Welcome to Ledger.com/start
Congratulations on taking the first step toward securing your digital assets! At **Ledger.com/start**, you access the **official setup portal** for Ledger hardware wallets. This landing page guides you through each stage of initialization — from unboxing your device and installing the Ledger Live app to safely storing your recovery phrase and managing your first crypto account.
With this secured onboarding journey, you avoid phishing sites, unofficial downloads, and common mistakes. You get **secure storage**, **transaction signing**, and full ownership of your **private keys**, all while exploring Ledger’s powerful ecosystem.
Why Use Ledger.com/start?
Ledger.com/start is your verified, trusted starting point. Unlike random tutorials or third‑party sites, this page ensures you receive the correct software, instructions, and security alerts. By beginning here, you:
- download **Ledger Live** safely and directly;
- follow step-by-step setup to avoid mistakes;
- ensure no counterfeit hardware or software slips through;
- access firmware updates, help, and support;
- start managing crypto securely, confidently, and from the official source.
Step 1: Unbox & Verify Your Ledger Device
When your Ledger device arrives (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X), begin by carefully checking the packaging. Ledger uses tamper-evident seals and secure packaging to minimize attack risk.
Inside, you should find:
- Your Ledger hardware wallet
- USB cable (or cable + adapter)
- Recovery seed card / sheet
- Quick start guide or instructions
If anything seems amiss — pre-written phrases, broken seals, missing elements — pause and reach out to Ledger support. Never proceed with a suspicious device.
Step 2: Visit Ledger.com/start & Download Ledger Live
Open your browser and go to **https://www.ledger.com/start**. Only this address provides verified downloads, setup instructions, and security safeguards. Avoid search engine ads or links that look like “getstarted-ledger” or slight misspellings.
From the start page, choose the version of **Ledger Live** that matches your operating system — Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android. Download and install it. This app will be your control center for managing crypto securely.
Step 3: Initialize the Ledger Device
Connect your Ledger hardware wallet using the USB cable (or via Bluetooth for Nano X). Ledger Live will detect it and prompt you to start setup.
You can choose to:
- create a **new device**, or
- restore from an existing **recovery phrase** (if migrating from another hardware wallet).
Choose “Create new device” unless you already have a seed. The onboarding flow will lead you through setting a PIN code and generating your seed.
Step 4: Choose a Secure PIN
The device will ask for a PIN (usually 4–8 digits). This PIN protects access to the device itself.
Tips:
- Choose digits you’ll remember but not obvious combinations (like 1234).
- Do not store the PIN together with your recovery phrase.
- Confirm the PIN by re-entering it as prompted.
Step 5: Write Down & Secure Your Recovery Phrase
As part of setup, Ledger Live shows your **24-word recovery phrase** (sometimes 12 words based on model or mode). Write each word in order on your recovery card.
Important security tips:
- Never take a photo or save it digitally.
- Store it offline in a safe location (fireproof safe, safe deposit box, or metal backup).
- Your recovery phrase is the only way to restore your wallet if the device is lost or broken.
- Ledger will never ask you for it; never share it with anyone.
Step 6: Update Firmware (if required)
After initialization, Ledger Live may prompt a **firmware update**. Updates often bring important security patches, new coin support, and improved stability.
Be sure not to interrupt the process. Keep the device plugged in and follow the on-screen instructions. Once complete, the device will reboot and confirm the firmware version.
Step 7: Install Crypto Apps & Add Accounts
In Ledger Live, navigate to **Manager** to install blockchain apps (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Each asset you want to manage needs its app on the device.
Then go to **Accounts**, click **Add Account**, and choose your crypto asset. Ledger Live will derive addresses and sync them with the device. You can manage multiple coins easily thanks to **multicurrency support**.
Step 8: Send & Receive Crypto Securely
To **receive**:
- Open the account in Ledger Live and select “Receive.”
- Display the address both on the app and device screen.
- Confirm address matches on device, then share it safely.
To **send**:
- Select “Send” in app, enter recipient address & amount.
- Review fees and transaction details.
- Confirm and approve the transaction on your hardware device — this is **transaction signing** in action.
Because the private keys never leave the device, your crypto remains safe even if your computer is compromised.
Step 9: Explore Staking, Swaps & Web3 Integration
Ledger Live enables more than storage — you can also:
- stake supported coins and earn rewards;
- swap between assets using integrated exchange partners;
- connect with DeFi and dApps via Web3 integration and Ledger Extension;
- manage NFTs (non-fungible tokens) on supported chains.
All operations still require your physical confirmation on the Ledger device, maintaining the highest level of security.
Security Best Practices & Tips
Using Ledger gives you advanced protection, but how you use it matters. Below are key practices for **secure storage** and safe crypto usage:
- Always download software and firmware updates from ledger.com/start.
- Never share your recovery phrase, PIN, or device keys.
- Keep multiple offline backups of your seed phrase.
- Confirm transaction details on the device screen before approving.
- Avoid using public or untrusted computers to manage crypto.
- Beware of phishing sites, emails, or links pretending to be Ledger.
- Use passphrase (25th word) mode if you want an extra protective layer.
- Consider advanced setups (e.g. multisig or cold storage) for large holdings.
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
Here are some frequently encountered issues and solutions:
- Device not detected: Try a different USB cable or port, restart the app, check that the device is unlocked.
- Firmware update failed: Ensure stable connection, repeat the process, avoid interruptions.
- Missing balances or accounts: Add the relevant asset account manually in Ledger Live.
- Transaction fails or rejected: Re-check addresses, fees, and available balance.
- Recovery phrase errors: Ensure no typos; confirm the correct BIP39 word list is used.
Why Ledger & Ledger.com/start Matters
In a world full of crypto scams, phishing attacks, and exchange vulnerabilities, Ledger hardware wallets offer you self‑custodial security. The combination of Ledger Live + device ensures you retain full control over your assets — your **private keys**, your decisions, your security.
Starting your setup via **Ledger.com/start** ensures you're using authentic software, following correct procedures, and minimizing risk. From secure initialization to daily transactions, this official path empowers you to use crypto confidently.
Ready? Click below to begin your secure crypto journey:
Go to Ledger Start