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Welcome to your comprehensive guide to getting started with Ledger, the industryâleading hardware wallet solution for securing cryptocurrency. Whether youâre entirely new to selfâcustody or upgrading your security setup, this article walks you through every essential stepâfrom unboxing your device to managing crypto with confidence.
Ledger.com/Start is the official onboarding hub designed to give you safe, stepâbyâstep instructions and verified downloads, eliminating the risk of encountering scams, fake installers, or phishing attempts.
Why You Should Start at Ledger.com/Start
Ledger hardware wallets are among the most trusted devices for securing private keys offline. Unlike software wallets that connect directly to the internet, Ledger devices keep your private keys in cold storage, meaning they are never exposed online. This significantly reduces the risk of hacks, malware, and remote attacks.
The official start pageâLedger.com/Startâserves several essential purposes:
It provides verified Ledger Live app downloads for desktop and mobile.
It contains guided setup instructions tailored to your specific device model.
It shares critical security best practices to protect your crypto.
It links to official support resources and troubleshooting help.
Before proceeding with any wallet or crypto transaction, confirm that the URL in your browserâs address bar is exactly ledger.com/start and that you see a secure HTTPS connection (the padlock icon). This helps ensure you are not on a fraudulent site.
Unboxing Your Ledger Device
When your Ledger hardware wallet arrives, inspect the package carefully. The box should be sealed and free of signs of tampering. Inside, you will typically find:
The Ledger hardware wallet (such as Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X).
A USB cable for connection.
Blank recovery phrase sheets for writing down your seed words.
Quickâstart guides and documentation.
Important: Ledger devices never come with preâwritten recovery phrases. If the recovery sheet already shows words, treat the device as compromised and do not use it. Contact official Ledger support before proceeding.
Initial Setup: Visit Ledger.com/Start
Once your device is verified and youâre ready to begin, open a modern web browser and go to:
This page is your guided setup portal. It will provide links to download the Ledger Live app that matches your operating systemâwhether Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS.
Tip: Avoid accessing setup links from emails, ads, or search engine results, as scammers often spoof Ledger URLs. Always type the address directly or use a verified bookmark.
Installing the Ledger Live App
Ledger Live is the companion software that enables you to interact with your Ledger device. Through this app, you can:
Install blockchain apps to your device
Add and manage cryptocurrency accounts
Send and receive funds
Access buy/swap/stake services (via trusted partners)
Update firmware securely
Download the Ledger Live installer from the official start page and follow the onâscreen instructions to install it on your computer or phone.
Once installed, open Ledger Live and follow the initial prompts. The app will help detect your connected Ledger device and guide you through setup.
Connecting and Initializing Your Ledger Device
With Ledger Live installed, connect your hardware wallet using the supplied USB cable (or Bluetooth if supported, e.g., Ledger Nano X). The device screen will light up and prompt you to begin.
When prompted, select:
âSet up as new deviceâ if this is your first Wallet.
âRestoreâ if you previously had a recovery phrase and want to restore your wallets on a new device.
You will be prompted to enter a PIN on the device. This PIN protects your Ledger from unauthorized physical access.
PIN Setup Tips:
Choose at least 6â8 digits.
Avoid obvious combinations like birthdays or repeated digits.
Memorize the PINâif you forget it, the device will reset after a few wrong attempts, and youâll need your recovery phrase to restore the wallet.
Your PIN is essential for device access and must be entered whenever the Ledger connects to a computer or phone.
Recording Your Recovery Phrase
After PIN setup, your device will generate a 24âword recovery phrase (sometimes called a seed phrase). This phrase is the only backup of your private keys. Itâs your lifeline if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
How to Record Your Phrase
Write each word carefully and in order on the provided recovery sheet.
Doubleâcheck for spelling accuracy.
Do not take photos, screenshots, or store it digitally.
Store the sheet in a secure, offline locationâconsider using a fireproof safe or metal backup plate for extra security.
After recording, the device may quiz you to confirm a few random words to ensure you wrote them down correctly.
Security Rules:
Never type your recovery phrase on any website, email, or app.
Never share it with anyoneânot even âsupportâ.
Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Installing Cryptocurrency Apps
Once your device and Ledger Live are connected and confirmed, use the Manager tab in Ledger Live to install blockchain applications for the coins or tokens you want to manage. Each chain (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) may require a dedicated app on the device.
After installing the necessary apps, add corresponding accounts in Ledger Live:
Open the Accounts tab.
Click â+ Add accountâ.
Select the asset (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
Open the app on your Ledger when prompted.
Ledger supports thousands of assets, including BTC, ETH, XRP, ADA, and many more.
Using Ledger Live: Send, Receive and Manage Crypto Receiving Funds
To receive crypto:
Go to the Receive tab in Ledger Live.
Select the account.
Connect and unlock your Ledger device.
Verify the receiving address displayed in the app matches the one shown on your Ledger screen.
Share the address with the sender.
Verifying the address on your device screen is criticalâthis protects you from malware that could alter addresses displayed on your computer.
Sending Funds
To send crypto:
Go to the Send tab in Ledger Live.
Enter the recipient address and amount.
Review the transaction details.
Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device.
Your Ledger signs transactions on the device itself; the private keys never leave the secure chip.
Security Best Practices
Ledger places security at the core of its ecosystem. Consider these ongoing safety measures:
Always download Ledger Live and firmware updates only from official Ledger.com/start.
Never enter your recovery phrase on a computer or website.
Avoid using shared or public computers for sensitive crypto actions.
Enable optional passphrase protection if you want additional security layers (advanced users).
Regularly update Ledger Live and firmware to benefit from security enhancements.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Ledger not recognized by Ledger Live? Try a different USB port or cable and ensure the device is unlocked.
Ledger Live wonât install or launch? Download a fresh copy from Ledger.com/start and check your system requirements.
Forgot your PIN? After three incorrect tries, the device resets. Restore with your recovery phrase.
If problems persist, consult the official support links on Ledger.com/Start for guides and contact options.
Final Thoughts
Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet through Ledger.com/Start gives you a secure foundation for cryptocurrency selfâcustody. Starting at the official site ensures authentic software, trustworthy instructions, and the strongest defenses against phishing or tampering threats.
By following this stepâbyâstep guide, youâll establish:
A securely initialized device
A protected recovery backup
Safe management of your crypto funds
Confidence in everyday send/receive transactions
Your Ledger wallet puts you in control of your digital assetsâprotect it as carefully as you would a physical vault.