Ledger.com/start:
Managing cryptocurrency safely is one of the biggest challenges for new and experienced users. With online exchanges constantly facing threats, hacking attempts, and phishing attacks, the safest way to protect your digital assets is by using a hardware wallet—a device that keeps your crypto keys offline. One of the most trusted hardware wallets in the world is Ledger, and the official place to set up your device is Ledger.com/start.
This detailed, beginner-friendly guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using Ledger.com/start, including how to set up your device, secure your recovery phrase, install Ledger Live, and start managing your crypto safely.
What Is Ledger.com/start?
Ledger.com/start is the official onboarding and setup page for all Ledger hardware wallets. Whether you bought a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or any future Ledger device, the setup process always begins here.
The purpose of this page is to:
Provide correct instructions
Prevent users from visiting fake setup websites
Help users download the official Ledger Live app
Guide them through device activation
Teach safe storage of the recovery phrase
Ensure a secure first-time experience
Because there are many fake sites impersonating Ledger, using Ledger.com/start ensures that you follow the right steps and avoid scams.
Why Choose a Ledger Hardware Wallet?
Before exploring the setup process, it’s important to understand why Ledger wallets are considered one of the safest ways to store crypto.
Key Benefits of Ledger Hardware Wallets
Offline private keys (cold storage): Your crypto keys never touch the internet.
Secure Element chip: Same technology used in passports and credit cards for maximum safety.
Physical confirmation: Every transaction must be approved on the device.
Protection from viruses and malware: Even if your computer is compromised, the wallet keeps your crypto safe.
Supports thousands of cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, tokens, NFTs, and more.
Trusted by millions of users worldwide.
With this strong security foundation, Ledger.com/start guides you to set up everything properly.
Step 1: Visit the Official Setup Page – Ledger.com/start
Start by opening your browser and typing Ledger.com/start manually.
Do NOT click suspicious links from messages, emails, or ads. Fraudsters often create fake setup websites to trick users into sharing their recovery phrase.
Once you visit the official page, you will be guided to choose your Ledger model and proceed with secure installation instructions.
Step 2: Unbox and Verify Your Ledger Wallet
Your Ledger box should include:
Ledger device (Nano X or Nano S Plus)
USB cable
Recovery phrase sheets
Instruction cards
Accessories (depending on the model)
Important Security Warning
Ledger never provides a pre-written recovery phrase.
If your box includes a sheet with 12 or 24 words already printed, it has been tampered with and must not be used.
Ledger.com/start also shows you how to check device authenticity to ensure it's safe.
Step 3: Download and Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official software used to manage your wallet. Ledger.com/start will automatically direct you to download it for your device.
Ledger Live is available for:
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS/Android (for Ledger Nano X via Bluetooth)
Ledger Live lets you:
Create and manage accounts
Install apps for each cryptocurrency
Send and receive crypto
Buy, sell, and swap assets
Track your portfolio value
Update your device firmware
Manage NFTs (Ethereum & Polygon)
Download Ledger Live ONLY from Ledger.com/start—never from unofficial websites.
Step 4: Connect Your Ledger Device
Once Ledger Live is installed:
Open the Ledger Live app
Click Get Started
Connect your Ledger device using the USB cable
Choose your device model
Follow the on-screen setup instructions
Your device screen will guide you step-by-step using the two buttons to navigate and confirm actions.
Step 5: Create a New Wallet or Restore an Existing One
When setting up your Ledger, you will see two options:
Option 1: Set Up as New Device
Choose this if you are creating a brand-new crypto wallet.
The Ledger device will generate your 24-word recovery phrase, which serves as the backup to your entire wallet.
Option 2: Restore from Recovery Phrase
Use this option if you already have a Ledger wallet or other hardware wallet and want to restore your crypto using your existing recovery phrase.
Ledger devices never store your phrase online; the recovery process happens entirely on the device.
Step 6: Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
This step is the most important part of your entire setup.
Your device will display 24 random words, one at a time. Write them down on the provided recovery sheets in the exact order shown.
Rules for Recovery Phrase Safety
Never take a photo of it
Never type it on your phone or computer
Never store it online or in email
Never share it with anyone
Ledger employees will never ask for it
Store it in a secure offline location
This phrase is the only way to recover your wallet if your Ledger device is lost, damaged, or stolen.
If someone gains access to your 24 words, they can take your crypto—no exceptions.
Step 7: Set Your PIN Code
Your Ledger device will now prompt you to create a 4–8 digit PIN code.
This PIN prevents unauthorized access to your device.
Choose a PIN that is:
Hard to guess
Not written down near your device
Not shared with anyone
If the PIN is entered incorrectly multiple times, the device will reset for your safety.
Step 8: Install Cryptocurrency Apps on Your Ledger
Each cryptocurrency requires its own app on the Ledger device. This does not store the crypto; it simply enables the device to manage that coin.
To install apps:
Open Ledger Live
Go to My Ledger
Confirm the connection on your device
Choose the crypto apps you need
Click Install
Examples:
Bitcoin
Ethereum
Binance Smart Chain
XRP
Solana
Polygon
Cardano
ERC-20 tokens
Many more
You can install and uninstall apps any time—your crypto stays safe even if an app is removed.
Step 9: Add Accounts to Ledger Live
After installing the apps, you can add cryptocurrency accounts.
How to add an account:
Go to Accounts
Click Add Account
Select your cryptocurrency
Connect your Ledger and confirm
Ledger Live creates the account
This allows you to view balances, receive crypto, and track activity.
Step 10: Receive and Send Crypto Safely
With your accounts ready, you can now manage your cryptocurrency.
How to Receive Crypto
Open Ledger Live
Go to Receive
Select the account
Verify the address on your Ledger device
Copy or share the address
Always verify the address on the device screen, not just on your computer.
This prevents malware from changing it.
How to Send Crypto
Open Ledger Live
Click Send
Enter the recipient address
Choose the amount
Confirm the details
Approve the transaction on your Ledger device
The physical confirmation step ensures that hackers cannot send your crypto without your approval.
Why Using Ledger.com/start Is Essential
Using Ledger.com/start ensures:
You are following official instructions
You download the real Ledger Live software
You avoid phishing traps
You learn proper recovery phrase safety
Your device is set up securely
Your crypto remains under your control
It’s the safest place to begin your Ledger journey.
Final Thoughts
Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet through Ledger.com/start is the smartest way to protect your cryptocurrency. With offline security, physical confirmation requirements, and a beginner-friendly setup process, Ledger gives you full control of your digital wealth.