
Ledger.com/start – Official Guide to Setting Up Your Ledger Wallet Safely
If you have purchased a Ledger hardware wallet and want to secure your cryptocurrency, the first step is to set up the device properly. The official onboarding page for all Ledger products is Ledger.com/start. This page provides verified software downloads, setup instructions, and security guidelines. To help you get started, this guide explains the entire process in simple, beginner-friendly language.
Why Ledger.com/start Is Important
Cryptocurrency is a digital asset, which means it can be stolen if not properly protected. Ledger hardware wallets help keep your crypto secure by storing your private keys offline. However, to use a Ledger wallet safely, you must configure it using the correct tools.
Ledger.com/start ensures you:
Download the authentic Ledger Live app
Follow the official setup steps
Verify your device and firmware
Avoid fake or harmful websites
Using only the official site protects you from phishing scams that could trick you into exposing your recovery phrase or installing counterfeit software.
What You Receive With Your Ledger Device
When you unbox your new Ledger wallet, check that everything looks original and sealed. Inside the package, you should find:
Your Ledger hardware wallet
One USB cable
Three recovery sheets
Quick-start instructions
Optional stickers or accessories
Ledger never ships a device with a prewritten recovery phrase. If you find a card containing 12 or 24 words already filled in, do not use the device. This may indicate tampering or a scam.
Step 1: Visit Ledger.com/start
When you're ready to begin, go to Ledger.com/start in your web browser. Type the URL manually to avoid fake links. Once you arrive, the site will direct you to download Ledger Live, the official app used for setup, firmware updates, and portfolio management.
Ledger Live is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Choose the version that matches your device.
Step 2: Install Ledger Live
After downloading the installer, open it and follow the on-screen prompts. Once installed, launch Ledger Live. The app will greet you with a welcome screen and ask what you want to do.
Select “Set up a new device.”
You will also be asked if you want to enable analytics. This is optional and does not affect your security.
Step 3: Select Your Ledger Device Model
Ledger Live supports several devices, including:
Ledger Nano S Plus
Ledger Nano X
Ledger Stax (if available)
Choose your model from the list. Once selected, the app will guide you step-by-step through the required setup actions while your physical device displays matching instructions.
Step 4: Set Up Your PIN Code
Your Ledger device will ask you to create a PIN code. This PIN protects your wallet if someone tries to access your device physically. Choose a strong PIN, typically between 4 and 8 digits.
You will enter and confirm the PIN directly on your Ledger device using its buttons. Never share this PIN with anyone.
Step 5: Generate Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
This is the most critical part of the setup. Your ledger will now display a unique 24-word recovery phrase. These words are your ultimate backup. They allow you to recover your crypto if the wallet is lost, broken, or reset.
Follow these rules:
Write down the phrase on the provided recovery sheets
Do not store it on your phone or computer
Do not photograph it
Do not share it with anyone
Never type it into websites, apps, or messages
If you lose these 24 words, you lose access to your crypto permanently. Treat your recovery phrase like a highly confidential password.
Step 6: Confirm the Recovery Phrase
To ensure you wrote your phrase correctly, your Ledger device will ask you to confirm specific words by selecting them from a list. Complete this step carefully. Once verified, your wallet setup continues.
Step 7: Install Crypto Apps on Your Ledger Device
Your Ledger wallet can manage many cryptocurrencies, but it requires individual apps for each blockchain. Ledger Live will prompt you to install apps such as:
Bitcoin
Ethereum
Solana
Litecoin
Tron
Other supported networks
These apps do not store your assets—they simply allow your device to communicate with the blockchain. Even if you uninstall an app later, your funds remain safe.
Step 8: Add Crypto Accounts in Ledger Live
After installing the apps, you must add accounts in Ledger Live. Each account corresponds to a specific cryptocurrency. To add an account:
Open Ledger Live
Click “Accounts”
Select “Add account”
Choose your crypto type
Follow the on-screen prompts
Once added, you can view balances, track transactions, and manage your portfolio.
Step 9: Receive Crypto Into Your Ledger Wallet
Now that your Ledger is ready, you can receive cryptocurrency securely. To do this:
Open Ledger Live
Click “Receive”
Choose the correct account
Verify your receiving address on the Ledger device
Share the address with the sender
Always confirm that the address shown on the computer matches the one displayed on the Ledger device. This protects you from malicious software that might try to change the address.
Staying Secure After Setup
Your Ledger wallet is secure, but your actions matter too. Keep these tips in mind:
Only download updates from Ledger.com
Keep your recovery phrase offline
Use Ledger Live’s password lock
Keep your device firmware updated
Be cautious of scams, fake support, and phishing messages
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase—not through email, chat, or phone.
Final Thoughts
Setting up your device through Ledger.com/start is the safest and most reliable way to begin using your Ledger hardware wallet. By following the setup steps carefully and protecting your recovery phrase, you ensure that your digital assets stay safe for years to come. Ledger offers strong security, but your vigilance is the final layer of protection.