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

Welcome to ledger.com/start — Your Secure On-Ramp to Crypto Ownership

If you’ve just purchased a hardware wallet from Ledger, you’re about to take a major step toward true ownership and security of your cryptocurrency. The page at ledger.com/start serves as your official starting point — guiding you, step by step, from unboxing your device to managing assets securely.

Whether you’re new to crypto or upgrading from a software wallet, this is where your journey begins.


What is ledger.com/start?

ledger.com/start is the official onboarding portal for all Ledger hardware wallet users — including models such as Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X. Teachable+2Ldger Start+2

This portal consolidates everything you need to:

In short: starting at ledger.com/start ensures you follow verified, secure instructions — and avoid phishing websites, counterfeit software, or accidental misconfigurations. Welcome Ledger+2Content Support Ledger+2


Why start at ledger.com/start?

✅ Verified and Authentic Software

By visiting ledger.com/start, you download the official Ledger Live software directly from Ledger. This avoids third-party or malicious copies that may try to steal seed phrases or private keys. Ledger Help+2Ladger+2

🔐 Security-First Setup

The instructions help you initialize your device securely — generating a unique 24-word recovery phrase, creating a PIN, and ensuring the device firmware and associated crypto-apps are genuine. Ledger Support+2Start Ledger+2

🧭 Step-by-Step Guidance

From unboxing to transacting, ledger.com/start maps out every step clearly. This is especially helpful for first-time users, reducing mistakes that could lead to loss of funds. Ledger Help+2Ledgo Guide+2

🌐 Full Ecosystem Access

Once set up, you unlock Ledger’s full ecosystem: manage crypto balances, install blockchain-specific apps, stake tokens, and interact with NFTs or DeFi — all while keeping private keys offline. Ledger Start+2Ledger Com Helps E+2


What do you need before beginning?

Before you even visit ledger.com/start, make sure you have everything ready to ensure a smooth setup:

  • A brand-new, sealed Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or other supported model) — untouched and factory-sealed. Start Ledger+2Welcome Ledger+2
  • A computer (Windows, macOS, Linux) or smartphone (iOS or Android) with stable internet access. Teachable+2Ldger+2
  • The original USB cable (or Bluetooth connectivity for Nano X) that came with the device. Ledger Support+1
  • A quiet, private space, and something to write on (paper or the provided recovery sheet). It’s highly recommended not to store your recovery phrase digitally — no photos, no digital copies. Ledger Help+2Ledger Start+2

Once you're ready, head over to https://www.ledger.com/start. It’s best to type the URL manually (or bookmark it) to ensure you reach the genuine site. Overview Ledger+1


Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Here’s a walkthrough of what you’ll typically do after arriving at ledger.com/start:

1. Choose Your Device

Select your device model — e.g. Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X — so you get device-specific instructions. This helps ensure compatibility and correct setup flow. Ldger Start+2Teachable+2

2. Download and Install Ledger Live

Depending on your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS), download the appropriate version of Ledger Live from the portal. Install the application and launch it. Ldger+2Ledger Help+2

Ledger Live is your crypto control center — it doesn’t store your private keys, but lets you manage your assets securely by interfacing with your hardware wallet. Ledger Start+1

3. Initialize the Device

Connect your Ledger wallet via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X) to your computer or phone. Ledger Live will prompt you to set up the wallet — as a new wallet or restore from an existing recovery phrase (if you’re migrating from a previous device). Ldger Start+2Ledger Support+2

When creating a new wallet, the device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write down each word in the order shown. This phrase is your master key — without it, you cannot recover your crypto if the device is lost or damaged. Ledger Support+2Start Ledger+2

Choose a secure PIN (typically 4–8 digits). The PIN protects your device from unauthorized physical access. Ledger Support+1

4. Verify Device Authenticity

Ledger Live automatically verifies your device’s cryptographic authenticity — this helps ensure the device is genuine and hasn’t been tampered with. Ledger Help+1

