setup page.

Step 2 — Download Ledger Live

On the start page, you’ll see download links for Ledger Live — the official app you use to interact with your Ledger device.

Desktop: Windows, macOS, Linux

Mobile: iOS and Android (official app store only)

Never download Ledger Live from third‑party sites or unofficial links.

Install Ledger Live once the download completes.

Step 3 — Launch Ledger Live & Begin

Once Ledger Live is installed:

Open the app.

Click “Get Started”.

Choose your device model (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.).

Follow on‑screen prompts.

Ledger Live will help guide you through the following device on‑boarding steps.

5. Initialize Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

Unbox and Inspect Carefully

Check the box seal and make sure the packaging isn’t tampered with.

Ensure you see your Ledger device, USB cable, recovery sheets, and documentation.

A ledger device should never come with a pre‑written recovery phrase. If it does, do not use it — this is a major security risk.

Connect Your Device

Plug your Ledger into your computer or smartphone.

Press the buttons on the device to power it on.

You’ll see a welcome screen or device menu.
(If you see a preconfigured menu, this suggests tampering.)

Choose Setup Option

You’ll be given two choices:

Set up as a new device

Restore from recovery phrase

Choose set up as new unless you are restoring an existing wallet.

Set a Secure PIN

Your Ledger will prompt you to choose a 4‑ to 8‑digit PIN.

Best practices:

Avoid obvious combinations like “1234” or your birth date.

Memorize your PIN — never share it.

After multiple wrong entries, your device may reset itself for security.

This PIN protects physical access to your wallet.

Generate and Record Your Recovery Phrase

Your device will display a 24‑word recovery phrase one word at a time.

Write down each word in order on the card provided.

Confirm the phrase when the device prompts.

Store this phrase offline and securely.

⚠️ This recovery phrase is the only backup to recover your wallet if the device is lost or damaged.
Never store it digitally or share it with anyone. Ledger Support will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Finish Initialization

Once your recovery phrase is confirmed and recorded, Ledger Live will complete setup. This might include firmware updates that ensure your device has the latest protections.

6. Install Apps & Add Accounts

In Ledger Live:

Navigate to the Manager section.

Connect and unlock your Ledger device.

Browse and install the apps for specific cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).

Each blockchain has its own app installed on the hardware device.

After installing apps:

Go to Accounts.

Click Add Account.

Choose the cryptocurrency and follow prompts to sync it.

This lets you manage each supported coin or token directly in Ledger Live.

7. How to Receive Cryptocurrency

To receive funds:

In Ledger Live, select an account (e.g., Bitcoin).

Click Receive.

Connect and unlock your device.

Verify the address shown on Ledger Live matches the address on your Ledger device screen.

Once verified, copy or scan the address and share it with the sender.

Security Tip: Always confirm the address on the device screen itself — this prevents malware from altering it.

8. How to Send Cryptocurrency

Sending funds is a similar process:

Select the account you want to send from.

Click Send.

Enter the recipient address (or scan QR).

Enter the amount and review fees.

Connect and unlock your Ledger device.

Verify all transaction details on the device screen.

Approve to broadcast the transaction.

Important: Once a blockchain transaction is confirmed, it cannot be reversed.

9. Ongoing Security Best Practices

Security doesn’t end after setup. To keep your crypto safe, follow these rules:

Keep Your Recovery Phrase Offline

Never take a photo, type it into the internet, or store it in cloud services. Offline backups (paper, metal) are best.

Only Download Software from Ledger.com

Fake apps and phishing sites exist. Only use official Ledger Live downloads from ledger.com — not from emails or random links.

Beware of Scams

Scammers may message claiming to be support or ask for your seed phrase. Ledger will never contact you first or ask for your recovery phrase.

Regular Updates

Ledger Live and your device firmware receive periodic security updates. Always apply them as they become available.

Test with Small Amounts First

Before sending a large transfer, make a small test transaction to ensure everything works correctly.

10. What if You Lose Your Device?

If your hardware wallet is lost or damaged, your crypto funds are not lost — as long as you have your recovery phrase. Using that 24‑word phrase, you can restore your wallet on any compatible Ledger or other supported wallet.

However, if both the device and recovery phrase are lost, access to your funds is permanently lost.

Conclusion

Ledger.com/Start® connects you to the essential tools and guides needed to secure your cryptocurrency with a hardware wallet. By following each step — from unboxing and initializing your Ledger to managing assets in Ledger Live — you take full custody of your digital wealth with industry‑standard protection. Always practice good security habits, keep your recovery phrase safe, and only use official resources.

If you need more help or encounter edge‑case errors during setup, Ledger Support has a range of help articles and dedicated assistance you can access directly through their official support channels.