Ledger.com/Start® | Official Ledger® Wallet Guide™
Ledger.com/start — Official Setup Guide for Your Ledger® Hardware Wallet
Ledger.com/start is the official gateway to securely setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you have just purchased a new device or need to restore an existing wallet, this is the trusted starting point for onboarding. Using the official setup ensures your firmware, Ledger Live software, and recovery process are authentic and protected from phishing and counterfeit threats.
Ledger hardware wallets are developed by Ledger, a leading provider of secure hardware solutions for cryptocurrency. Popular devices such as the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X are designed to store private keys offline, making them highly resistant to hacking and malware.
Why Use Ledger.com/start?
The crypto space is frequently targeted by malicious actors creating fake setup pages. Starting at Ledger.com/start ensures:
- You download the genuine Ledger Live software
- Firmware updates are verified and secure
- Your recovery phrase is generated safely offline
- You avoid phishing websites and malicious downloads
Always manually type the official URL into your browser to prevent security risks.
Step 1: Download Ledger Live
The first step is downloading Ledger Live, the official desktop and mobile application for managing your Ledger wallet.
Ledger Live allows you to:
- Send and receive cryptocurrencies
- Monitor your portfolio and balances
- Install blockchain apps on your device
- Stake supported cryptocurrencies
- Buy, sell, and swap assets
It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Step 2: Connect Your Ledger Device
After installing Ledger Live:
- Open the application
- Select “Set up a new device” or “Restore from recovery phrase”
- Connect your Ledger device using USB (or Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X)
The app will guide you through the setup, ensuring proper device recognition and secure initialization.
Step 3: Initialize Your Wallet
Create a New Wallet
If setting up a new device:
- Choose “Set up as new device”
- Create a secure PIN (4–8 digits)
- Confirm the PIN on your device screen
This PIN protects your Ledger device from unauthorized access if it is lost or stolen.
Restore an Existing Wallet
If you have a recovery phrase:
- Choose “Restore from recovery phrase”
- Enter your 24-word phrase using the device interface
- Set a new PIN
- Ledger Live will sync your accounts
Step 4: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
Ledger generates a 24-word recovery phrase directly on the device screen. This phrase is your wallet backup and is essential for restoring your funds.
Security guidelines:
- Write it down on the provided recovery sheet
- Keep it offline and secure
- Never store it digitally or share it with anyone
Anyone with access to your recovery phrase can control your funds, so it must remain private.
Step 5: Install Cryptocurrency Apps
Ledger Live allows you to install apps for supported blockchains:
- Bitcoin
- Ethereum
- Solana
- And many others
Each app enables your Ledger device to manage a specific cryptocurrency securely.
Security Features
Ledger devices combine multiple layers of protection:
- Secure Element Chip: Resistant to physical and digital attacks
- Offline Private Key Storage: Private keys never leave the device
- On-Device Transaction Verification: Transactions require manual confirmation
- Signed Firmware Updates: Ensures only authentic firmware is installed
Even if your computer is compromised, attackers cannot access your funds without the physical device and PIN.
Ledger.com/start vs Exchange Accounts
With centralized exchanges:
- Private keys are held by the platform
- Accounts can be frozen or hacked
With Ledger:
- You control your private keys
- Transactions require device confirmation
- You have full self-custody
Ledger hardware wallets are ideal for long-term security and peace of mind.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your device is not recognized:
- Use the original USB cable
- Restart Ledger Live and your computer
- Update your device firmware
- Ensure your operating system is compatible
Most connection issues are simple to fix and often relate to outdated software or cable problems.
Final Thoughts
Ledger.com/start provides the safest and official method to set up your Ledger hardware wallet. By following the guided process — downloading Ledger Live, verifying firmware, generating your recovery phrase, and enabling PIN protection — you secure your digital assets against online threats.
Ledger hardware wallets give you full control of your crypto. With proper setup and ongoing firmware updates, your assets remain safe, private, and fully under your control. Self-custody begins with secure onboarding — and Ledger.com/start is the trusted first step.