Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started | Ledger

Getting started with a Ledger hardware wallet is one of the safest ways to secure your cryptocurrency. Ledger devices such as Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X are designed to protect users from online attacks, phishing attempts, and unauthorized access. The official setup process begins at Ledger.com/Start®, where new users activate their device, install Ledger Live, and learn the steps required to secure their recovery phrase and manage digital assets confidently.

1. What Is Ledger.com/Start®?

Ledger.com/Start® is the official onboarding page for all Ledger hardware wallets. Instead of guessing how to set up your device, this page provides verified instructions directly from Ledger. It acts as the gateway to downloading Ledger Live—the companion application used to manage crypto assets, install apps, and track balances.

Using only official links is crucial. Ledger strongly advises against downloading Ledger Live from third-party sites, as fake versions have been used to steal user funds. Ledger.com/Start® ensures you’re getting authentic software and guidance, reducing the risk of interacting with fraudulent platforms.

2. Setting Up Your Ledger Device

Unboxing & Initialization

When you unbox your Ledger Nano device, you’ll find the hardware wallet, a USB cable, instruction sheets, and recovery phrase cards. Begin the setup by connecting the device to a computer or mobile device. The screen will guide you through language selection and the initial setup process. If the device ever displays a pre-filled recovery phrase, stop immediately—this means it has been tampered with.

Creating a Secure PIN

One of the first steps is creating a PIN code. This PIN protects the device from unauthorized access. It typically ranges from 4 to 8 digits and should be kept private. Avoid predictable patterns such as birth dates or repeated numbers. The device will require the PIN every time it powers on.

Backing Up Your Recovery Phrase

The most important part of the Ledger setup is the recovery phrase. Your device will generate a unique 24-word phrase—this is the key to your crypto. Ledger never stores, transmits, or backs up this phrase; the user alone controls it.

Write the words down exactly as shown and keep them offline in a secure location. Never share the phrase with anyone, never type it into websites, and never take pictures of it. Anyone who gains access to the 24-word phrase can control your assets.

3. Install Ledger Live

Once the hardware is initialized, visit Ledger.com/Start® to download Ledger Live, available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Ledger Live serves as the central dashboard for:

• Adding cryptocurrency accounts

• Installing coin applications on the device

• Sending and receiving crypto

• Staking supported assets

• Tracking portfolio performance

Ledger Live also includes built-in security checks to verify that your device is genuine and communicating safely.

4. Managing Crypto With Ledger

After setting up Ledger Live and installing the relevant apps, you can begin managing your digital currencies. Ledger supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and thousands of tokens. For every transaction, you must physically confirm it on the device—an essential security feature that prevents remote hackers from sending unauthorized funds.

5. Why Use Ledger for Crypto Security?

Ledger devices combine offline private-key storage with strong encryption, secure chips, and constant verification. Unlike software wallets or exchanges, hardware wallets ensure that your keys never leave the device. Even if your computer is infected with malware, transactions remain protected.