Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started — Ledger Support

Welcome to Ledger.com/Start®, the official onboarding portal for Ledger hardware wallet users. Whether you are setting up your first Ledger device or configuring a new wallet, this guide provides a secure, step-by-step process to initialize and manage your cryptocurrency assets safely. By starting here, you ensure you are using verified tools and following the recommended best practices to protect your funds against scams and unauthorized access.

Why Start at Ledger.com/Start®?

Security is critical when handling cryptocurrency. Ledger.com/Start® ensures that your setup process is safe and straightforward by providing:

Verified Software: Only download Ledger Live, the official companion application for managing your Ledger device.
Step-by-Step Guidance: Follow secure instructions from device initialization to account management.
Phishing Protection: Avoid fake websites and malicious downloads that attempt to steal your recovery phrase or credentials.
Firmware Updates: Safely install the latest firmware and maintain device security.

Using the official portal reduces the risk of errors and ensures your wallet starts on a solid, secure foundation.

What You’ll Need Before You Begin

Before starting the setup, gather these essentials:

A genuine Ledger hardware wallet such as Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax.
A computer or mobile device with internet access.
A USB cable (or Bluetooth, if using Nano X).
Pen and recovery card for recording your 24-word recovery phrase offline.
Time and a private space free from distractions.

Preparation at this stage ensures a smooth, secure setup process.

Step-by-Step Ledger Setup

1. Visit the Official Ledger Start Page

Open a web browser and go to the official Ledger.com/Start® page. This is the only trusted source for setup instructions and downloads.

2. Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official app used to manage your hardware wallet. It allows you to:

View balances and transaction history
Send and receive cryptocurrencies
Install blockchain-specific apps on your device
Update firmware securely

Always download Ledger Live only from the official page to avoid counterfeit or malicious software.

3. Unbox and Connect Your Ledger Device

When ready:

Unbox the Ledger device and verify that it is sealed and new.
Connect the device to your computer or mobile device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X).
Power on the device and follow the on-screen prompts.

Ledger devices are designed to start securely from the welcome screen and require initialization before use.

4. Initialize Your Wallet

Ledger Live will guide you to either:

Set up as a new device, creating a new wallet from scratch.
Restore a wallet using an existing 24-word recovery phrase.

Follow the instructions displayed on your Ledger device’s screen. All sensitive operations, including PIN and recovery phrase setup, happen physically on the device to prevent exposure to malware.

5. Set a Secure PIN

A PIN code is required to unlock your Ledger device each time it is connected.

Choose a PIN that is memorable yet hard to guess.
Enter the PIN directly on your device’s buttons or screen.
Never write the PIN near your recovery phrase.

The PIN protects your wallet even if the device is lost or stolen.

6. Generate and Secure Your Recovery Phrase

Ledger devices generate a 24-word recovery phrase, which is your ultimate backup. It is the only way to restore access if your device is lost, damaged, or stolen.

Write all 24 words in order on the recovery card provided.
Do not take pictures or store the phrase digitally.
Store it securely offline in one or more trusted locations.
Ledger may ask you to confirm a few words to ensure accurate recording.

This phrase must remain private. Anyone with access to it can control your funds.

7. Firmware Checks and App Installation

After initialization, Ledger Live will check your device’s firmware and allow installation of blockchain-specific apps, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana.

These apps reside on the hardware device, keeping private keys offline while enabling secure interaction with Ledger Live. Installing only the apps you need also optimizes device storage.

8. Add Accounts and Manage Assets

Once the device is initialized:

Add accounts for the cryptocurrencies you wish to manage.
Receive funds using addresses verified on your Ledger device.
Send funds securely, confirming transactions on the device screen.

Ledger Live provides a clear interface for balances, transaction history, and portfolio tracking, while the device handles all sensitive signing operations offline.

Optional: Passphrase Protection

Ledger devices support optional passphrase-protected wallets:

Adds an extra word or phrase to your 24-word recovery seed.
Creates a hidden wallet accessible only with the correct passphrase.
Losing the passphrase permanently locks access to that wallet.

This feature is useful for advanced users who want additional security or decoy wallets.

Safety Tips and Scam Awareness

To protect your funds:

Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase online.
Only download Ledger Live from the official start page.
Avoid websites, emails, or social media links claiming to require your seed phrase.
Verify all firmware updates and app installations directly through Ledger Live.

Being vigilant protects you from phishing attempts and malicious software.

Conclusion

Ledger.com/Start® is your secure starting point for setting up and managing Ledger hardware wallets. From unboxing your device to securing your recovery phrase and managing accounts, the official portal guides you safely through each step.

Using Ledger hardware wallets with Ledger Live ensures that sensitive operations remain offline, giving you full control and peace of mind over your cryptocurrency. By following this process, you safeguard your digital assets, avoid scams, and enjoy the confidence of managing your crypto securely.

Start your journey with Ledger.com/Start® today — because owning cryptocurrency starts with owning your keys safely.