Welcome to Ledger.com/Start®
You’re at the official onboarding hub for Ledger hardware wallets. Ledger.com/Start® is your trusted starting point for setting up your device, protecting your private keys, and beginning your journey into cryptocurrencies, DeFi, and Web3 — securely and reliably.
This guide walks you, step by step, through the setup process and offers security tips to help you avoid common mistakes. Always use the official URL https://www.ledger.com/start and never trust links from unverified sources.
Step 1: Unbox & Verify Your Device
Start by carefully unboxing your Ledger device. Check that the packaging is sealed and untampered. Inside, you should find:
- The Ledger hardware wallet (e.g. Nano X, Nano S Plus, etc.)
- A USB cable
- Recovery seed sheets (to write down your recovery phrase)
- Quick-start documentation
If anything seems suspicious — broken seal, missing parts, or printed materials that look fake — stop and contact Ledger support. Never proceed with using a possibly tampered device.
Step 2: Visit Ledger.com/Start
On your computer or phone, open a browser and navigate to https://www.ledger.com/start. This is the **only** official location to:
- Download the Ledger Live app
- Access setup instructions specific to your device
- Receive security alerts, firmware updates, and tips
⚠️ Security tip: Bookmark this page and never visit it via links in emails or third‑party websites. Phishing sites often mimic Ledger to trick users.
Step 3: Download & Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official companion application that connects your device to your computer or mobile. From the Start page, choose the version compatible with your system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android).
After download, install the app and open it. Ledger Live does **not** store your private keys — all your sensitive data remains on your hardware wallet.
Step 4: Initialize the Device
With Ledger Live open and your device connected, follow the on‑screen prompts to initialize it:
- Select “Set up as new device”
- Choose a secure PIN (4–8 digits)
- Write down the 24‑word recovery phrase (in order) on the provided recovery sheets
- Confirm the recovery phrase when asked
Important: Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone or enter it into any website or app. Ledger never asks for your phrase. The phrase is your backup; if lost, your funds cannot be recovered.
Step 5: Verify & Add Crypto Accounts
After initialization, your Ledger device and Ledger Live will work together to verify your setup. Next:
- Install apps (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum) on the device via Ledger Live
- Add accounts for the cryptocurrencies you plan to use
- Use the dashboard to monitor balances, send/receive crypto, and manage transactions
Whenever you approve a transaction, always read the details displayed on your Ledger device screen. This ensures that malware can’t trick you into approving malicious operations.
Step 6: Keep Firmware & Ledger Live Updated
Ledger regularly releases firmware updates and Ledger Live upgrades to improve security, performance, and coin support. Always stay on the latest versions to remain protected.
- In Ledger Live, go to “Manager” to see firmware updates
- Update both the device and the software when prompted
- Never skip a critical update
Why Begin at Ledger.com/Start?
Starting here ensures you follow a **trusted, verified** onboarding path. You reap the benefits of:
- Official download links (avoiding malware)
- Step‑by‑step guidance tailored to your device
- Timely security tips, alerts, and firmware updates
- Access to Ledger’s full ecosystem, including DeFi, staking, NFTs, and more
Safety & Best Practices
To maximize your security, remember:
- Always verify transaction data on your hardware device, not just in the app
- Never enter your recovery phrase on a computer or smartphone
- Store your recovery phrase offline (paper, or a metal backup) in multiple secure locations
- Do not share your phrase with anyone, not even support
- Avoid clicking links from untrusted emails or social media claiming to be “Ledger”
- Confirm that you are on https://www.ledger.com/start each time you access the setup
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Ledger.com/Start safe?
Yes — it’s the official onboarding site provided by Ledger. Always verify the URL and access it directly (not via emails).
What happens if I lose my device?
That’s okay — as long as you kept your 24-word recovery phrase secure. You can restore your wallet on a new Ledger or any compatible hardware wallet. But if you lose both the device and the phrase, your crypto cannot be recovered.
Can I use Ledger Live without the hardware device?
No. Ledger Live is designed to interface with a Ledger device. It never stores private keys on your computer or phone.
How do I know if my wallet is genuine?
During setup, the device itself verifies its authenticity using security measures built into Ledger’s secure element. Also, check packaging seals, correct labels, and avoid buying from untrusted sellers.
What if I forget my PIN?
You can reset the Ledger device and then restore it using your recovery phrase. Just note: without the recovery phrase, the funds cannot be accessed.
Next Steps & Further Resources
After setup, you can:
- Connect your Ledger to Web3 apps (via WalletConnect, MetaMask, etc.)
- Stake supported coins directly within Ledger Live
- Buy, sell, trade, or swap cryptos securely
- Explore NFT management and decentralized applications (DApps) safely
For deeper guides, tutorials, and resources, check out Ledger’s help center or Ledger Academy.