Ledger.com/Start — Begin Your Secure Ledger® Setup

Introduction: What Is Ledger.com/Start®?

Ledger.com/Start® is the official onboarding hub provided by Ledger — the leading hardware wallet manufacturer trusted globally by millions of crypto holders. This webpage is your gateway to securely setting up a Ledger hardware wallet (such as the Nano S Plus, Nano X, or other Ledger models), downloading official software, and beginning to manage your digital assets with industry‑leading security. Ledger Start® Setup Guide+1

This guide breaks down every step you’ll take from unboxing through sending and receiving cryptocurrency — including critical security principles to help you protect your crypto assets long‑term.

Why Ledger? Security First

Before you begin, it helps to understand why Ledger is used by so many crypto investors and enthusiasts:

  • Ledger uses a secure element chip (CC EAL5+) — similar to technology used in passports and credit cards — to store your private keys offline and protect them from online attacks. start-ledger-help.squarespace.com
  • With Ledger, you control your private keys — Ledger never stores or has access to your recovery phrase. start-ledger-help.squarespace.com
  • Every transaction must be physically approved on the device, preventing remote access even if your computer is compromised. Ledger Start® Setup Guide

Unlike software wallets (which can be hacked if a device is compromised), Ledger’s hardware wallets keep your keys completely offline (a “cold wallet”), minimizing your risk from online threats. start-ledger-help.squarespace.com

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need

Before starting the setup process:

  1. A genuine Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or other supported model).
  2. A desktop or mobile device with internet access.
  3. A USB cable (included with your Ledger) — or Bluetooth if you’re using Nano X with a phone.
  4. A pen and the recovery sheets provided in the box (or a metal recovery backup).
  5. 30–45 minutes of uninterrupted time to complete the full setup.
  6. A private, secure environment — ideally at home or in a safe space. get-start-legr.pages.dev

⚠️ Tip: Only buy Ledger devices directly from Ledger.com or authorized resellers — second‑hand or uncertified devices may be tampered with. start-ledger-help.squarespace.com

Step 1 – Visit the Official Start Page

Open your browser and go to https://www.ledger.com/start — this is the official and secure setup portal.
Never follow unsolicited links from emails, social media, or search ads. Scammers often create fake sites mimicking Ledger to trick users into revealing recovery phrases. start-ledger-cdn.framer.ai

Step 2 – Unbox Your Ledger Device

Inside the box you should find:

  • Your Ledger hardware device (e.g., Nano S Plus or Nano X)
  • USB cable
  • Recovery phrase sheets
  • Quick start guide

Check that the box is sealed and untampered. If anything seems unusual — sealed packs, pre‑written phrases, or plastic wrap cut — stop and contact Ledger support before proceeding. start-ledger-help.squarespace.com

Step 3 – Connect & Initialize Your Device

  1. Use the provided USB cable to connect the Ledger hardware to your computer (or use Bluetooth for Nano X with a mobile device).
  2. Your device will power on; press the buttons (or button) as instructed to begin setup.
  3. Choose “Set up as a new device” if this is your first time.
  4. Follow the on‑screen prompts on the Ledger device — this part is done on the device screen, not on your computer. Ledger Start® Setup Guide

Step 4 – Create a Secure PIN

You’ll be asked to choose a 4–8 digit PIN code. This PIN protects access to the Ledger device itself.

PIN security tips:

  • Avoid obvious numbers like 1234 or birthdays.
  • Use 6–8 digits if possible for better security.
  • Do not write the PIN down in an easily found place.
  • After 3 incorrect attempts, the device will reset (as a security measure). Ledger Start® Setup Guide

This PIN must be entered each time you connect your Ledger device — it protects against unauthorized physical use. Ledger Start® Setup Guide

Step 5 – Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

This is the most critical step of the entire process.

