Ledger.com/Start — Complete Beginner’s Guide
Ledger.com/start is the official setup portal for initializing your Ledger hardware wallet. It helps you install Ledger Live, create your wallet, secure your 24-word recovery phrase, and verify your device’s authenticity. If you’re starting with a Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X, this guide gives you a complete, space-efficient breakdown of everything you need to know.
What Is Ledger.com/Start?
Ledger.com/start is the trusted onboarding link from Ledger, ensuring that your device setup is secure. It lets you:
Download the authentic Ledger Live app
Follow verified setup instructions
Protect your recovery phrase properly
Avoid phishing, fake wallet apps, and scams
Why It Matters
Using Ledger.com/start ensures:
Device authenticity checks
Safe Ledger Live installation
Correct wallet creation steps
Proper PIN setup
Accurate firmware updates
Skipping the official setup exposes your crypto to avoidable risks.
Step-by-Step Setup Through Ledger.com/Start
1. Unbox and Inspect
Make sure your Ledger device is brand new. Confirm:
No pre-filled recovery sheet
No apps installed in advance
Packaging looks untampered
If you find a recovery phrase pre-written, stop using the device immediately.
2. Visit Ledger.com/Start
Type ledger.com/start directly into your browser. Avoid ads or random links. The page provides:
Official Ledger Live download
Tutorials
Device selection
Security reminders
3. Install Ledger Live
Download the app for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS. Ledger Live allows you to:
Send & receive crypto
Track your portfolio
Install blockchain apps
Buy, sell, and swap
Stake supported assets
Update device firmware
4. Initialize Your Device
Once Ledger Live is installed:
Connect your Ledger device
Choose “Set up as new device”
Create your PIN
Use a PIN that is unique, unpredictable, and not stored digitally.
5. Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
Your Ledger device will generate a unique 24-word seed phrase. This phrase is the core of your wallet.
Do:
Write all 24 words clearly
Store the sheet in a secure place
Double check order & spelling
Do NOT:
Save it on phone/laptop
Take photos
Share with anyone
Enter it into any website
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.
6. Confirm the Phrase
Your device will ask you to verify certain words from your list. This step ensures your backup is perfect. If something doesn’t match, restart and rewrite the entire phrase carefully.
7. Install Crypto Apps
Open Ledger Live → Go to My Ledger. Install apps for the networks you need:
Bitcoin
Ethereum
Solana
Polygon
Binance Smart Chain
XRP Ledger
Cardano
Each blockchain requires its own app.
8. Add Accounts In Ledger Live
Once apps are installed, create accounts inside Ledger Live:
Bitcoin accounts
Ethereum accounts (for tokens + NFTs)
Stablecoin accounts
Altcoin accounts
These accounts are derived from your device’s seed phrase but private keys never leave your Ledger.
9. Receive Crypto Safely
To receive crypto:
Open Ledger Live → Receive
Select your asset
Verify the address on your Ledger device screen
Always trust the address shown on the device, not just the app, to avoid malware or clipboard attacks.
10. Keep Firmware Updated
Ledger Live will notify you of updates. Only update via Ledger Live—not from external websites or files. Updates include:
Security improvements
App performance fixes
Expanded compatibility
Common Setup Problems
Ledger Live won’t detect the device
Use the original cable
Try another USB port
Restart Ledger Live
Device stuck on “Bootloader”
Reconnect and follow Ledger Live prompts
Complete firmware installation
Not enough storage
Uninstall unused crypto apps
(Uninstalling apps does NOT remove your coins.)
Recovery phrase mismatch
Reset the device
Re-enter the words carefully
Security Best Practices
Protect Your Recovery Phrase
Store offline in two separate secure places
Use a metal backup for long-term durability
Never upload your phrase anywhere
Avoid Fake Ledger Live Apps
Only download from the link on ledger.com/start.
Lock Ledger Live
Add a password lock inside the app to prevent unwanted access.
Stay Alert for Phishing
Avoid sharing screenshots of wallet addresses or QR codes publicly.
Update Regularly
Firmware and Ledger Live updates provide ongoing security.
Why Choose Ledger?
Ledger hardware wallets offer:
Offline private key protection
Strong security against hacking
Support for 5,000+ assets
Full integration with Ledger Live
NFT support
DeFi compatibility
Staking features
Millions of users trust Ledger for long-term crypto safety.
Final Overview
Setting up your device through Ledger.com/start ensures a safe, authentic, and reliable onboarding experience. Follow each step carefully—install Ledger Live, initialize your device, secure your recovery phrase, add accounts, and keep the device updated. Once completed, your Ledger hardware wallet becomes a powerful tool that protects your digital assets with industry-leading security.