Ledger.com/Start — Your Complete Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up a Ledger Hardware Wallet
Managing cryptocurrency securely has never been more important. With the rise of scams, exchange hacks, and phishing attacks, storing digital assets in a hardware wallet has become the gold standard for long-term protection. Ledger, one of the world’s most trusted hardware-wallet manufacturers, provides a simple setup flow through its onboarding page, often accessed through Ledger.com/start.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know—what Ledger devices are, how to set one up, how to secure your recovery phrase, how to install apps with Ledger Live, and how to make your first transaction safely. Whether you’re using a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Stax, this step-by-step tutorial ensures you start with confidence.
What Is Ledger.com/Start?
Ledger.com/start is the official starting point for initializing and setting up a Ledger hardware wallet. Instead of relying on third-party videos or unknown links, Ledger directs users here to ensure they download the authentic Ledger Live software and follow verified security instructions.
The page normally includes:
Download links for Ledger Live, the management software
Setup instructions for each Ledger model
Security best practices
Tutorials for installing apps and adding crypto accounts
If you’re new to hardware wallets, this page acts as your trusted gateway into safe self-custody.
Why Use a Ledger Hardware Wallet?
Cryptocurrencies stored on centralized exchanges are only as safe as the platform itself. Even private keys saved on a laptop or phone can be compromised. A hardware wallet solves this by isolating your private keys inside a secure, offline chip—similar to the technology used in passports and credit cards.
Key benefits include:
1. Offline protection
Private keys never leave your Ledger device, even when you connect it to a computer or phone.
2. Tamper-resistant hardware
Ledger wallets contain a secure element chip (SE) designed to protect against physical attacks.
3. Verified transactions
Every transaction you send must be physically confirmed on the device’s screen and buttons, eliminating the risk of remote hacking.
4. Multi-asset support
With Ledger Live, you can manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, tokens, NFTs, and more than 5,000 assets.
5. You stay in control
Unlike exchanges, Ledger gives you full custody of your private keys and recovery phrase.
For anyone serious about safeguarding long-term holdings, a Ledger wallet is one of the most reliable solutions available today.
What You Need Before You Start
Before going through the setup steps, gather the following items:
Your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax)
USB cable or Bluetooth (Nano X)
A computer or smartphone
A secure place to write and store your 24-word recovery phrase
A few minutes of uninterrupted time
Make sure your Ledger box is sealed and untampered, and buy only from official or trusted retailers. Never use a device with a pre-written recovery phrase—Ledger never ships wallets with one.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Your Ledger Using Ledger.com/Start
Below is a complete walkthrough of the setup process.
Step 1: Go to Ledger.com/Start
Open your browser and type ledger.com/start. This ensures you land on the authentic Ledger page instead of a phishing clone.
From here, you’ll be guided to download Ledger Live, the official app used to manage your device and crypto assets. Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Step 2: Download and Install Ledger Live
Click Download Ledger Live, select your operating system, then follow the installation prompts.
Once installed, open Ledger Live and select “Get Started.” You’ll be asked which Ledger device you're setting up.
Ledger Live will provide links to tutorials, beginner tips, and important security reminders—read these carefully.
Step 3: Power On Your Ledger Device
Plug in your Ledger device using the provided cable. For Nano X, you may also use Bluetooth with a smartphone.
You will see a welcome message, and instructions to press both buttons simultaneously to begin.
Step 4: Create a New Wallet
Choose “Set up as new device.” Your Ledger will then generate a brand new, unique 24-word recovery phrase.
This recovery phrase is the only backup of your private keys. Anyone who possesses this phrase can access your crypto. Ledger never sees it, stores it, or asks you to type it online.
Step 5: Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
The screen will display 24 words, one at a time. Use the included Recovery Sheet (or your own secure paper) to write them down exactly as shown.
Tips for protecting your recovery phrase:
Never take a photo or digital screenshot.
Never store it in email, cloud storage, messaging apps, or password apps.
Keep it offline and hidden in a secure location.
Consider metal recovery plates for long-term durability.
After writing the words, your Ledger will ask you to confirm them by selecting them in the correct order. This ensures you wrote them down correctly.
Once confirmed, your device is officially initialized.
Step 6: Set a PIN Code
You’ll now be prompted to create a 4–8 digit PIN code. This PIN protects your device from unauthorized physical access.
Choose a number that’s not easily guessable. If entered incorrectly three times, the Ledger resets and must be restored using your recovery phrase.
Step 7: Connect Your Device to Ledger Live
Return to the Ledger Live app and follow the on-screen pairing instructions. Ledger Live will check the device authenticity using Ledger’s cryptographic attestation process.
If everything matches, you’ll get a confirmation message that your device is genuine and secure.
Step 8: Install Crypto Apps
Each cryptocurrency you manage requires its own app installed on your Ledger device.
In Ledger Live:
Go to My Ledger
Connect and unlock your device
Select the apps you want (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.)
Click Install
Your Ledger’s secure element ensures each app is isolated from the others. You can remove apps at any time without losing your funds.
Step 9: Add Accounts in Ledger Live
Apps alone don't display your balances. To manage funds, you must add accounts:
Open Ledger Live
Click Accounts → Add Account
Choose a crypto app installed on your device
Approve the request on the device
Your wallet addresses will now appear in Ledger Live, allowing you to view balances, track transaction history, and receive funds.
Step 10: Receive or Send Your First Crypto
Receiving Crypto
Select an account in Ledger Live
Click Receive
Verify the address on both Ledger Live and your device screen
Only use the address after confirming it on the device
Sending Crypto
Select Send
Enter the recipient’s wallet address
Confirm network fees
Approve the transaction physically on your Ledger device
This mandatory manual approval is what makes hardware wallets so secure.
Security Tips to Keep Your Ledger Safe
Even the strongest hardware wallet can be compromised if basic security practices are ignored. Follow these essential guidelines:
1. Protect your recovery phrase at all costs
It is the single point of ownership for your crypto.
2. Never type your recovery phrase into a website or app
Not even Ledger will ever ask for this.
3. Keep your PIN safe and private
4. Buy Ledger devices only from trusted sources
5. Watch out for phishing emails or fake support pages
6. Verify all addresses on your device screen before sending funds
By following these practices, you greatly reduce the risk of scams or theft.
Restoring a Ledger Device Using the Recovery Phrase
If your Ledger is lost, damaged, wiped, or stolen, you can restore your wallet on any new Ledger device—or even a compatible third-party wallet—using your 24-word recovery phrase.
During setup, choose “Restore from recovery phrase”, enter the 24 words, and your balances will reappear once synced with the blockchain.
Your crypto is not stored on the device itself—it lives on the blockchain. The recovery phrase is the cryptographic key to access it.
Final Thoughts: Start Your Crypto Journey the Right Way
Ledger.com/start provides everything you need to begin using a Ledger hardware wallet safely and efficiently. Whether you’re new to digital assets or looking to enhance your security, following the proper setup steps ensures your private keys stay protected and under your control.
With a properly configured Ledger device, you gain the peace of mind that your crypto is stored in one of the most secure environments available. Take your time, follow the instructions carefully, protect your recovery phrase, and enjoy true ownership of your digital assets.