Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started with Ledger Wallet

In the growing world of digital assets, owning cryptocurrency is just the beginning—securing it is what truly matters. While software wallets and exchanges offer convenience, they expose users to cyber threats such as hacking, phishing, malware, and unauthorized account access. This is where hardware wallets come into play, and among them, Ledger is one of the most trusted names in crypto security.

If you’ve purchased a Ledger device—whether it’s the Ledger Nano S Plus or the Ledger Nano X—the safest and most official place to begin your setup is Ledger.com/Start. This page serves as the authenticated onboarding platform for initializing your device, installing Ledger Live, generating your recovery phrase, and ensuring your wallet is protected from the moment you first unbox it.

This complete guide explains what Ledger.com/Start offers, why it’s essential for secure onboarding, and how to complete the setup from start to finish. We’ll also explore advanced settings, common mistakes to avoid, and how to get the most out of your Ledger wallet.

Why Ledger.com/Start Matters

Because the crypto world is heavily targeted by scammers, fake websites, and fraudulent apps, Ledger created Ledger.com/Start as the single trusted entry point for new users. This official page protects you by directing you to legitimate software and verified instructions.

Here’s why using Ledger.com/Start is crucial:

1. Protects You from Phishing and Fake Apps

Fake Ledger websites and “look-alike” applications are common scam tools used by hackers to trick users into entering their recovery phrase. Ledger.com/Start helps you avoid these dangers by guaranteeing that you’re taking advice and downloading software from the official source.

2. Ensures You Install the Authentic Ledger Live App

Ledger Live is the official app for managing your crypto. Ledger.com/Start links directly to the genuine software for:

Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS (for Nano X Bluetooth connection)
Android (depending on model)

This prevents you from installing malicious apps that attempt to steal your wallet.

3. Secure Device Initialization

The setup page walks you through critical steps such as:

Creating your recovery phrase
Setting a PIN
Confirming your device’s authenticity
Avoiding security vulnerabilities

By following these steps, you minimize risks and ensure your Ledger wallet is secure from the beginning.

4. Access to Verified Guides and Tutorials

Ledger.com/Start includes:

Device setup instructions
Tutorials
Troubleshooting tips
Links to support resources

You get accurate, safe information directly from Ledger, not from third-party sources that may be incorrect or unsafe.

What You Need Before You Begin

Before going through Ledger.com/Start, prepare the following:

Your Ledger device (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
Included USB-C cable
A computer or smartphone
A stable internet connection
Pen and paper (or the included recovery sheet)
A secure and private environment

Avoid public places and unsecured networks during setup.

Step-by-Step Guide to Ledger.com/Start

Now let’s walk through the full setup process as directed by Ledger.com/Start.

1. Visit Ledger.com/Start

Open your browser and type:

Ledger.com/Start

This page will guide you through the entire onboarding journey. From here, you’ll see options to select your device and install Ledger Live.

2. Download and Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the command center for your Ledger wallet. With it, you can:

Add cryptocurrency accounts
Send and receive crypto
Buy, sell, and swap tokens
Connect to Web3 apps
Stake and earn rewards
Update your device’s firmware

Ledger.com/Start provides official download links. Avoid downloading Ledger Live from any other source.

After installation:

Launch Ledger Live
Choose Get Started
Accept the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

3. Select Your Ledger Device

Ledger Live will ask you to pick your device:

Ledger Nano S Plus
Ledger Nano X

Once selected, click Set up a new device unless you’re restoring an existing wallet with your recovery phrase.

4. Power On and Connect Your Ledger Device

Use the provided USB cable to connect your Ledger device to your computer (or connect via Bluetooth if you’re using Nano X and a phone).

Your device will power on automatically.

5. Set Your PIN

You’ll be asked to choose a PIN code. This PIN protects your hardware wallet from unauthorized physical access.

Choose a PIN that is hard to guess
Never share your PIN
Never write it in digital form
Keep it private, secure, and memorable

Retry attempts are limited—after too many failed tries, the device resets.

6. Generate Your Recovery Phrase

Your Ledger device will now display your 24-word recovery phrase, which is the most critical element of your crypto security.

Important: Your Recovery Phrase Should Never Be:

Entered on a website
Stored on your phone
Typed into a computer
Photographed
Shared with anyone

These 24 words are the master key to your wallet. Anyone who has them can access your crypto.

