Welcome to Ledger.com/start — the official gateway to securing your digital assets, setting up your hardware wallet, and managing your cryptocurrency with confidence. Whether you're new to crypto or already have digital holdings, this comprehensive guide walks you through step‑by‑step, covering setup, safety, features, and everyday use.
Step 1: Start at the Official Site
Always begin by visiting https://www.ledger.com/start — typing this URL manually into your browser. Bookmark it. Make sure the connection is secure (HTTPS). This is your first line of defense against phishing, counterfeit apps, or fake hardware.
- Verify the URL carefully. It needs to be ledger.com/start.
- Check for the padlock icon / “secure” status in the browser address bar.
- Never arrive here via suspicious emails or ads claiming urgency.
Step 2: Unbox & Inspect Your Device
Once you receive your Ledger hardware wallet (for example, Nano S Plus or Nano X), it’s essential to ensure legitimacy and readiness before proceeding.
- The packaging should be sealed and look untampered.
- You should find the USB cable, recovery sheets, product documentation, and the device itself.
- If the packaging seems suspicious or components are missing, contact Ledger support immediately.
Step 3: Download Ledger Live App
Ledger Live is the official software companion for your hardware wallet. It is required to set up your device, install apps, manage your assets, and much more.
- From ledger.com/start, choose the version matching your device (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android).
- Download it only from the official site — do not rely on third‑party sites or mirrored versions.
- Check digital signatures or checksums if available, to ensure integrity.
Step 4: Initialize Your Ledger Device
With the device plugged in (or connected by Bluetooth, if supported), follow the instructions in Ledger Live to set it up.
- Choose “Set up as new device” if you don’t have an existing recovery seed.
- If restoring, select “Restore from recovery phrase.”
- Create a **PIN code** (typically 4‑8 digits) that unlocks the device. This PIN is only used on the device itself.
⚠️ Never share your PIN. Do not type it into any other device or software. The device asks for PIN physically.
Step 5: Record and Secure Your Recovery Phrase
After initialization, your device will generate a **24‑word recovery phrase (seed phrase)**. This phrase is your ultimate backup and acts as the key to restore your wallet if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
ℹ️ Important Security Protocol:
- Write it down exactly, in order, on the supplied recovery sheet.
- Store that sheet offline—somewhere safe, away from moisture, heat, or fire.
- Do not take photos, screenshots, or type it into your computer or phone.
- Consider multiple secure backups (e.g. in a safe, or using metal backup tools).
⚠️ Ledger support will never ask you for your recovery phrase. Anyone requesting it is likely a scam.
Step 6: Verify Device Authenticity
Ledger devices use built‑in security elements and firmware to help you verify authenticity. Ledger Live often includes a “genuine check” function.
- Run the genuine check when prompted.
- Ensure firmware is up to date before carrying out sensitive operations.
- If the device indicates it’s not genuine, stop setup and reach out to Ledger support.
Step 7: Install Crypto Apps & Add Accounts
Ledger Live works with apps for each blockchain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). You’ll need to install the relevant apps onto your hardware device to use those chains. Once done, you can add accounts in Ledger Live for those cryptocurrencies.
- Go to the Manager tab in Ledger Live to install apps.
- After apps are installed, navigate to “Accounts → Add Account” to add supported digital assets.
- Ledger supports thousands of coins & tokens. Only install apps you need to reduce space usage.
Step 8: Sending, Receiving & Managing Crypto
Once your wallet and accounts are set up, you can begin sending, receiving, trading, staking, and exploring DeFi / NFTs.
- Receive: In Ledger Live, select “Receive”, choose the account, verify the address on your Ledger device, then share as needed.
- Send: Initiate a send transaction in Ledger Live, then confirm the details (amount, recipient, fees). Always verify everything on the hardware device’s display.
- Stake / Swap / DeFi / NFTs: If these features are supported for your assets, Ledger Live often integrates them or provides guidance. Use official integrations, never unverified third‑party tools.
