Ledger.com/Start
Complete Guide to Setting Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Ledger.com/Start is the official onboarding page for Ledger hardware wallets such as Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and Ledger Stax. This is the only correct place to begin setting up your wallet. Starting here ensures that you follow verified steps, download authentic software, and properly secure your crypto assets from the very beginning.
Self-custody gives you full control of your cryptocurrency — but it also gives you full responsibility. If the setup is done incorrectly, you could lose access to your funds. Ledger.com/Start protects you from mistakes, scams, and unsafe software while helping you configure everything step by step.
Before You Begin
To set up your Ledger hardware wallet smoothly, make sure you have the following:
A brand-new, sealed Ledger device
A computer or smartphone with a stable internet connection
The included USB cable (or Bluetooth support if applicable)
A pen and the recovery sheet provided in the box
A calm and private environment — not a public location
If the device appears previously opened or already set up, do not continue. A used wallet can be extremely dangerous because someone else may already know the recovery phrase or have tampered with its security.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Ledger.com/Start
1. Visit the Official Website
Enter the official address directly into your browser:
www.ledger.com/start
Only use this page to download the software and begin setup. Avoid searching through ads or clicking random links on the internet — scammers often imitate the brand to steal crypto.
2. Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the companion software used to manage your wallet. You will need the version suited for your operating system — Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android. Install it on your device and open it once the installation is complete.
3. Connect Your Ledger Wallet
Use the USB cable or Bluetooth connection (if supported) to connect your Ledger hardware wallet to your computer or phone. Ledger Live will detect the device and guide you through the setup process.
Choose the option “Set up as new device.”
This will ensure your private keys are generated securely and solely on your device.
4. Create a PIN Code
You will be asked to create a PIN code on your Ledger device. The PIN should be private and secure. It protects access to your wallet in case anyone physically gets hold of the device.
Use a unique and unpredictable number
Never share your PIN with anyone
Do not store the PIN in a digital file
If you enter the wrong PIN several times, the device will reset for safety — so write it down temporarily until you memorize it.
5. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase (sometimes 12 or 18 words depending on the model). This phrase is incredibly important.
This is your backup, your vault key, and your proof of ownership.
If your device is lost, broken, or stolen, the recovery phrase is the only way to restore access to your funds. Without it, your crypto would be permanently gone.
Important rules:
Write it down on paper or a metal backup sheet
Keep it offline — never photograph, scan, or type it into a computer or cloud service
Store it in a secure hidden place
Never share it with anyone — not even Ledger support
If someone else gets these 24 words, they can take all of your cryptocurrency.
6. Confirm the Phrase
The device will ask you to confirm some of the words. This step ensures you wrote everything correctly and in the right order. Double-check every detail.
7. Install Apps and Add Accounts in Ledger Live
Every blockchain like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana requires a separate app installed inside your Ledger. Ledger Live will help you quickly add apps for the cryptocurrencies you plan to use.
Once added, go to Accounts and create accounts for each coin. This will allow you to send and receive crypto securely.
How to Use Your Ledger Safely
Having a Ledger wallet is only safe if you follow ongoing security practices:
Always confirm transactions on the Ledger device screen
Keep your recovery phrase hidden and offline
Perform firmware updates through Ledger Live when prompted
Avoid connecting your wallet to suspicious websites
Beware of anyone asking for your recovery phrase — it is always a scam
Your private keys never leave the device. That’s the whole point of using a hardware wallet: even if your computer is infected, hackers cannot sign transactions without your approval on the physical wallet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are the top errors that lead to lost funds — learn them and avoid them:
Using a wallet that was already set up by someone else
Downloading Ledger Live from a fake website
Storing the recovery phrase digitally
Sharing the recovery phrase with any person or service
Approving transactions blindly without checking the wallet screen
Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible — there is no “undo” button. Always verify details before confirming.
Why Ledger.com/Start Is Essential
Ledger.com/Start ensures:
You download secure, official software
Your private keys are generated correctly inside the hardware wallet
You learn how to protect your PIN and recovery phrase
You avoid scams and fake setup processes
You are guided with instructions designed for maximum security
In the crypto world, safety depends entirely on the tools you use and the decisions you make. Using Ledger.com/Start guarantees you begin your crypto journey the right way — with proper protection from day one.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a Ledger wallet is one of the strongest steps toward securing your digital assets. But security is a process, not a one-time task. By following the simple system enforced by Ledger.com/Start — especially storing your recovery phrase offline and approving transactions physically on your device — you maintain control and ownership of your crypto.