Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started With Ledger Wallet
Cryptocurrency ownership has grown rapidly over the past decade, and with that growth comes an increased emphasis on security. If you’re new to crypto or simply looking to upgrade your current storage methods, a hardware wallet is one of the safest routes you can take. Ledger—the industry-leading hardware wallet provider—offers a simple, reliable onboarding process through Ledger.com/Start. Whether you’ve purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or another model, this page acts as your central hub for setup, security, and best practices.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk step-by-step through the process of getting started with your wallet, maximizing your device security, and avoiding common mistakes. Throughout the journey, you’ll find multiple references to Ledger.com/Start, ensuring you always know where to go when you need support or official resources.
Why Hardware Wallets Matter
Before diving into your setup, it’s important to understand why platforms like Ledger.com/Start are so essential. Unlike online exchanges or app-based wallets, hardware wallets keep your private keys offline. This core advantage drastically reduces the risk of hackers gaining access to your funds.
While centralized exchanges offer convenience, they do not give you full ownership of your assets. The well-known phrase “Not your keys, not your crypto” highlights this perfectly. A Ledger device ensures that you—not an exchange—control your private keys, seed phrase, and transactions.
By using Ledger.com/Start, you can safely initialize your device with the confidence that you’re working within the official environment, avoiding counterfeit software or phishing attempts.
Unboxing Your Ledger Wallet
Once you receive your hardware wallet, the setup begins. Inside the box, you’ll find:
Your Ledger device
A USB cable
Recovery sheets
Instructions
Keychain accessories (depending on your model)
Before connecting your device, Ledger strongly encourages new users to begin at Ledger.com/Start. This ensures you’re downloading genuine Ledger Live software (the management interface for your wallet) and following verified steps.
Opening your device package should be an exciting moment, but make sure everything looks sealed, intact, and untampered. Ledger devices never arrive preconfigured, so if yours contains a prewritten recovery phrase, do not use it. Instead, report it immediately.
Navigating to the Official Setup Page
To avoid counterfeit versions of the wallet dashboard or malicious software, never search randomly through third-party sites. Instead, type Ledger.com/Start directly into your browser.
On this page, you’ll find guides for:
Downloading Ledger Live
Initializing your device
Writing down your recovery phrase
Choosing a PIN
Adding crypto accounts
Storing assets securely
The site also includes video tutorials, troubleshooting sections, and official documentation—all of which walk you through each step.
As a reminder, here is the link as required: Ledger.com/Start (1)
Step 1: Download and Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is your control center, and the safest way to install it is through Ledger.com/Start.
Supported platforms include:
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS (Ledger Live Mobile)
Android
Once installed, Ledger Live allows you to:
Create accounts for multiple cryptocurrencies
Send and receive funds
Track your portfolio
Update firmware
Manage security settings
Again, always download the software from Ledger.com/Start (2), never from unofficial sites.
Step 2: Initializing Your Ledger Device
After connecting your device via USB or Bluetooth (depending on the model), Ledger Live will guide you through the initial configuration:
1. Choose Your PIN Code
Select a custom PIN directly on your device. This PIN unlocks your wallet locally.
2. Generate Your Recovery Phrase
The 24-word recovery phrase is displayed on your device—not on your computer—to maximize security. Write it carefully on the provided recovery sheets and store it offline.
Never share your recovery phrase with anyone. No legitimate company or platform—not even Ledger—will ever ask for it. For further guidance, visit Ledger.com/Start (3).
Step 3: Confirming and Verifying Your Recovery Phrase
Ledger Live will ask you to confirm your 24 words by re-entering them on the device. This ensures you wrote them down correctly.
Misplaced or incorrectly copied recovery phrases are among the most common mistakes beginners make. Ledger’s official learning center, accessible through Ledger.com/Start (4), provides detailed tips on securing your phrase safely.
You are the only person who should ever have access to these words. They are the master key to your crypto.
Step 4: Updating Firmware and Installing Apps
Once your wallet is initialized, Ledger Live will check for available firmware updates. Keeping your firmware updated is crucial, as updates often include performance improvements, stability upgrades, and enhanced security features.
You’ll also need to install “apps” for each cryptocurrency you want to store. For example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and dozens of others each have their own Ledger app.
If you’re unsure which apps to install, the instructions at Ledger.com/Start (5) can guide you.
Step 5: Adding Your First Crypto Account
With your apps installed, create cryptocurrency accounts within Ledger Live. These accounts allow you to manage your tokens, track balances, and transact securely.
To receive assets, you’ll generate a receiving address—your Ledger wallet will verify it directly on the device screen. Only confirm addresses when they match exactly; Ledger emphasizes this in their security guidelines on Ledger.com/Start (6).
Staying Safe: Avoiding Scams and Phishing
Crypto security goes far beyond the hardware itself. The biggest risks often come from phishing, malware, and human error. Ledger’s dedicated safety resources at Ledger.com/Start (7) outline the best security practices, including:
Bookmarking official websites
Never responding to unexpected messages requesting your keys
Using a secure environment for transactions
Keeping your recovery phrase offline and never digitized
Some fraud attempts mimic Ledger emails or websites, so always double-check the URL.
Advanced Tips for Ledger Users
Once your wallet is up and running, you can explore more advanced features:
1. Staking Crypto
Ledger Live supports staking for certain cryptocurrencies like Polkadot, Ethereum, and Tezos. This allows you to earn rewards while maintaining full custody.
2. NFT Support
Ledger devices support Ethereum, Polygon, and other blockchain-based NFTs. You can view and manage NFTs within Ledger Live or compatible marketplaces.
3. Multiple Wallets
You can use multiple Ledger devices for varied risk profiles—perfect for businesses or advanced investors.
Detailed walkthroughs for these features are all available through Ledger.com/Start (8).
When to Use Ledger Support
If you encounter unexpected errors—such as firmware issues, syncing problems, or missing accounts—Ledger support is available through the official website.
Ledger never provides support through unsolicited messages or social media DMs. Always navigate from Ledger.com/Start (9) to reach the real support page.
Long-Term Crypto Safety: Final Recommendations
Using a Ledger wallet is one of the strongest steps you can take toward protecting your digital assets. However, long-term safety requires ongoing practices:
Store your recovery phrase in multiple secure locations
Consider fireproof or waterproof backup solutions
Regularly update Ledger Live and your device firmware
Double-check transaction details on the device screen
Learn continuously from official sources
You can revisit Ledger.com/Start (10) any time you need to refresh your knowledge or access official resources.
Conclusion
Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet is straightforward, but the steps you follow at the beginning will define the security of your assets for years to come. By using the official setup page at Ledger.com/Start, initializing your recovery phrase carefully, and keeping your PIN private, you create a strong and safe foundation for your crypto journey.
A Ledger wallet is more than just a device—it’s a long-term investment in your financial sovereignty. With this guide and the resources available at Ledger.com/Start, you now have everything you need to get started with confidence.