Ledger.com/Start – Official Setup Guide for Ledger Wallets (1000 Words)
Setting up a Ledger hardware wallet is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your cryptocurrencies. Ledger devices — including Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and Ledger Stax — store your private keys offline, ensuring robust protection against hacks, malware, phishing attacks, and unauthorized access. To guarantee a safe and error-free setup, Ledger offers an official onboarding portal: Ledger.com/Start.
This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process — from unboxing your device to taking your first secure transaction — helping you get started quickly and safely.
What Is Ledger.com/Start?
Ledger.com/Start is the official setup page for all Ledger hardware wallets. It ensures you:
Install the authentic Ledger Live software
Follow proper device initialization steps
Create a secure recovery seed
Protect your hardware wallet with a PIN code
Learn best practices for secure crypto management
Because cryptocurrency scams often involve fake wallet apps or phishing sites, using this official link ensures you're downloading legitimate Ledger tools and following verified instructions.
Before You Begin: Unbox and Inspect Your Ledger Device
When you unbox your Ledger wallet, check for the following:
The sealed and intact device
USB cable (USB-C or micro USB depending on model)
Recovery sheet cards
Quick start guide
Ledger-branded packaging
Ledger devices are tamper-proof; they perform internal integrity checks when powered on. Still, make sure you purchased your device from Ledger.com or an authorized reseller. Never use a second-hand hardware wallet.
Step 1: Visit Ledger.com/Start
Start by opening your browser and going to Ledger.com/Start. This page ensures you:
Download Ledger Live securely
Follow step-by-step setup
Access official instructions for your specific model
Avoid downloading software from unofficial mirrors, ads, or search results. Bookmark the official URL for future reference.
Step 2: Download and Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official companion app for all Ledger devices. It is available for:
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS & Android (Ledger Live Mobile)
Choose your operating system and download the installer provided on the page.
To install Ledger Live on desktop:
Download the installer (.exe for Windows, .dmg for Mac).
Run the installation file.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete setup.
Launch Ledger Live.
Ledger Live allows you to:
Set up new devices
Restore wallets
Manage cryptocurrencies
Securely send and receive crypto
Track portfolio performance
Update firmware
Install blockchain apps
Stake supported assets
Step 3: Connect Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Once Ledger Live is installed:
Connect your Ledger device using the USB cable.
Power on the device.
Ledger Live will detect your device and guide you through initialization.
Ledger devices verify firmware authenticity at every startup, ensuring the device is secure even before you configure it.
Step 4: Set Up a New Wallet or Restore an Existing One
Ledger Live will prompt you to choose between:
Option A: Set Up as New Device
Choose this option if this is your first time using a Ledger wallet.
Your device will generate a new 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the ONLY backup of your crypto wallet.
Ledger will never store, ask for, or send your recovery phrase.
Option B: Restore from Recovery Phrase
If you previously created a wallet and want to recover it:
Choose “Restore from Recovery Phrase”
Enter your 24-word seed on the device itself, never on your computer
Ledger’s secure chip ensures your seed never touches the internet.
Step 5: Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Seed
This step is the foundation of your wallet’s security.
Your Ledger device will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase. You must:
Write it down on the included recovery sheets
Never save it online
Never take photos of it
Never type it into a computer
Never share it with anyone
Anyone with this phrase has full access to your crypto.
Best practice:
Store your recovery phrase in a fireproof, waterproof, and offline location. Many users also upgrade to metal seed storage plates for long-term durability.
Step 6: Set Your PIN Code
Your Ledger device will ask you to create a PIN code:
Usually 4–8 digits
Entered directly on the device
Prevents unauthorized physical access
If someone steals your Ledger wallet, the PIN protects your crypto from being accessed.
Step 7: Install Crypto Apps on Your Ledger Device
Each cryptocurrency you want to store requires a corresponding “app” installed on the Ledger device.
Example:
Bitcoin → Install Bitcoin App
Ethereum → Install Ethereum App
Solana → Install Solana App
To install apps:
Open Ledger Live
Go to My Ledger
Choose the app for the crypto you want
Click Install
The app size varies, but Nano S Plus, Nano X, and Stax all offer larger storage capacities than the original Nano S.
Step 8: Add Accounts in Ledger Live
Once the apps are installed:
Open Ledger Live
Navigate to Accounts
Click Add Account
Choose a cryptocurrency
Confirm on your Ledger device
Ledger Live will synchronize with the blockchain and display balances, transaction history, and portfolio data.
Step 9: Receive and Send Cryptocurrency
To receive crypto:
Select the cryptocurrency account
Click Receive
Ledger Live will display a receiving address
Verify the address on your Ledger device
Use the verified address to receive funds
Always verify the address on the hardware device, not only on your computer screen. This protects you from malware that alters wallet addresses.
To send crypto:
Select the account
Click Send
Enter the destination address
Choose amount and fees
Confirm details in Ledger Live
Physically approve the transaction on your Ledger device
This ensures no unauthorized transactions can occur without your explicit approval.
Step 10: Keep Firmware and Ledger Live Updated
Firmware updates provide:
New coin support
Security patches
Performance improvements
Always update firmware only through Ledger Live. Never follow random links claiming to provide firmware downloads.
Security Best Practices When Using Ledger
To keep your crypto safe, follow these essential rules:
Only use Ledger.com/Start for downloads
Never share your 24-word seed phrase
Verify receiving addresses on the device every time
Enable a strong PIN
Keep your recovery phrase offline and secure
Use metal seed storage for long-term durability
Regularly update Ledger Live and firmware
Beware of fake Ledger Live apps or browser extensions
Avoid remote access apps when managing your wallet
Ledger’s hardware wallets are secure by design, but your habits play a major role in keeping your assets protected.
Why Setting Up Through Ledger.com/Start Matters
Using Ledger.com/Start ensures:
You download the authentic Ledger Live software
You avoid phishing sites
Your device setup follows the official security model
You receive verified instructions for your wallet model
You minimize the risk of malware or tampering
Ledger.com/Start is the safest starting point for all Ledger hardware wallet owners.
Final Thoughts
Setting up your Ledger wallet through Ledger.com/Start is the most secure and reliable way to begin managing your digital assets. With Ledger Live, a properly initialized device, a secure PIN, and a well-protected recovery phrase, your cryptocurrencies remain safely offline and under your full control.
Ledger provides one of the strongest security solutions in the industry — and by following the official setup process, you ensure your crypto journey starts on the right foundation.