Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started — The Ultimate Guide to Setting Up Your Ledger Wallet
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of others represent a new era of decentralized finance — but securing them properly is absolutely essential. This is where Ledger hardware wallets shine, and the official onboarding portal for setting them up is Ledger.com/Start.
Whether you’re new to crypto or upgrading your security setup, this guide will walk you through everything from unboxing to receiving and sending transactions — safely and confidently — using Ledger.com/Start.
⭐ What Is Ledger.com/Start?
Ledger.com/Start is the official entrance page provided by Ledger, designed to guide users through the secure and verified setup of Ledger hardware wallets (such as Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Stax, and others).
This setup portal exists to:
Provide verified downloads of Ledger software
Walk you through the wallet initialization steps
Offer security advice to prevent scams and phishing
Connect you to official Ledger Support and documentation
Always make sure you type below link exactly into your browser to avoid fake imitation sites:
🔗 https://www.ledger.com/start
TIP: Bookmark Ledger.com/Start in your browser immediately — this ensures you always launch your crypto journey from a genuine source.
📦 Step 1: Unboxing and First Inspection
Before you even connect anything to your computer or phone, you should first check:
✔️ Packaging Integrity
When opening your Ledger wallet package, make sure:
The box seal is intact and untampered.
There’s no pre-written recovery phrase inside — a brand new Ledger device should never come with a phrase already written down.
The Ledger branding and components look genuine (USB cable, recovery card sheets, guides).
If anything appears suspicious, do not continue the setup — contact official Ledger Support via Ledger.com/Start before proceeding.
🛠️ Step 2: Visit Ledger.com/Start and Download Ledger Live
Once you confirm the package is good:
🔗 https://www.ledger.com/start
This page automatically detects your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android) and provides secure links to download Ledger Live, the official companion app for managing your crypto assets.
Ledger Live is the secure management interface that connects to your Ledger hardware wallet. With it you can:
Install apps for specific cryptocurrencies
Create accounts
Check balances
Send and receive transactions
Access staking, NFT management, and Web3 apps (depending on features)
Important: Never download this app from unofficial links, social media links, or pop-ups — always use Ledger.com/Start or official app stores.
🔐 Step 3: Initialize Your Ledger Device
Now that Ledger Live is installed, it’s time to power on and set up your hardware wallet.
What to Expect During Initialization:
Choose “Set up as new device” when prompted on the Ledger screen.
Set a secure PIN: This is typically 4–8 digits entered directly on the device — never type it into your computer or phone screen.
Confirm your PIN by entering it again.
This PIN protects the device from unauthorized physical access. Avoid simple combinations like “1234” or your birthday — choose something memorable for you but tough for others to guess.
✍️ Step 4: Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase (Most Important)
This is arguably the most critical step in securing your crypto:
When you initialize the device, Ledger will generate a 24-word recovery phrase — this is the master key to your wallet. It allows you to restore access to your funds if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
How to Handle It Safely:
Write the words down exactly on the provided recovery sheet.
Store the sheet somewhere safe and offline.
NEVER take a photo, save it digitally, or share it with anyone.
Ledger Support will never ask you for your recovery phrase.
If anyone contacts you asking for your 24 words — even if it looks official — that’s a scam.
Pro Tip: Many advanced users invest in metal recovery backups which are fireproof and water-resistant.
📥 Step 5: Add Cryptocurrency Accounts
Once your device is initialized and connected to Ledger Live:
Open Ledger Live
Go to the Accounts tab
Click + Add account
Select the cryptocurrency you want to add (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)
Follow on-screen instructions
Install the app for that asset on your device if prompted
Ledger supports 5,500+ coins and tokens, so you can manage many major blockchains in one place.
💸 Step 6: Sending & Receiving Crypto 🪙 Receiving Funds
Open the account inside Ledger Live
Click Receive
Connect & unlock your Ledger device
Your address will display in Ledger Live
Confirm the same address on your Ledger screen
Share or copy it to receive funds
Always double-check that the address on your computer matches what’s shown on the hardware device — this prevents malware from spoofing it.
📤 Sending Funds
Inside Ledger Live, choose the sending account
Click Send
Enter the recipient address (or scan QR code)
Review network fees and amount
Connect & unlock your device
Confirm details on the Ledger screen
Approve the transaction
Note: Crypto transactions are irreversible — always triple-check everything before confirming.
🔄 Step 7: Keep Firmware & Software Updated
Ledger regularly releases firmware updates for hardware devices and feature updates for Ledger Live.
Open Ledger Live and go to My Ledger
Connect your device
If a firmware update is available, follow instructions
NEVER disconnect mid-update
Keeping firmware up-to-date ensures security enhancements and better support for new assets.
📱 Ledger Live: More Than Just a Wallet
Beyond basic send/receive:
You Can Also:
Buy crypto directly
Swap between tokens
Stake supported assets
Connect to Web3 apps and DApps
Track portfolio performance over time
Ledger Live serves as a powerful, secure dashboard — but your private keys always remain on the hardware device.
🚨 Security Best Practices & Common Scams to Avoid
Crypto security extends beyond setup. Be vigilant against scams:
🚫 Phishing Emails & Fake Links
Scammers frequently send emails claiming to be Ledger Support or offering urgent links to “update your wallet” or “fix a security issue.” Ledger Support will never contact you first or ask for your recovery phrase.
Rule of thumb: 👉 Never click links in emails — manually type Ledger.com/Start into your browser instead.
📵 Never Share Recovery Phrase
No legitimate tech support, friend, or automated service will ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. If someone asks, stop — it’s a scam.
🧰 Use Ledger Hardware Only
Don’t trust counterfeit or refurbished devices outside official Ledger channels — these may already be compromised. Only use devices purchased from Ledger or authorized resellers.
🧩 Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues ❓ Device Not Recognized
Try another USB port or cable
Ensure Ledger Live is installed correctly
Update your device firmware after connecting
❓ Recovery Phrase Mis-Entry
If the device rejects your recovery phrase, make sure you wrote words exactly as shown — even one typo can invalidate it.
❓ Firmware Update Fails
Keep device connected
Restart Ledger Live
Contact official support only via Ledger.com/Start if needed
🏁 Conclusion: Start Right with Ledger.com/Start
Your crypto journey deserves a secure foundation. Ledger.com/Start is the official onboarding portal that walks you step-by-step from unboxing to managing your digital assets confidently and safely.
Here’s what you get when you start at the official link:
✔ Genuine Ledger Live downloads ✔ Step-by-step device setup ✔ Best practices for securing your crypto ✔ Protection against scams and phishing ✔ Access to support, community, and updates
Don't take shortcuts with security. Your private keys are your financial future — protect them well.
🔗 Useful Link
👉 Official Ledger onboarding page: https://www.ledger.com/start