Ledger.com/start – Your Official Guide to Secure Cryptocurrency Ownership
Welcome to Ledger.com/start, the official and trusted gateway for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. This page is designed to help users safely initialize their device, install Ledger Live, and learn how to protect cryptocurrency assets using industry-leading security practices. Whether you are new to crypto or an experienced user, starting at Ledger.com/start ensures your digital assets are protected from online threats, scams, and unauthorized access.
Cryptocurrency gives individuals full control over their money, but that control also comes with responsibility. Unlike banks or centralized platforms, there is no customer support desk that can reverse transactions or recover lost funds. Ledger hardware wallets exist to solve this challenge by keeping your private keys offline and under your sole control. Ledger.com/start helps you begin this process correctly and securely.
Why Start at Ledger.com/start
Ledger.com/start is the only official location for setting up a Ledger device. Beginning here protects you from counterfeit software, phishing attacks, and unsafe installation steps that could compromise your assets.
By using Ledger.com/start, you ensure:
You are using genuine Ledger hardware
You download official Ledger Live software
You follow verified setup instructions
Your private keys remain offline
Your recovery phrase is generated safely
Typing Ledger.com/start directly into your browser is one of the most important security habits you can develop as a crypto user.
Understanding Ledger Hardware Wallets
A Ledger hardware wallet is a physical security device designed to store your cryptocurrency private keys offline. Private keys are what allow you to access and spend your crypto. If someone gains access to your keys, they control your funds.
Ledger devices protect your assets by:
Storing private keys in a secure element chip
Requiring physical confirmation for transactions
Using PIN protection against unauthorized access
Isolating keys from malware, hackers, and viruses
Ledger supports thousands of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Solana, Litecoin, and many others.
What You Need Before You Begin
Before starting the setup process, make sure you have:
A Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
A computer or smartphone with internet access
A USB cable or Bluetooth (for supported models)
A quiet, private environment
Avoid public spaces or rushed situations when setting up your wallet. Security begins with focus and privacy.
Step 1: Check Your Ledger Device
When you receive your Ledger device, inspect the packaging carefully. Ledger devices are shipped with tamper-evident packaging and do not come pre-configured.
At Ledger.com/start, you will be guided to:
Verify the device is new and unused
Power on the device
Confirm authenticity using Ledger Live
This step ensures your device has not been modified or compromised.
Step 2: Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official application used to manage your Ledger wallet and cryptocurrencies. It acts as your secure interface while your private keys remain safely stored on the device.
From Ledger.com/start, you can download Ledger Live for:
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
Always download Ledger Live directly from Ledger.com/start. Fake apps are a common source of crypto theft.
Step 3: Install and Open Ledger Live
After downloading Ledger Live, install it and open the application. You will be asked whether you want to:
Set up a new Ledger device, or
Restore an existing wallet
If this is your first Ledger device, select Set up as new device.
Ledger Live will guide you step by step through the setup process.
Step 4: Create a Secure PIN Code
Your Ledger device will ask you to create a PIN code, which protects your wallet if the device is lost or stolen.
Important PIN guidelines:
Choose a PIN that is difficult to guess
Never share your PIN with anyone
Enter the PIN only on the Ledger device
Multiple incorrect attempts will lock the device
The PIN adds an essential layer of physical security.
Step 5: Generate Your Recovery Phrase
This is the most important step of the entire setup.
Your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the master backup to your wallet. Anyone with access to it can fully control your crypto.
Best practices for recovery phrase security:
Write the words down on paper
Never store them digitally
Never take photos or screenshots
Never share them with anyone
Store them in a secure, private location
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Any message or website requesting it is a scam.
Step 6: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase
Ledger Live will ask you to confirm your recovery phrase by selecting words in the correct order. This ensures you have recorded it correctly.
Take your time during this step. Your recovery phrase is the only way to restore your wallet if your device is lost or damaged.
Step 7: Install Crypto Apps on Your Ledger
Ledger devices use individual apps to manage different blockchains. Using Ledger Live, you can install apps for supported cryptocurrencies.
Popular supported assets include:
Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH) and ERC-20 tokens
Solana (SOL)
Cardano (ADA)
Litecoin (LTC)
XRP
Many more
Installing apps does not expose private keys. All keys remain securely stored on your device.
Step 8: Add Cryptocurrency Accounts
Once apps are installed, you can add accounts in Ledger Live. Each account allows you to:
Generate receiving addresses
Send and receive crypto
Track balances and transaction history
You can create multiple accounts for the same cryptocurrency to improve organization and privacy.
Step 9: Send and Receive Cryptocurrency
Receiving crypto:
Generate a receiving address in Ledger Live
Verify the address on your Ledger device
Share only the public address
Sending crypto:
Enter the recipient address and amount
Carefully review details
Physically confirm the transaction on your Ledger device
Every transaction must be approved on the device itself, preventing unauthorized transfers.
Step 10: Portfolio Overview
Ledger Live provides a clear dashboard where you can:
View balances across all accounts
Monitor transaction history
Track portfolio value
Manage multiple cryptocurrencies in one place
Portfolio information can be viewed without exposing private keys.
Step 11: Firmware Updates
Ledger regularly releases firmware updates to improve security and compatibility. Ledger Live will notify you when updates are available.
Firmware updates:
Improve device protection
Add support for new features
Enhance overall security
Do not expose private keys
Always follow Ledger Live instructions when updating firmware.
Advanced Features
Bluetooth Connectivity
Ledger Nano X supports Bluetooth, allowing secure use with mobile devices without exposing private keys.
Staking and Web3
Ledger Live enables secure access to staking and decentralized applications while keeping private keys offline.
Multiple Wallets
Advanced users can manage multiple wallets and accounts for different use cases or privacy needs.
Security Best Practices
To stay safe:
Always use Ledger.com/start
Never share your recovery phrase
Confirm addresses on your device screen
Keep Ledger Live updated
Avoid public or untrusted computers
Be cautious of phishing emails and fake support messages
Ledger security works best when paired with careful user habits.
Recovering Your Wallet
If your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or damaged:
Obtain a new Ledger device
Choose “Restore from recovery phrase”
Enter your 24-word phrase
Regain access to your funds
Without the recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.
Why Ledger.com/start Matters
Starting at Ledger.com/start ensures:
Official software downloads
Authentic device verification
Secure wallet initialization
Proper recovery phrase creation
Long-term asset protection
This page is the foundation of your crypto security.
Conclusion
Ledger.com/start is more than a setup page—it is your entry point into secure, self-custodied cryptocurrency ownership. By following official instructions, protecting your recovery phrase, and using Ledger Live correctly, you dramatically reduce the risk of hacks, scams, and accidental loss.
Ledger empowers you to take full control of your digital assets while keeping them protected by industry-leading security technology.
Start at Ledger.com/start, secure your wallet, and confidently manage your cryptocurrency—today and into the future.