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:

  1. Open Ledger Live

  2. Click “Accounts”

  3. Select “Add account”

  4. Choose your crypto type

  5. 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:

  1. Open Ledger Live

  2. Click “Receive”

  3. Choose the correct account

  4. Verify your receiving address on the Ledger device

  5. 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.

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