Getting started with Ledger Wallet - Ledger.com/start
Managing and securing your cryptocurrency begins with choosing the right wallet setup — and for many users, that’s a Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger devices (like the Nano X, Nano S Plus, and other models) store your private keys offline, far away from internet exposure — a key advantage over software wallets. Ledger
To ensure your Ledger wallet is set up securely and correctly, the official onboarding portal you must use is:
➡️ https://www.ledger.com/start — no exceptions. This is the only official start page for setup, downloading the necessary software, and accessing guided instructions directly from Ledger. en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com
📌 Why Start at Ledger.com/start?
Setting up your Ledger wallet from Ledger.com/start ensures:
✔️ You download the official Ledger Live app — not a fake version. en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com
✔️ You follow verified setup instructions tailored to your device. Ledger
✔️ You avoid phishing, scams, and counterfeit setup tools — a huge risk in crypto. en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com
✔️ Your device firmware and setup integrity can be verified. Ledger
✔️ You gain direct access to support and official guides if needed. en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com
❗ Avoid any third‑party or search engine links for downloads or setup; scammers often imitate Ledger pages to trick users into stealing recovery phrases. en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com
🛠️ What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before starting the setup process, gather the following:
• Your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano X, Nano S Plus, or other supported models)
• A computer or smartphone with internet access
• The USB cable included in the box (or Bluetooth for Nano X)
• The recovery sheet card that came with your device
• A pen for writing your recovery phrase
• A secure, private location to complete setup
Remember: Ledger devices never come pre‑configured with a PIN or recovery phrase. If your device arrives already initialized or with a prewritten seed, do not use it — contact official Ledger support. en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com
📦 Step‑by‑Step Ledger Wallet Setup
Here’s how to go from unboxing to securely managing crypto:
1️⃣ Unbox and Inspect Your Device
When your Ledger arrives:
🔹 Ensure the packaging is intact and untampered.
🔹 Inside the box you should find:
- Your Ledger hardware wallet
- The USB cable
- Recovery phrase cards
- User documentation
If anything seems off or already configured, stop and check authenticity — a pre‑configured device can compromise security. en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com
2️⃣ Visit the Official Setup Page — Ledger.com/start
Open your browser and type https://www.ledger.com/start directly.
This guides you through the entire process and helps you download the official Ledger Live app for your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android). en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com
⚠️ Do not click ads or links from social media — these often lead to fake pages trying to steal recovery phrases. en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com
3️⃣ Download and Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official companion app that lets you:
✔️ Manage your crypto assets
✔️ Add or remove coins and tokens
✔️ Check balances and transaction histories
✔️ Buy, sell, swap, and stake supported assets
✔️ Update device firmware securely
Download the correct version from Ledger.com/start. After installation, launch Ledger Live and follow the on‑screen setup prompts. en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com
4️⃣ Initialize Your Ledger Device
💡 Connect your Ledger wallet to your computer with the USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X). Ledger Live will guide you through initialization.
During this process, you’ll choose whether to:
✔️ Set up as a new device (create a new wallet)
⚠️ Restore from an existing recovery phrase (only if you’re migrating from another wallet you already own)
For most new users, select “Set up as new device.” en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com
5️⃣ Set a Secure PIN Code
Your device will prompt you to choose a 4–8 digit PIN. This PIN is required every time you access your Ledger — it protects you in case your device is lost or stolen. Ledger
PIN Setup Tips:
✔️ Use a random, hard‑to‑guess code
✔️ Don’t use birthdays, sequences like “1234,” or repeated digits
✔️ Memorize it — don’t write it on your recovery sheet
After 3 incorrect attempts, the device will wipe itself to prevent unauthorized access. Ledger
6️⃣ Write Down Your 24‑Word Recovery Phrase
This is the most important step — your recovery phrase is the only backup for your wallet. If your device is lost, stolen, or broken, you must use this phrase to recover your funds on a new Ledger device. Ledger
The device will display a 24‑word recovery phrase one word at a time.
⚠️ Do NOT:
❌ Store it digitally (no screenshots, photos, or text files)
❌ Share it with anyone — not even Ledger support
Ledger does not have access to your recovery phrase — they cannot help you recover your wallet if you lose it. Ledger
Best practices:
• Write the phrase on the provided recovery sheet
• Store multiple copies in secure locations
• Consider using a metal backup (more resilient than paper)
7️⃣ Confirm Your Recovery Phrase
To ensure you copied your phrase correctly, your Ledger will prompt you to verify certain words. This step confirms that your backup is accurate and complete. Ledger
8️⃣ Verify Device Authenticity in Ledger Live
After initialization, open Ledger Live and allow it to verify your device:
✔️ Firmware authenticity
✔️ Genuine Ledger hardware
This step protects you from tampered or counterfeit devices. Ledger
9️⃣ Add Crypto Accounts
Once your device is fully set up, you can begin adding accounts in Ledger Live:
✔️ Bitcoin
✔️ Ethereum
✔️ Solana
✔️ Cardano
✔️ Thousands of other supported assets
To do this:
- Go to Manager in Ledger Live
- Install apps for each blockchain you want
- Then go to Accounts > Add Account
- Select the cryptocurrency
Your Ledger hardware wallet keeps your private keys offline, while Ledger Live displays balances and lets you send/receive crypto safely. en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com
🔐 Security Best Practices After Setup
Setting up your Ledger wallet is just the start. Here’s how to stay safe long‑term:
🛡️ Never Share Your Recovery Phrase
No one should ever ask for your 24‑word phrase — not Ledger support, not an exchange, not a “trusted” advisor. en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com
🔗 Always Use the Official Ledger Live App
Fake versions of Ledger Live are frequently used in scams. Only download directly from Ledger.com/start. TechRadar
🚀 Update Firmware Regularly
Firmware updates improve security and add features. Always update through Ledger Live when prompted. Ledger
🏦 Store Recovery Phrase Securely
Use secure physical backups like safes or safety deposit boxes. Digital storage is easily compromised. en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com
⚠️ Stay Aware of Phishing Attempts
Phishing emails and fake websites will try to trick you into revealing your seed phrase. Always double‑check URLs and never enter your phrase online. en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com
🎯 After Setup: What You Can Do with Ledger Live
Once your Ledger is set up, Ledger Live lets you:
✔️ Send & Receive Crypto: Generate addresses within the app.
✔️ Monitor Portfolio: View real‑time balances and performance.
✔️ Buy & Sell: Purchase crypto via trusted partners integrated into Ledger Live.
✔️ Swap Tokens: Exchange assets without leaving the platform.
✔️ Stake Coins: Earn rewards on supported proof‑of‑stake assets.
✔️ Manage NFTs: Store and view supported NFTs securely. Start Guide Ledger
🧠 Why a Hardware Wallet Matters
Unlike online or software wallets, a Ledger hardware wallet keeps your private keys offline — a major defense against hacks, malware, and phishing. Your keys never leave the device, and every transaction must be physically confirmed on the device itself. en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com
This means:
✔️ Higher security than hot wallets
✔️ Full control over your crypto
✔️ Protection against many common attacks
📌 Final Tips before You Begin
✅ Always start at https://www.ledger.com/start — it’s your safest onboarding portal. en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com
✅ Secure your recovery phrase offline — this is your wallet. Ledger
✅ Use Ledger Live as your central management hub. en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com
✅ Stay vigilant against scams — Ledger support will never ask for your seed phrase. en-ledgercom-help.squarespace.com