5. Install Crypto Apps & Add Accounts

Once the device is ready, you can install dedicated apps on the Ledger wallet for the cryptocurrencies you plan to use (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Each coin or blockchain often requires its own app because of how the wallet handles multiple assets securely. Ledger Support+2Ldger+2

After installing the app, create accounts in Ledger Live for those assets. This allows you to receive, hold, send, or swap crypto securely. Ledger Help+2Ledger Help+2

6. Send/Receive Crypto — Safely

When receiving funds, generate a receive address in Ledger Live. Then confirm the exact address on your Ledger device’s screen before using it. This verification step prevents malicious software from substituting addresses. Ledger Start+2Ledger Support+2

For sending or transactions, the device will prompt you to confirm the transaction on-device — ensuring that private keys never leave the hardware wallet. Ledger Support+2Ledgo Guide+2


What You Get After Setup — Features & Capabilities

Once you finish the setup on ledger.com/start and connect your device to Ledger Live:

  • ✅ Full ownership of private keys, stored offline on the hardware wallet — greatly reducing risk of online theft. Ledger Help+2Ledger Help+2
  • 💱 Flexibility to manage hundreds or even thousands of cryptocurrencies. Ledger supports a wide range of coins and tokens across many blockchains. Ledger Start+2Ledger Help+2
  • 🔄 Ability to install and uninstall apps for specific assets — helping manage device storage while accessing only what you need. Ledger Support+1
  • 🔐 Security best practices built-in: PIN lock, recovery phrase backup, device authenticity verification, transaction approval on-device. Ledger Help+2Ledger Help+2
  • 🌐 Access to the broader crypto ecosystem: send/receive, swap assets, stake tokens, and interact with DeFi, NFTs, or DApps (depending on support). Ledger Help+2Ledger Com Helps E+2

With Ledger, you keep control — your private keys never leave the secure hardware wallet. Ledger Live is just the interface. Ledger Start+2Ledgo Guide+2


Security & Best Practices: Avoid Common Pitfalls

Because crypto security depends heavily on you, ledger.com/start also emphasizes a few key security guidelines:

  • Never download Ledger Live from third-party sites or app stores — always use the official site. Ledger Help+2Content Support Ledger+2
  • Never share, photograph, or store your recovery phrase digitally (e.g. cloud, photo, text file). Always write it down by hand and store it securely offline. Ledger Help+2Ledger Support+2
  • Always verify addresses and transactions on your Ledger device screen — do not trust addresses shown only on your computer. Ledger Start+1
  • Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live software updated. Ledger.com/start ensures you begin on a clean, secure slate; regular updates maintain that security over time. Ledger Help+2Overview Ledger+2
  • Stay away from suspicious links, “support calls,” or requests for your seed phrase — legitimate support from Ledger will never ask for it. Welcome Ledger+2Ledger Help+2

Following these practices helps ensure that your crypto holdings remain safe and under your exclusive control.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I set up Ledger Live without a hardware wallet?
A: No. The Ledger Live app is only useful in tandem with a Ledger hardware wallet. Without the device, you don’t have the cryptographic private keys — and your assets won’t be secure. Welcome Start Ledger+1

Q: What happens if I lose my recovery phrase?
A: If you lose your 24-word recovery phrase and your hardware wallet is lost, stolen, or damaged — you lose access to your crypto. Since the recovery phrase is the only backup, it must be stored safely and privately. Welcome Ledger+2Start Ledger+2

Q: Are my private keys stored online or on Ledger’s servers?
A: No. Private keys remain on your hardware wallet, offline. Ledger Live is just a user interface. Ledger Start+2Ledger Help+2

Q: Can I manage multiple cryptocurrencies with one Ledger device?
A: Yes — you can install multiple coin-specific apps on your Ledger device, and manage different assets from Ledger Live. Ledger Support+2Ldger+2

Q: What if I already have crypto in a software wallet?
A: You can use ledger.com/start to migrate to a more secure hardware wallet setup. After installing Ledger Live and configuring your device, you can generate receiving addresses and move funds over — safely and with control.