Ledger.com/start: Your Simple Beginner Guide to Setting Up a Ledger Hardware Wallet
When you buy a Ledger hardware wallet—whether it’s a Ledger Nano S Plus or a Ledger Nano X—the very first step is to visit Ledger.com/start. This official setup page guides you through installing Ledger Live, preparing your device, creating your PIN, saving your recovery phrase, and understanding the basics of hardware-level crypto security. If you’re new to crypto or using a hardware wallet for the first time, this simple guide will help you understand everything clearly and safely.
What Is Ledger.com/start and Why Is It Important?
Ledger.com/start is Ledger’s official onboarding website. It exists to help users set up their device correctly while avoiding mistakes that could risk security. Since the crypto world has many scam apps and fake tutorials, this page ensures you download only the real Ledger Live software and follow verified instructions.
By using this official page, you protect yourself from:
Fake wallet apps
Incorrect setup steps
Phishing websites
Misleading advice from random sources
In short, Ledger.com/start is your safe starting point.
Step 1: Unbox Your Ledger Device
Before doing anything online, unbox your device carefully. Inside the package, you should find:
Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X
USB-C cable
Blank recovery phrase sheets
Quick-start guide
One warning: Your recovery sheet must be blank. If your box contains a pre-written 24-word phrase, do not use the device—it may have been tampered with.
Step 2: Go to the Official Setup Page: Ledger.com/start
Open your browser and type Ledger.com/start directly into the address bar. Avoid clicking on links from emails, ads, or social media to prevent landing on phishing sites.
Once you reach the page:
Choose your Ledger device model.
Follow the instructions that guide you toward downloading Ledger Live, the official app used to manage your hardware wallet.
Step 3: Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the software that connects your Ledger device to your computer or phone. It allows you to:
Install blockchain apps
Add cryptocurrency accounts
Send and receive funds
Check your balances
Update your device firmware
Download Ledger Live for your specific operating system—Windows, macOS, or Linux. Always download it only through Ledger.com/start to avoid unsafe versions.
Step 4: Start the Setup Process in Ledger Live
Open Ledger Live after installing it. When you launch it for the first time, it will ask what you want to do.
Choose “Set up a new device.”
Ledger Live will guide you step by step with clear instructions on what to do next.
Step 5: Connect Your Ledger to Your Computer
Use the USB cable to connect your Ledger device. When it powers on, you’ll see simple options on its screen.
Now you’ll complete two very important steps:
Set a Secure PIN Code
Your PIN protects your device if someone else tries to access it.
Choose a PIN you can remember
Avoid simple numbers
Don’t share it with anyone
If the wrong PIN is entered three times, the device resets itself to protect you.
Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
This is the most crucial part of the entire setup.
Your Ledger device will display a 24-word recovery phrase, one word at a time. Write these words down carefully on the provided recovery sheets.
These 24 words are your master key to your crypto. They allow you to recover your funds even if the device is lost, broken, or stolen.
Golden rules:
Never store the phrase online
Never take a picture of it
Never type it into websites
Never share it with anyone
Ledger support will never ask for it
Your recovery phrase must remain in your control only.
Step 6: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase
Your device will now ask you to confirm some of the words to ensure you wrote them correctly. Take your time. Even one wrong word can make recovery impossible in the future.
Once confirmed, your wallet is officially initialized.
Step 7: Install Crypto Apps and Add Accounts
Return to Ledger Live.
Now you’ll install specific apps depending on which cryptocurrencies you want to use.
To do this:
Open Ledger Live
Go to My Ledger
Install apps like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.
Add accounts for each crypto you plan to store
Each cryptocurrency has its own app because every blockchain works differently.
Step 8: Receive Crypto into Your Ledger Wallet
Now your Ledger is ready to receive cryptocurrency.
To receive funds:
Select the crypto account in Ledger Live
Click Receive
Ledger Live will show you a receiving address
Your Ledger device will display the same address
Compare both. If they match, the address is safe to use.
This verification step protects you from malware that can alter addresses.
Step 9: Learn Basic Ledger Security Habits
Your Ledger is highly secure, but your habits matter too. Follow these rules:
Keep your recovery phrase safe and offline
Update your Ledger firmware regularly
Double-check URLs before entering websites
Never share personal wallet details on calls or messages
Only download Ledger Live from Ledger.com
Good security practices are essential when managing crypto.
Conclusion
Ledger.com/start is the official and safest way to set up your Ledger hardware wallet. By following its clear steps—installing Ledger Live, creating your PIN, saving and confirming your recovery phrase, installing crypto apps, and verifying addresses—you create a secure foundation for storing your digital assets. Whether you're new to crypto or upgrading your security, this simple process helps you protect your funds with one of the most trusted hardware wallets in the world.