Ledger.com/Start® — Getting Started with Your Ledger Wallet
Ledger.com/Start® is the official onboarding page for Ledger hardware wallets. It’s where you initiate the secure setup process for your device, download the companion software (Ledger Live), and follow Ledger’s recommended steps for maximizing safety and control of your crypto assets. It’s essential that you only use the official URL — https://www.ledger.com/start — and avoid any links from emails, search results, or social media to avoid phishing sites. Ledger+1
Why Ledger.com/Start® Matters
Ledger hardware wallets are designed to give you full control of your private keys and provide industry-leading security for your cryptocurrencies. Because crypto holdings are extremely valuable and often targeted by scammers, Ledger provides a structured, step-by-step setup experience on Ledger.com/Start® so you:
download authentic software (Ledger Live),
initialize your device securely,
generate and protect your recovery phrase safely,
and avoid malicious or counterfeit downloads. Start Ledger Help+1
Leaving this process unprotected — for example by using search results or third-party sites — can put your funds at risk.
What You Need Before You Begin
Before proceeding, make sure you have:
Your Ledger hardware device
This could be a Nano S Plus, Nano X, Ledger Stax, or any supported Ledger model purchased directly from Ledger or an authorized reseller. Check packaging seals — a preconfigured device or unusual packaging can be a red flag. Ledger Start® Setup GuideA computer, smartphone, or tablet
You’ll need this to download and run Ledger Live.A USB cable or Bluetooth connectivity (for supported devices)
Most Ledger devices connect via USB-C; Nano X and others may also support Bluetooth for mobile setup. LedgerThe recovery sheet included in the box
You’ll write your recovery phrase on this — not on your phone or computer. Ledger Start® Setup GuideA calm, private environment
Having privacy ensures no one can see your recovery phrase or PIN during setup, which should always remain secret. Start Ledger Help
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
1. Visit the Official Setup Page
Open your web browser and enter:
This is the only safe starting point for your setup journey. Bookmark it for future reference. Ledger
2. Download and Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official companion app that lets you manage your cryptocurrencies, install apps on your Ledger device, check balances, send/receive assets, stake tokens, and interact with Web3 apps.
On Ledger.com/start, choose your operating system — Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android.
Click the official download link and install Ledger Live.
Never download Ledger Live from an unofficial source or search result. Support Ledger
3. Connect Your Ledger Device
Use the USB cable or Bluetooth (for supported models) to connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile device.
Power on the device if it doesn’t turn on automatically. Ledger
At this point, Ledger Live may check for firmware updates and firmware authenticity before proceeding.
4. Initialize the Device
On Ledger Live, you’ll be prompted to:
Set up as a new device, or
Restore from an existing recovery phrase if you are migrating from another wallet.
For new users, choose “Set up as new device.” Ledger
5. Create a Secure PIN
Your ledger device will ask you to set a PIN code — typically 4–8 digits. This PIN:
protects your Ledger device from unauthorized use,
is required every time you connect the device, and
should be something only you know. Ledger Start® Setup Guide
PIN Tips:
Avoid easily guessable patterns (like 1234).
Don’t write the PIN on your recovery sheet — keep it in your memory or in a secure personal vault.
If entered incorrectly three times, the device will wipe itself automatically. Ledger Start® Setup Guide
6. Generate and Secure Your Recovery Phrase
Your device will now generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This is the most critical part of your setup.
Write the phrase exactly and in order on the recovery sheet provided.
Store it somewhere offline, hidden, and secure — ideally in a fireproof safe or a metal backup tool.
Never take photos of it, never store it digitally, and never enter it on any website or app — this includes Ledger Live or any other software. Ledger+1
Anyone with access to this phrase can access all your funds.
After writing it down, you’ll likely be asked by Ledger to confirm a few random words to verify that you recorded them correctly.
7. Verify Device Authenticity
Ledger Live often runs checks to ensure:
your device is genuine, and
firmware is updated to the latest secure version.
These checks help defend against counterfeit hardware. Ledger
8. Install Apps for Specific Cryptocurrencies
Ledger devices support thousands of cryptocurrencies. Using Ledger Live:
Go to Manager (within Ledger Live).
Install apps for the coins/tokens you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
Confirm each install on the device itself. Ledger Start® Setup Guide
9. Add Accounts in Ledger Live
Once you’ve installed the apps:
Go to the Accounts tab in Ledger Live.
Click “Add account”.
Choose the cryptocurrency you want to add.
Connect your device and open the corresponding app.
Ledger Live will then generate the account and display it.
You can add as many accounts as you want — each tied to your recovery phrase. Ledger Start® Setup Guide
After Setup — What You Can Do
Once setup is complete and your asset accounts are added, Ledger Live lets you:
View balances across all your crypto holdings.
Send and receive cryptocurrencies with secure device confirmation.
Buy/Sell/Swap assets using built-in third-party integrations.
Stake supported coins (such as Ethereum, Cardano) to earn rewards.
Access NFTs and Web3 apps securely through Ledger’s ecosystem. Start Ledger Help
Security Best Practices
Because Ledger devices protect your private keys, not your coins themselves (which reside on the blockchain), secure handling is crucial.
Keep Your Recovery Phrase Private
Never enter it online or on any device except the Ledger device during restoration.
Never give it to anyone — Ledger support will never ask for it. Ledger
Beware of Scams
Crypto users are targeted constantly:
Phishing sites may mimic Ledger.com/start.
Fake Ledger Live installers may ask for your seed phrase.
Scammers may contact you by email, SMS, or phone about “wallet issues.”
Lesson: If a site or person asks for your 24-word phrase, it’s a scam. TechRadar
Restoring Your Wallet
If your Ledger device is lost, damaged, or replaced:
On a new device, choose “Restore from recovery phrase” during setup.
Enter the exact 24 words in order.
Your funds and accounts will be restored — even on a different Ledger model — as long as the recovery phrase is correct.
This is why keeping the recovery phrase secure but accessible is paramount.
Common Questions
Is Ledger.com/Start® safe?
Yes — it’s the official onboarding portal by Ledger for wallet setup and downloads. Always check the URL directly and avoid links from emails or search results. Ledger
Do I need internet to use Ledger?
You need internet to install Ledger Live, download apps, and broadcast transactions.
But the Ledger device itself signs transactions offline, protecting your private keys. Ledger
What if I forget my PIN?
You cannot recover the PIN itself. But you can reset the device and restore your wallet using your recovery phrase. Without the recovery phrase, you cannot access your funds.
Can Ledger hold NFTs?
Yes. Ledger Live and compatible external interfaces support NFTs across many blockchains.Ledger
Final Notes
Setting up your Ledger wallet via Ledger.com/Start® gives you the strongest foundation for cryptocurrency security and control. By carefully following the steps above, safeguarding your PIN and recovery phrase, and using only official resources, you vastly reduce the risk of loss due to scams or hacks.
Your crypto journey begins with self-custody and security — and Ledger.com/Start® makes that process clear and safe.