How to Store Your Recovery Phrase:

Write the words neatly on the recovery sheet
Keep multiple secure physical copies
Store them in separate, hidden, fireproof locations
Consider using a steel backup plate

Ledger will ask you to confirm the 24 words to ensure accuracy.

7. Device Authenticity Check

Ledger Live performs a hardware authentication process to ensure your device is genuine. Ledger hardware wallets come with a Secure Element chip that verifies it has not been tampered with.

If Ledger Live confirms authenticity, you can proceed confidently.

8. Install the Latest Firmware

Ledger frequently updates its firmware to enhance:

Security
Compatibility
Performance
Supported cryptocurrencies

Always keep your device up to date. Ledger Live will automatically check and guide you through firmware installation.

9. Add Cryptocurrency Accounts

Now your device is fully initialized.

To manage a specific cryptocurrency:

Open Ledger Live
Click Accounts
Select Add Account
Choose your cryptocurrency

Supported coins include:

Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
XRP
Cardano (ADA)
Dogecoin (DOGE)
Solana (SOL)
Binance Coin (BNB)
Polkadot (DOT)
Avalanche (AVAX)
And thousands of ERC-20 and NFT assets

Each account requires the corresponding app installed on your Ledger device. Ledger Live will guide you through the installation.

10. Receive Your First Crypto

To receive crypto safely:

Open the account in Ledger Live
Click Receive
Connect your Ledger device
Verify the receiving address on the computer
Confirm the address on your Ledger screen

If the address matches, you can safely share it with the sender.

Never skip device verification—malware can alter displayed addresses.

11. Sending Crypto from Ledger Live

When sending funds:

Click Send
Enter the recipient’s address
Specify the amount
Choose transaction fees
Verify the full details on your Ledger device
Approve the transaction physically on device buttons

Your private keys never leave the hardware wallet. Even if your computer were compromised, your crypto remains safe.

Advanced Security Features to Maximize Your Protection

Ledger devices include several optional tools and settings for enhanced protection.

1. Passphrase (Advanced Users Only)

A passphrase acts as a 25th recovery word, creating an additional hidden wallet.

Benefits:

Extra protection beyond the 24-word seed
Separate vault for savings
Hidden accounts not visible by default

WARNING:
If you forget your passphrase, Ledger cannot recover your wallet.

2. Blind Signing and Smart Contract Support

For interacting with:

NFTs
DeFi platforms
Web3 smart contracts
Decentralized exchanges

Ledger supports blind signing but warns users to enable it only when necessary, as it comes with risks.

3. Ledger Recover (Optional Subscription)

Ledger offers an optional ID-verification-based backup system for your recovery phrase. Use only if you're comfortable with sharing encrypted backups.

4. Using Ledger with Web3 Platforms

You can use Ledger with:

MetaMask
Coinbase Wallet
Keplr
MyEtherWallet
Phantom (via Ledger Nano X BLE)
Ledger Connect browser extension

This allows safe interaction with DeFi, staking platforms, and NFT marketplaces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

New Ledger users should be aware of common pitfalls:

Never enter your recovery phrase on a website or app
Never share your 24 words with support agents (Ledger will never ask)
Avoid buying Ledger devices from unofficial marketplaces
Don’t store your seed phrase digitally
Don't set up your wallet on public Wi-Fi
Never take screenshots of your recovery sheet
Avoid skipping firmware updates

Troubleshooting Tips

If you run into issues:

Ledger device not recognized?

Use the original USB cable
Try a different port
Restart Ledger Live
Update device firmware

Firmware update failure?

Reconnect device
Close other USB apps
Restart computer

PIN forgotten?

Reset Ledger
Restore using 24-word recovery phrase

Conclusion: Start Safely with Ledger.com/Start

Setting up your Ledger wallet through Ledger.com/Start is the best way to ensure your crypto starts off protected by industry-leading hardware security. By guiding you through the setup process—installing Ledger Live, generating your recovery phrase, securing your PIN, and adding crypto accounts—the platform ensures you avoid common risks and mistakes that often result in asset loss.

By the time you complete the steps on Ledger.com/Start, you’ll have:

A fully initialized Ledger device
A secure backup of your 24-word recovery phrase
Ledger Live installed and configured
Cryptocurrency accounts ready to use
The confidence to manage your crypto independently and securely