Start Your Ledger Hardware Wallet | Ledger.com/start®
Introduction — What Is Ledger.com/Start®?
Ledger.com/Start is the official onboarding portal provided by Ledger — one of the world’s most trusted hardware wallet manufacturers — that walks you through securely setting up your Ledger hardware wallet from scratch. This includes:
- Verifying your device
- Installing Ledger Live (the official companion app)
- Initializing your hardware wallet
- Creating a secure PIN
- Generating and safeguarding your recovery phrase
- Installing apps and accounts for managing cryptocurrencies
Starting here ensures you’re dealing with the real, secure instructions and downloads — and helps you avoid phishing sites, fake software, and scams that could compromise your crypto. Support Ledger
Why Ledger and Ledger.com/Start Matter
What Is a Ledger Hardware Wallet?
A Ledger hardware wallet is a cold storage device that keeps your crypto private keys offline — away from the internet — where hackers, malware, and phishing cannot reach them. Your private keys are stored in a secure chip, and transactions must be manually approved on the device itself, guaranteeing ownership and control. Ledger Hardware Wallet Setup Guide
Why Starting at Ledger.com/Start Is Critical
Ledger has one official onboarding path — Ledger.com/Start — to protect you from fake versions and malicious downloads. Phishing and counterfeit wallet apps are common in the crypto space, and some scams even mimic Ledger Live or fake setup pages to trick you into revealing your 24‑word recovery phrase — which instantly gives attackers access to your crypto. Support Ledger
This official start page ensures:
- Only authentic firmware and software are installed
- Your device and setup follow Ledger’s security standards
- You’re guided through best practices to protect your assets
- You’re not misled by scam sites or malicious links
Before You Begin — What You Need
Before you start on Ledger.com/Start, make sure you have:
- A genuine Ledger hardware wallet — e.g., Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Ledger Stax
- A computer or smartphone
- A reliable USB cable (and Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X or Stax mobile use)
- A private, well‑lit space to write and store your recovery phrase
- A pen and the provided recovery sheet (or a metal backup plate)
- A secure internet connection to download Ledger Live
Security Tip: Only purchase Ledger devices directly from Ledger.com or authorized sellers to ensure authenticity. Never trust devices bought second‑hand or from marketplaces where tampering is possible. Ledger
Step‑By‑Step: Setting Up Your Ledger Wallet at Ledger.com/Start
1️⃣ Visit the Official Start Page
Type https://www.ledger.com/start directly into your browser — don’t click ads or search results, which can be spoofed by scammers. Support Ledger
Once there, you’ll be guided through a secure, device‑specific setup experience.
2️⃣ Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official app you’ll use to:
- Manage your crypto accounts
- Install blockchain apps on your device
- Send and receive crypto
- Check balances and track portfolios
Important: Download Ledger Live only from the links provided on Ledger.com/Start. Fake Ledger Live installers exist that include malware designed to steal private keys or prompt you for your recovery phrase. Support Ledger
Ledger Live is available for:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- iOS & Android
Install the version that matches your device.
3️⃣ Unbox and Initialize Your Hardware Wallet
Open your Ledger device’s box and verify the packaging hasn’t been tampered with.
- Connect the device to your computer with a USB cable (or use Bluetooth with supported mobile devices).
- Power on your Ledger — it should display a welcome message.
- Choose “Set up as new device” (unless you are restoring an old wallet). Ledger
4️⃣ Create Your Secure PIN Code
Your Ledger device will prompt you to choose a PIN code (typically 4–8 digits). This PIN acts as the first defense against unauthorized access to your hardware wallet if someone else finds or steals it.
PIN Security Tips:
- Avoid predictable combinations (like birthdays or repeating numbers)
- Memorize your PIN — don’t store it digitally
Your device will lock after multiple incorrect attempts, so be careful when choosing it. Ledger Start® Setup Guide
5️⃣ Generate and Record Your Recovery Phrase
This step is the most important part of setting up a Ledger wallet:
- Your Ledger will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase (sometimes called a seed phrase).
- Write it down exactly on the supplied recovery sheet or a metal backup plate.
- Do not photograph it, store it on your phone or computer, or share it with anyone — anyone with this phrase can steal your crypto. Ledger+1
Ledger Live or any software will never ask you to upload or type in your recovery phrase; if you see this prompt anywhere else, it’s a scam. Support Ledger
After writing it down, your device will ask you to confirm some words to ensure accuracy. This is a crucial security check. Start Guide Ledger
6️⃣ Verify Device Authenticity and Ledger Live Setup
Open Ledger Live and connect your Ledger wallet. Ledger Live will:
- Check that your hardware wallet’s firmware is genuine
- Recommend firmware updates if needed (important for security)
Only continue if Ledger Live confirms your device is authentic — this protects against tampered hardware. Start Guide Ledger
7️⃣ Add Crypto Accounts
Once your device is secured and connected to Ledger Live:
- Go to Accounts
- Click Add account
- Choose the blockchain you want (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)
- Install the corresponding app on your device from within Ledger Live
- Your account balances will sync and display in Ledger Live
Repeat for any other crypto you manage. Start Guide Ledger
Advanced Tips After Setup
🔹 Keeping Ledger Live & Firmware Updated
Regular updates fix security issues and improve support for new coins. Ledger Live will prompt you when updates are available — install them promptly. Ledger Setup
🔹 Using Ledger with Web3 and DeFi
Ledger integrates with decentralized applications (dApps) like MetaMask or WalletConnect — but your private keys never leave your device. You’ll approve every transaction on the Ledger screen itself.
This means:
- Even if the dApp is compromised, your keys stay safe
- You maintain full control over approvals
Ledger Live also includes support for NFTs, staking, swapping, and buying crypto through trusted partners. Start Guide Ledger
Security Best Practices
❗ Never Share Your 24‑Word Recovery Phrase
This is repeat advice because it’s the single most common vulnerability exploited by attackers. Ledger Support will never ask you for it. Support Ledger
❗ Beware of Phishing Links and Fake Apps
Fake Ledger Live installers are circulating — especially on search ads or unofficial sites. Always download only from Ledger.com/Start. TechRadar
❗ Back Up Your Recovery Phrase Securely
Consider using:
- A metal backup plate (fireproof & corrosion‑proof)
- A safe or vault
- Multiple geographic locations (not in digital form)
This protects against loss, theft, or damage.
Conclusion — Start Secure, Stay Secure
Ledger hardware wallets paired with Ledger.com/Start offer one of the most secure ways to protect your crypto — by keeping your private keys offline and under your control. Starting at the official Ledger page reduces exposure to scams, ensures you get validated downloads, and walks you through every step from unboxing to managing your assets confidently. Support Ledger