Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started with Ledger®
Ledger.com/Start — Complete Setup Guide
The pathway to securing digital assets begins with taking control of private keys, and one of the most trusted solutions for doing so is the Ledger hardware wallet. If you’ve recently purchased a Ledger device such as the Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X, the official portal at ledger.com/start is the recommended starting point for activating your wallet, installing the Ledger Live app, and learning essential security fundamentals.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know to begin safely managing your cryptocurrency with Ledger—from setup to first transaction, recovery phrase protection, supported assets, and troubleshooting tips.
What Is Ledger and Why Use It?
Ledger is a secure hardware wallet solution designed to give you full ownership of your private keys, keeping them offline and away from exposure to hackers, phishing attempts, or exchange breaches. While software wallets store keys on internet-connected devices, Ledger hardware wallets isolate them inside a certified secure element chip, providing protection even if the connected computer has vulnerabilities.
Key benefits include:
- Cold storage security with offline private key management
- Full ownership and self-custody, free from third-party control
- Compatibility with thousands of crypto assets and NFT platforms
- Integration with staking and DeFi tools through Ledger Live
- Convenient desktop and mobile interfaces
Using ledger.com/start ensures you configure the device correctly and safely using official instructions.
Step-by-Step Setup Process
1. Unbox and Verify the Device
Inside a sealed Ledger box, you should find:
- Ledger hardware wallet
- USB cable
- Recovery phrase cards
- Keychain or strap accessories (depending on model)
- Documentation
Check the packaging for tampering. Ledger devices never come with a pre-written recovery phrase—if one is included, do not use the device and contact support.
2. Install Ledger Live
Visit ledger.com/start, where you will be directed to download Ledger Live, the official management application.
Ledger Live is available for:
- Windows, macOS, Linux (desktop)
- iOS and Android (mobile compatibility varies by model)
The app acts as the interface for device initialization, crypto account management, firmware updates, and sending/receiving assets.
3. Connect and Set Up Your Device
Open Ledger Live and select Set up a new device, then connect your Ledger wallet via USB or Bluetooth (Nano X only). Follow the on-screen instructions:
Create a PIN
You will be prompted to choose a PIN code—typically 4 to 8 digits.
The device screen will show options to confirm numbers using button presses.
Never share this PIN with anyone.
Generate and Secure Your Recovery Phrase
The wallet will display a set of 24 unique words, known as your recovery phrase or seed phrase. This phrase is the master key that can restore your crypto wallet if the device is lost, damaged, or replaced.
Important rules:
- Write all 24 words on the provided recovery sheet
- Do not take photos or store digitally
- Do not share with anyone—not even Ledger support
- Keep in a secure and private location
Anyone holding your recovery phrase can access your assets. Ledger will never ask for it online or by email—if someone does, it is a scam.
Ledger Live will test the phrase by asking you to confirm word positions.
4. Install Apps and Add Accounts
Once initialization is complete, open Ledger Live and navigate to My Ledger to install the cryptocurrency apps you want to manage. Each blockchain requires its own app on the hardware wallet. For example:
- Bitcoin app for BTC accounts
- Ethereum app for ETH, ERC-20 tokens, and NFTs
- Solana, XRP, BNB, Polygon and many others
After installing blockchain applications, go to Accounts > Add Account to create portfolio entries for each asset.
Ledger supports over 5,000 cryptocurrencies across major blockchains including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Polkadot, Avalanche, and many more.
How to Send and Receive Crypto
Receiving
- Select an account in Ledger Live
- Click Receive
- Connect your Ledger and open the corresponding app
- Compare the address displayed on the device with the address in Ledger Live
- Confirm on the device
Only approve an address if both screens match. This ensures no malware altered the destination.
Sending
- Choose Send in Ledger Live
- Paste the recipient address or scan QR code
- Enter amount and confirm transaction details
- Validate the operation physically on your Ledger device
On-device approval is a major security advantage—transactions cannot be executed remotely without your interaction.
Using Ledger Live for Staking and DeFi
Ledger Live offers built-in options for staking several crypto assets such as Ethereum, Solana, Polkadot, and Tezos. By staking through Ledger, your keys remain offline while you earn rewards.
Additionally, Ledger integrates with third-party Web3 dApps and NFT marketplaces like:
- MetaMask
- Coinbase Wallet
- Rainbow
- LedgerConnect (for browser-based connections)
Always verify transactions on the hardware device before confirming.
Protecting Your Recovery Phrase
Your recovery phrase is the most critical element of crypto security. Consider the following safety practices:
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Store phrase offline in multiple secure locations | Digital backups (photos, cloud storage, email) |
| Use a metal backup for fire/water protection | Sharing words or entering them on websites |
| Keep PIN separate from phrase | Storing phrase in your wallet or travel bag |
If someone accesses your phrase, Ledger cannot reverse transactions or recover funds—blockchains are irreversible by design.
Firmware Updates
Ledger occasionally releases updates to improve security and add new features. Firmware updates are performed through Ledger Live. Always confirm:
- Your recovery phrase is properly backed up
- The update is initiated only from official software
- The device screen instructions match the expected process
Troubleshooting and Support
Common issues and solutions:
Device not recognized
Try another USB cable or port, restart Ledger Live, disable other wallet extensions.
Wrong PIN entered too many times
The device resets to factory mode; restore using your recovery phrase.
Lost or damaged device
Buy a replacement Ledger and restore using the 24 words.
For official help always visit support.ledger.com—never trust unsolicited contact.
Final Thoughts
Ledger hardware wallets offer one of the strongest solutions available for securing cryptocurrency, providing true self-custody and peace of mind. Setting up your device through ledger.com/start ensures you follow legitimate instructions and protect your assets with industry-leading technology. By controlling your private keys offline, carefully storing your recovery phrase, and managing accounts via Ledger Live, you gain a secure foundation to explore digital assets confidently.
Self-custody may require responsibility, but it provides independence and protection that centralized platforms cannot match.