If you’ve just purchased a Ledger® hardware wallet, your first and most important step is setting it up correctly through the official onboarding page at:
👉 Official Website: https://www.ledger.com/start
The Ledger.com/Start page is the only trusted gateway for initializing your device, downloading Ledger Live, and securing your crypto assets. Whether you own a Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X, this guide will walk you step-by-step through the official setup process while keeping your funds safe from phishing and scams.
🔐 What Is Ledger.com/Start?
Ledger.com/Start is the official setup portal created by Ledger®, the globally recognized hardware wallet manufacturer based in France. Ledger hardware wallets are designed to securely store private keys offline, protecting your cryptocurrency from online threats, malware, and hackers.
When you visit the official site, you can:
Download Ledger Live™
Verify your Ledger device authenticity
Install cryptocurrency apps
Set up or restore your wallet
Learn security best practices
⚠️ Always type the URL manually or use a trusted bookmark to avoid phishing websites.
🛡️ Why Use the Official Ledger.com/Start Page?
There are many fake websites impersonating Ledger. Using the official website ensures:
✔️ Authentic Ledger Live download
✔️ Secure firmware updates
✔️ Verified hardware wallet setup
✔️ Access to official support resources
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. The official setup process happens entirely on your physical device.
👉 Always verify you are on: https://www.ledger.com/start
📦 Step 1: Unbox Your Ledger Device
When you open your Ledger box, you should find:
Ledger Nano device (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
USB cable
Recovery sheets
Getting Started leaflet
Ledger devices do not come with a pre-written recovery phrase. If your box includes one, do not use the device — contact Ledger Support immediately.
💻 Step 2: Download Ledger Live from the Official Website
Visit:
👉 https://www.ledger.com/start
From there, select your device model and download Ledger Live™, the official companion application for managing your crypto.
Ledger Live is available for:
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
After installation, open the app and select “Get Started.”
🔧 Step 3: Initialize Your Ledger Device
When connecting your device to your computer:
Choose “Set up as new device” (if new)
Create a secure PIN code
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase
✍️ Important: Recovery Phrase Safety
Your 24-word recovery phrase:
Is generated offline
Is displayed only once
Must be written on paper (never digitally stored)
Is the only way to recover funds
⚠️ Never share your recovery phrase with anyone. Not even Ledger Support.
🔎 Step 4: Genuine Check Verification
During setup via Ledger.com/Start, Ledger Live performs a Genuine Check to verify:
The device firmware is authentic
The hardware hasn’t been tampered with
It’s safe to use
This check ensures you are using an official Ledger product.
💰 Step 5: Install Crypto Apps
After setup:
Open Ledger Live
Go to “Manager”
Install apps like:
Bitcoin
Ethereum
Solana
Polygon
XRP
Your device can hold multiple crypto apps simultaneously depending on storage capacity.
📊 Step 6: Add Accounts in Ledger Live
To manage assets:
Click Accounts
Select Add Account
Choose cryptocurrency
Connect and approve on your device
Your crypto balances will now appear in Ledger Live.
🚀 Sending and Receiving Crypto Receiving Crypto:
Click Receive
Select account
Verify address on your Ledger device screen
Share address safely
Sending Crypto:
Click Send
Enter recipient address
Confirm transaction on device
Approve securely
All transactions must be physically confirmed on your Ledger hardware wallet.
🔄 Restoring a Wallet (If Needed)
If you already have a recovery phrase:
Connect device
Select Restore from recovery phrase
Enter 24 words in correct order
Set a new PIN
Your funds will reappear once synced with Ledger Live.
📱 Using Ledger with Mobile
Ledger Nano X supports Bluetooth for mobile devices.
Steps:
Download Ledger Live from official app store
Pair device via Bluetooth
Confirm pairing code on device
Manage crypto securely on mobile
🧠 Security Best Practices
To stay protected:
✔️ Only use https://www.ledger.com/start
✔️ Never share your recovery phrase
✔️ Avoid typing recovery words online
✔️ Keep firmware updated
✔️ Use a secure PIN
✔️ Beware of phishing emails
Ledger will never ask for sensitive details via email or social media.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1️⃣ Is Ledger.com/Start safe?
Yes. It is the official onboarding page provided by Ledger® for device setup and Ledger Live download.
2️⃣ Can I use Ledger without Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is recommended for easy management, but advanced users can connect their Ledger device to third-party wallets compatible with hardware wallets.
3️⃣ What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
Your funds remain safe. You can restore access using your 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger device.
4️⃣ Can Ledger be hacked?
Ledger hardware wallets store private keys offline. While no system is 100% immune, hardware wallets significantly reduce hacking risks compared to software wallets.
5️⃣ Does Ledger support NFTs?
Yes. Ledger Live supports NFTs on Ethereum and Polygon networks.
🏆 Why Choose Ledger®?
Ledger is one of the most trusted names in crypto security worldwide. Benefits include:
Secure Element chip technology
Offline private key storage
Multi-asset support (5,000+ coins & tokens)
Strong global reputation
Continuous firmware updates
Millions of users rely on Ledger to secure billions in crypto assets.
🌍 Global Crypto Security Standard
Ledger devices are used by:
Individual investors
Long-term HODLers
NFT collectors
Institutional users
Using Ledger.com/Start ensures your device is configured according to official security standards.
⚠️ Avoid Common Mistakes
Never:
Buy Ledger from unauthorized sellers
Share recovery phrase online
Enter recovery phrase into a website
Ignore firmware updates
Store recovery phrase digitally
Always rely on:
👉 https://www.ledger.com/start
🔚 Final Thoughts
Setting up your Ledger wallet through the official Ledger.com/Start page is the most important step in protecting your cryptocurrency investments.
By following the official process:
You maintain full control over your private keys
You eliminate reliance on exchanges
You gain institutional-grade crypto security
Always remember:
🔐 Your recovery phrase = Your crypto 🌐 Official site only: https://www.ledger.com/start
With proper setup and security awareness, your Ledger hardware wallet becomes one of the safest ways to store digital assets long-term.
Stay secure. Stay sovereign. Use only the official Ledger® onboarding page to begin your crypto journey.