Ledger.com/Start – Complete Guide to Setting Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
If you’ve recently purchased a Ledger hardware wallet, your journey to secure cryptocurrency storage begins at Ledger.com/Start. This official setup page guides you through initializing your device, installing the required software, and securing your digital assets properly.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about setting up your Ledger wallet, securing your recovery phrase, installing apps, and safely managing your crypto assets.
What Is Ledger.com/Start?
Ledger.com/Start is the official onboarding page created by Ledger to help users set up their hardware wallets securely. Whether you own a Ledger Nano S Plus or a Ledger Nano X, this page provides step-by-step instructions to:
Verify your device authenticity
Install Ledger Live
Create or restore a wallet
Secure your recovery phrase
Install crypto apps
Start managing digital assets
Using the official setup page ensures you avoid phishing sites and unauthorized software.
Why Use a Ledger Hardware Wallet?
Before diving into the setup process, it’s important to understand why Ledger hardware wallets are considered one of the safest ways to store crypto.
Ledger devices store private keys in a secure chip that remains offline. This means hackers cannot access your keys remotely.
Ledger wallets use a certified Secure Element (SE) chip similar to those used in passports and credit cards.
Transactions must be confirmed manually on the device, adding an extra security layer.
Ledger supports thousands of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many ERC-20 tokens.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Ledger at Ledger.com/Start Step 1: Unbox and Inspect Your Device
When you receive your Ledger wallet:
Ensure the box is sealed.
Ledger devices do not come with pre-written recovery phrases.
If anything looks suspicious, do not use the device.
Ledger devices are designed to verify authenticity during setup.
Step 2: Visit the Official Website
Open your browser and go to Ledger.com/Start.
Always double-check the URL to avoid phishing websites. Bookmark the official site for future use.
Step 3: Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official companion app used to manage your device and crypto assets.
It is developed by Ledger and is available for:
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS (Nano X only)
Android
Download Ledger Live directly from the official website to ensure security.
Step 4: Install Ledger Live
After downloading:
Open the installer file.
Follow on-screen instructions.
Launch Ledger Live once installation completes.
Ledger Live will guide you through device setup automatically.
Step 5: Choose Your Device Model
When you open Ledger Live, select your device:
Ledger Nano S Plus
Ledger Nano X
Follow the instructions specific to your model.
Step 6: Set Up as a New Device or Restore
You’ll be asked to choose:
Set up as new device
Restore from recovery phrase
If this is your first time, choose “Set up as new device.”
Step 7: Create a PIN Code
Your Ledger device will prompt you to:
Create a 4–8 digit PIN code
Confirm it
This PIN protects your device from unauthorized physical access.
Important tips:
Do not share your PIN.
Avoid predictable numbers like 1234.
Memorize your PIN securely.
Step 8: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
This is the most important step.
Your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase). This phrase:
Is the backup of your wallet
Can restore your crypto if your device is lost
Must never be shared
Write each word in order on the provided recovery sheet.
⚠️ Never:
Take a photo of it
Store it digitally
Share it with anyone
Anyone with your recovery phrase can access your funds.
Step 9: Confirm Recovery Phrase
Ledger will ask you to confirm selected words from your recovery phrase to ensure you wrote them correctly.
This ensures you have an accurate backup.
Step 10: Device Genuine Check
Ledger Live performs a genuine check to confirm your device is authentic and not tampered with.
This verification is done through Ledger’s secure servers and cryptographic authentication.
Installing Crypto Apps
After setup, you can install cryptocurrency apps directly from Ledger Live.
Steps:
Open Ledger Live.
Go to “Manager.”
Connect and unlock your device.
Install apps like Bitcoin or Ethereum.
Each cryptocurrency requires its own app on the device.
Adding Accounts in Ledger Live
To manage crypto:
Open Ledger Live.
Click “Add Account.”
Select cryptocurrency.
Confirm on device.
Ledger Live will then create and sync your account.
Sending and Receiving Crypto Receiving Crypto
Open Ledger Live.
Select account.
Click “Receive.”
Verify address on your Ledger device.
Share the verified address with sender.
Always confirm the address on the device screen — not just on your computer.
Sending Crypto
Click “Send.”
Enter recipient address.
Enter amount.
Confirm details on your device.
Approve transaction physically.
Transactions cannot be reversed once confirmed.
Security Best Practices
To maximize safety:
Keep recovery phrase offline.
Store recovery sheet in a secure location (preferably fireproof).
Consider using a metal backup plate.
Never enter recovery phrase on any website.
Enable passphrase feature for extra protection.
Keep Ledger Live updated.
Restoring Your Wallet
If your device is lost or damaged:
Purchase a new Ledger device.
Select “Restore from recovery phrase.”
Enter 24 words in correct order.
Set new PIN.
Your crypto assets will reappear once synced.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying from unofficial sellers
Sharing recovery phrase
Ignoring firmware updates
Storing seed phrase online
Falling for phishing emails
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Ledger Nano S Plus vs Ledger Nano X Feature Nano S Plus Nano X Bluetooth No Yes Mobile Support Limited Full Battery No Yes App Storage Large Larger
Both provide strong security — choice depends on portability needs.
Why Ledger.com/Start Is Important
Using the official setup page ensures:
You download authentic Ledger Live software
You follow verified security steps
Your device is checked for authenticity
You avoid phishing risks
Always start at Ledger.com/Start when setting up a new device.
Final Thoughts
Setting up your Ledger wallet through Ledger.com/Start is the safest way to begin managing cryptocurrency securely. With proper setup and careful storage of your recovery phrase, you gain full control over your digital assets without relying on third parties.
Hardware wallets like Ledger offer peace of mind in a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving. By following the steps in this guide, you ensure your crypto investments remain protected for years to come.
Security in crypto begins with self-custody — and Ledger provides one of the most trusted tools to achieve it.
If you’ve just received your Ledger device, head to Ledger.com/Start and take the first step toward secure crypto ownership today.