Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started With Ledger Wallet
In a world where digital assets are becoming a core part of personal finances, smart investors know that security is not optional—it is essential. Cryptocurrency wallets, exchanges, and platforms may offer convenience, but nothing compares to the protection of a hardware wallet. Ledger is one of the most trusted names in the crypto security industry, and Ledger.com/Start® is the official beginner’s gateway for setting up and securing a Ledger device.
Whether you are new to crypto or simply upgrading your security setup, Ledger.com/Start provides everything you need to begin using your Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X. This guide expands on that onboarding process, giving you a complete understanding of what Ledger offers, why hardware wallets matter, and how to set up your device like a professional—step by step.
What Is Ledger.com/Start®?
Ledger.com/Start® is the official setup page for Ledger hardware wallets. It is designed to help new users:
Initialize their Ledger device
Install the Ledger Live software
Create or restore a crypto wallet
Secure their recovery phrase
Learn about safe crypto management
By directing users to this page, Ledger ensures that new customers follow a safe, authenticated process. Because the crypto world has many phishing attempts, Ledger created a dedicated URL so customers always know where to begin.
Visiting Ledger.com/Start ensures that:
You download the authentic Ledger Live app
You follow verified security steps
Your device firmware is up to date
You avoid third-party links or counterfeit setup tools
This official pathway eliminates guesswork and gives users a clean, secure starting point.
Why Choose a Ledger Hardware Wallet?
Cryptocurrencies are decentralized, meaning they require personal responsibility. When you keep digital assets on an exchange or in a software wallet, your private keys may be at risk. Ledger hardware wallets solve this problem by physically isolating your private keys from the internet.
Here are the biggest advantages of using a Ledger wallet:
1. Maximum Security
Ledger wallets store keys in a Secure Element (SE) chip, similar to the technology used in passports, credit cards, and SIM cards. Even if your computer is infected, your private keys remain protected.
2. You Own Your Keys
“Not your keys, not your crypto” is a popular phrase in Web3. Ledger ensures that:
Only you control your seed phrase
Only you access your crypto
No one—not even Ledger—can recover your keys
3. Supports 8,000+ Crypto Assets
Ledger Live and Ledger devices support thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens, including:
Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
Solana (SOL)
XRP
Litecoin (LTC)
Dogecoin (DOGE)
Polkadot (DOT)
NFTs on multiple chains
This makes Ledger a universal, long-term solution.
4. Offline Protection Against Hacks
Since private keys never leave the device, your funds remain safe from:
Online hacks
Malware
Phishing
Exchange breaches
5. Trusted by Millions
Ledger has millions of users across the globe and a solid reputation for secure hardware wallet technology.
Before You Begin: What You Need
To set up your Ledger wallet using Ledger.com/Start, have the following items ready:
A Ledger Nano X or Nano S Plus hardware wallet
A computer or smartphone
A USB cable or Bluetooth (for Nano X)
Your recovery phrase sheet
A pen to write down your seed phrase
You do not need to buy a special app, pay a fee, or provide any private information. The setup process is entirely free.
Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Your Ledger Wallet Through Ledger.com/Start
Below is a clear, beginner-friendly walkthrough of how to start using your Ledger device.
Step 1: Visit Ledger.com/Start
Open your browser and go to Ledger.com/Start. This page verifies that you have:
An official Ledger device
A genuine product
Access to the correct software
Click the button to download Ledger Live, the official companion app.
Step 2: Download and Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is available for:
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
Ledger Live is the command center where you can:
Install crypto apps
Check your account balances
Send/receive crypto
Manage NFTs
Update firmware
Stake cryptocurrencies
Always download Ledger Live only from Ledger.com/Start to avoid fake applications.
Step 3: Connect Your Ledger Device
Use the included USB cable (or Bluetooth for the Nano X) to connect your wallet to your computer or mobile device. Ledger Live will detect the device and guide you through setup.
