Ledger.com/start โ Official Onboarding & Setup Guide for Ledger Hardware Wallets
Ledger.com/start โ Official Onboarding & Setup Guide for Ledger Hardware Wallets
Welcome to Ledger.com/start, the official starting point for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether youโve just purchased a new Ledger device โ such as a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, Ledger Stax, or Ledger Flex โ this page is designed to guide you safely and securely through the entire setup process. From unboxing and authenticity checks to software installation, wallet initialization, and best security practices, Ledger.com/start provides all the necessary steps to begin managing your crypto assets securely with your Ledger device.
๐ Why Ledger.com/start Matters
Ledger hardware wallets are specialized crypto security devices that store your private keys offline, protecting them from hackers and malware. Unlike wallets hosted on exchanges or software wallets connected to the internet, Ledger devices keep your keys inside a secure element โ a tamper-resistant chip โ giving you full control over your digital assets. But to realize this security, you must initialize and configure your device correctly.
This is where Ledger.com/start comes in: it ensures you follow the official setup flow and avoid dangerous scams, phishing attempts, and fake setup tools that can compromise your crypto.
๐ฆ Before You Begin: What Youโll Need
Before you visit Ledger.com/start, gather the following:
โ Hardware & Accessories
Your Ledger device โ box sealed, untouched
USB cable (included with your Ledger wallet)
Recovery phrase card or sheet (included)
โ Software & Connection
A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or a mobile device (Android or iOS)
Internet access and an up-to-date browser
Important Security Note: Only use Ledger.com/start in your browser โ never follow links from ads, random social media, or unsolicited emails. Scammers frequently clone Ledger pages to trick you into giving up your recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for your seed words online.
๐ Step 1 โ Visit Ledger.com/start
Open your web browser.
Type https://www.ledger.com/start into the address bar.
Press enter to load the official onboarding portal.
The page detects your operating system and offers the correct version of Ledger Live โ the official Ledger companion app โ for your platform. Ledger Live is essential: it allows you to manage your crypto portfolio, install blockchain apps on your device, and send/receive crypto.
๐ฅ Step 2 โ Download Ledger Live
On the Ledger.com/start page, youโll be presented with download options for:
Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
iOS
Click the appropriate download button for your device.
Security Tip: Always download Ledger Live only from this official page. Never install versions from unofficial app stores or random websites โ malicious versions can attempt to steal your recovery phrase.
After downloading:
Install the app on your machine or mobile device.
Launch Ledger Live when installation finishes.
Ledger Live will become your control center for accounts, portfolio balances, firmware updates, and app installation.
๐ชฉ Step 3 โ Initialize Your Ledger Device
With Ledger Live installed and your device in hand:
Connect your Ledger to your computer or mobile via USB (or Bluetooth for supported models like Nano X).
Power it on using the buttons on the device.
Follow the screen prompts:
Set Up as a New Device: Choose this if this is your first time setting up the wallet.
Restore from Recovery Phrase: Only choose if youโre restoring an existing wallet.
Ledger will walk you through generation of your recovery phrase โ typically 24 words. This step is critical: write down each word exactly on the recovery sheet provided. Never store it digitally or online.
Your recovery phrase is the only backup to recover your funds if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged. If someone else gains access to these words, they can take your crypto.
๐ Step 4 โ Choose Your PIN
During setup, youโll be asked to choose a PIN (4โ8 digits). This protects your device from unauthorized access if someone physically finds it. Key security tips:
Do not choose obvious combinations (like 1234 or your birthday).
Memorize the PIN โ Ledger cannot recover it for you.
After three incorrect attempts, the device will reset.
๐ Step 5 โ Confirm and Connect with Ledger Live
After initializing and setting your PIN:
Open Ledger Live.
Connect your Ledger device.
Follow the guided steps in Ledger Live to complete the setup.
Ledger Live will verify the authenticity of your hardware.
Youโll be able to install blockchain apps (like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
Add accounts for each crypto type you want to manage.
Ledger Live will sync with blockchain networks and show balances once accounts are added.
๐ Step 6 โ Use Your Wallet: Send & Receive Crypto
Once setup is complete:
Receive Crypto: Use the โReceiveโ feature to generate an address and verify it on your Ledger device screen.
Send Crypto: Use the โSendโ feature in Ledger Live โ transactions require physical confirmation on the device.
Tip: Always confirm the address shown on your Ledger device, not just on the computer screen โ this protects against malware that could alter addresses.
๐ก๏ธ Security Best Practices
To keep your crypto safe:
Never enter recovery phrases online โ Ledger never asks for them in software or web pages.
Never photograph your seed phrase โ physical storage (paper/metal) is safer.
Beware of scams โ fake Ledger-branded sites and phone calls try to trick users into entering seed words.
Keep firmware updated via Ledger Live.
Back up recovery phrases in secure, multiple physical places.
โ FAQs (Common Questions)
Is Ledger.com/start safe? Yes โ it is the official onboarding hub. Always type the URL manually.
What if I lose my Ledger device? Your crypto is still safe if you have your recovery phrase. Restore on a new device.
Can I use Ledger on multiple devices? Yes โ Ledger Live can be installed on multiple machines, and you can connect your wallet to any supported one.
What if Ledger Live asks for my seed phrase? That shouldnโt happen. Never enter your seed online. If you see this prompt, close the app and reinstall from Ledger.com/start.
๐ Conclusion
Ledger.com/start is your one-stop official portal for safely setting up and managing your Ledger hardware wallet. By following the steps on this page โ downloading Ledger Live, initializing your device, securing your PIN and 24-word recovery phrase, and connecting your wallet within Ledger Live โ you take control of your crypto security and protect your assets from external threats.
Your crypto is only as safe as your setup process, so always follow official instructions and maintain strong personal security habits.