Step 9: Keep Firmware & Software Updated
Ledger periodically releases firmware updates for hardware, and software updates for Ledger Live. Updates often patch security vulnerabilities, improve performance, and add new features.
- In Ledger Live, check the “Manager” or “Settings” sections for available firmware or app updates.
- Ensure your computer or phone OS is also up‑to‑date.
- Do not interrupt updates midway—keep device connected and stable.
Step 10: Everyday Security Best Practices
Even after setup, following best practices will protect you from threats and scams.
- Never share your recovery phrase or PIN with anyone.
- Double‑check URLs, email senders, and download sources. Phishing attacks often mimic branding or email addresses to trick you.
- Use strong, unique passwords and consider enabling extra security where possible.
- Store backups of your recovery phrase in safe physical places (e.g., fireproof safe).
- Be skeptical of unsolicited messages asking you to update firmware or software via unknown links.
Common Problems & Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues, here are common scenarios and what to do:
- Device Not Recognized: Try different USB ports / cables; check drivers & permissions; restart your computer/phone.
- Firmware or App Installation Fails: Ensure Ledger Live is the latest version; your OS supports it; connection is stable.
- Forgot PIN or Locked Device: After too many wrong attempts, devices reset. Use your recovery phrase to restore the wallet. If the recovery phrase is lost, funds cannot be recovered.
- Recovery Phrase Lost / Damaged: Without your exact phrase, wallet cannot be restored. Keep multiple offline backups in durable mediums.
- Software Crashes or Freezes: Close non‑essential apps; update OS; reinstall Ledger Live from official source; reach support if needed.
Why Ledger.com/Start Matters
Ledger.com/start is more than just a setup page—it’s your assurance of authenticity and security. By following it, you bypass many common crypto pitfalls before they happen.
- Verified downloads ensure you don’t accidentally install malicious or modified software.
- Guided onboarding avoids missteps or insecure setups from third‑party forks or tutorials.
- Official firmware maintains hardware integrity, protecting you from vulnerabilities.
- Ledger Live’s genuine check helps you confirm device authenticity.
Exploring Advanced Features
Once you're comfortable with basics, Ledger offers many advanced usability features. Depending on your asset types and usage, you may explore:
- Staking your crypto assets to earn rewards (supported coins vary by region & network).
- Swapping or converting assets directly within Ledger Live via trusted partners.
- Using Ledger with DeFi protocols and dApps through integrations.
- NFT storage, viewing, and interacting securely.
- Using multiple Ledger devices, or migration between devices (if supported).
- Continuous learning via Ledger’s educational content and updates.
Glossary: Key Terms You Should Know
- Hardware wallet: A physical device that stores your cryptocurrency private keys offline.
- PIN: A code to unlock your Ledger device; set only on the hardware device.
- Recovery phrase / seed phrase: A sequence of 24 words that allow you to restore your wallet on another compatible device.
- Firmware: Software internal to the hardware device that manages its security features.
- Ledger Live: The desktop / mobile app used to configure device, manage assets, track portfolios.
- Genuine check: A security verification inside Ledger Live to ensure the device is authentic.
- Phishing: Attempts to trick you into giving up your recovery phrase, installing fake software, or revealing sensitive info.
Your Next Steps
Now that you’ve passed through setup, verification, and best practices, here are practical things you should consider doing next to ensure long‑term safety and convenience:
- Test a small transaction first — send a tiny amount of crypto to verify your sending/receiving process works smoothly.
- Explore Ledger Live’s portfolio view to track your assets over time.
- Set up email or notifications (if available) for Ledger Live updates, app additions, firmware alerts.
- Read Ledger’s security blog or documentation to stay aware of emerging threats.
- Consider investing in backup storage tools for your recovery phrase (metal backups are more durable than paper in many cases).
Go to Ledger.com/start