Step 4: Choose “Set Up as New Device” or “Restore Wallet”
Ledger gives you two options:
1. Set Up as a New Device
Choose this option if you have never created a Ledger wallet before. The device will generate a new 24-word recovery phrase.
2. Restore From Recovery Phrase
Choose this if you are switching devices or recovering a wallet you previously created. You will enter your 12, 18, or 24 words securely into the device.
Step 5: Create a PIN Code
You will be asked to create a secure PIN code (4–8 digits). This PIN protects your device against unauthorized physical access.
Make sure to choose a PIN that:
Isn’t easy to guess
Isn’t shared with your phone or other devices
You can remember
If someone steals your Ledger but doesn’t know your PIN, they cannot access your crypto.
Step 6: Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
This is the most critical part of your Ledger setup.
Your 24-word recovery phrase is:
The master key to all your crypto
Generated by the device
Yours alone
Needed to recover your wallet if your Ledger is lost, reset, or destroyed
Write the words down carefully on the supplied recovery sheet. Ledger will ask you to confirm the words to ensure accuracy.
Important rules:
Never take a picture of your seed phrase
Never store it in the cloud
Never type it into a website
Never share it with anyone
Ledger will never ask for it
Anyone with your 24 words can take your crypto—so protect it as you would protect cash, gold, or documents.
Step 7: Install Crypto Apps on Your Ledger
After your device is initialized, Ledger Live will prompt you to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to use.
For example:
Install the Bitcoin app to use BTC
Install the Ethereum app for ETH and ERC-20 tokens
Install the Solana app for SOL and SPL tokens
Your Ledger device can store many apps at once, depending on the model.
Step 8: Create Accounts in Ledger Live
Once the apps are installed, go to Accounts and add your crypto accounts. Each account gives you a unique set of public addresses to send and receive funds.
Step 9: Transfer Crypto to Your Ledger
To move crypto into your hardware wallet:
Select Receive in Ledger Live
Verify the address on your device’s screen
Copy/paste the address
Send from your exchange or software wallet
Always double-check that the address displayed on Ledger Live matches your device screen. This protects you from malware that may modify addresses.
Step 10: You're Ready—Your Wallet Is Fully Set Up
Once you’ve completed the steps above, you can:
Buy crypto through Ledger Live
Swap tokens
Stake, lend, or grow your assets
Hold long-term securely
Manage NFTs
Connect Ledger to DeFi apps using Ledger’s integration tools
Your crypto is now protected by industry-leading hardware security.
How to Maintain Maximum Security
Setting up your Ledger is only the beginning. Proper long-term security practices will ensure your assets remain safe.
Follow these crucial tips:
1. Keep Your Recovery Phrase Offline
Store backups in secure locations (fireproof safes, safety deposit boxes, metal seed phrase plates).
2. Never Enter Your Seed Phrase Online
No website, app, or service should ever ask for it.
3. Use Verified Websites Only
Always go to:
Ledger.com/Start
Ledger.com
Avoid search engine ads or third-party links.
4. Update Firmware Regularly
Ledger Live will notify you when a secure update is available.
5. Beware of Scams
Ledger will never contact you asking for private keys.
Ledger Nano X vs. Nano S Plus: Which Should You Choose?
Both devices are secure, but they offer slightly different features:
Ledger Nano S Plus
USB only
Ideal for desktop users
Lower price
Supports multiple apps
Ledger Nano X
USB + Bluetooth
Works with mobile wirelessly
Bigger screen
Larger app storage
For most users, the Nano S Plus is the best value. The Nano X is perfect for those who prefer mobile accessibility.
Troubleshooting Common Ledger Setup Issues
Here are some common problems users encounter and how to solve them:
1. Ledger Live Not Recognizing Your Device
Try another USB cable
Restart Ledger Live
Make sure you’ve unlocked your device
2. Recovery Phrase Mismatch
Re-enter words carefully
Ensure spelling is correct
Use the Ledger word list (BIP39 standard)
3. App Storage Full
Uninstall unused crypto apps from your device. Removing an app does not delete your crypto.