Once the PIN is set, your Ledger device will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase — your only backup if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Ledger Start® Setup Guide

Important:

  • Write down each word in order on the recovery sheets provided.
  • Don’t take photos, screenshots, or enter the phrase into any app or computer — digital storage is vulnerable to hacks.
  • Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase — if anyone ever asks you for it, it’s a scam. Ledger Start® Setup Guide

After writing the phrase, your device may quiz you to confirm your backup — this ensures you wrote it down properly. Ledger Start® Setup Guide

Pro Tip: Many users invest in metal backup plates or secure storage solutions resistant to fire, water, or time. Storing backup copies in separate secure locations can also increase safety. Ledger Start® Setup Guide

Step 6 – Download & Install Ledger Live

Next, visit Ledger.com/start to download Ledger Live — the official app for managing your crypto:

  • Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
  • Always download directly from Ledger.com — not from third‑party sites. start-ledger-cdn.framer.ai

Once downloaded, install and open Ledger Live. The app will:

  1. Ask you to get started.
  2. Prompt you to choose your device model.
  3. Guide you to connect your device and verify it’s genuine.
  4. Help you install firmware if required and synchronize with Ledger Live. en-ledgercomstart.pages.dev

Ledger Live will perform a genuine check, verifying the firmware and authenticity of your device. Only proceed if it confirms “genuine” — otherwise, contact support. Start Guide Ledger

Step 7 – Install Cryptocurrency Apps

Ledger devices use apps to manage different blockchains (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). From within Ledger Live:

  1. Go to the Manager tab.
  2. Install apps for the coins and tokens you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP).
  3. Apps are small and secure modules that let your device communicate with each blockchain. Ledger Support

You can install and uninstall these apps as needed without affecting your funds — because the private keys and recovery phrase remain constant. Ledger Start® Setup Guide

Step 8 – Add Accounts

Once apps are installed:

  1. Navigate to the Accounts tab in Ledger Live.
  2. Click “Add account.”
  3. Select a cryptocurrency.
  4. Connect and unlock your device and open the corresponding app.
  5. Ledger Live will sync and create your account. Ledger Start® Setup Guide

Ledger supports thousands of assets (over 5,500 tokens and coins) — including BTC, ETH, ADA, DOT, XRP, and many more. Ledger Start® Setup Guide

Step 9 – Sending and Receiving Cryptocurrency

With accounts set up, you’re ready to send and receive crypto:

Receive Crypto

  1. In Ledger Live, select the account you want to receive into.
  2. Click Receive.
  3. Connect your device and open the related app.
  4. Ledger Live will generate an address — confirm it on the device screen before sharing. Ledger Start® Setup Guide

Always check the address on your Ledger device screen — this prevents malware from altering addresses on your computer. Ledger Start® Setup Guide

Send Crypto

  1. Choose the account you want to send from.
  2. Click Send.
  3. Enter the recipient address and amount.
  4. Review fees and details.
  5. Connect your device and verify everything on the device screen.
  6. Confirm the transaction on the device to broadcast it. Ledger Start® Setup Guide

Important: Crypto transactions are permanent once confirmed — double‑check all details before confirming. Ledger Start® Setup Guide

Security Best Practices

To keep your crypto safe beyond the initial setup:

  • Never share your recovery phrase or PIN. Ledger support will never ask for them. Ledger Start® Setup Guide
  • Only download Ledger Live from Ledger.com — fake apps exist that can steal seed phrases. TechRadar
  • Verify addresses and transaction details on your Ledger device screen. Ledger Start® Setup Guide
  • Store recovery backups in secure, separate locations.
  • Keep Ledger Live and firmware updated for security patches and features. Legr

Troubleshooting & Support

If you encounter issues:

  • Ledger.com/start links to official support guides and troubleshooting steps.
  • Common fixes include changing USB ports/cables or using a different device.
  • For genuine device issues or tampering suspicions, contact Ledger Support only through official channels. Ledger

Conclusion

Ledger.com/Start® provides a secure, step‑by‑step experience to onboard crypto users — from unboxing your hardware wallet to actively managing digital assets. Its focus on offline key storage, PIN protection, and recovery phrase security helps ensure your crypto remains yours and yours alone. start-ledger-help.squarespace.com

By following this guide and practicing strong security habits, you can confidently protect and control your digital wealth using Ledger’s trusted hardware and software ecosystem.