Welcome to Ledger.com/start
Ledger.com/start is the official starting point for anyone looking to securely manage their cryptocurrency with a Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you are new to crypto or are moving your funds off exchanges into self-custody, this guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you set up your device, protect your recovery phrase, and start managing your assets confidently.
Ledger hardware wallets are designed to keep your private keys offline, ensuring that your funds remain secure even if your computer or mobile device is compromised. By following the official Ledger setup process, you gain full control of your digital assets while minimizing risk.
Why Use a Ledger Hardware Wallet
Owning cryptocurrency gives you full control over your assets—but that control also comes with responsibility. Unlike banks or exchanges, there are no password resets, recovery services, or customer support to retrieve lost funds. Security is paramount.
Ledger hardware wallets provide strong protection by isolating your private keys from internet-connected devices. All critical operations, such as sending transactions or installing firmware, must be physically approved on the device.
Key Benefits of Ledger
True self-custody: You control your private keys and funds.
Offline security: Private keys never leave your Ledger device.
Physical transaction verification: Every transaction is confirmed directly on your hardware wallet.
Multi-asset support: Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of other cryptocurrencies.
Trusted and proven: Millions of users worldwide rely on Ledger for crypto security.
Using Ledger ensures that your crypto is both secure and fully under your control.
Preparing to Get Started
Before visiting Ledger.com/start, make sure you have:
A Ledger hardware wallet (Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X)
A computer or smartphone with internet access
A private, secure environment
Pen and paper to record your recovery phrase
Security Tip: Avoid using public computers, shared devices, or public Wi-Fi during setup.
Step 1: Download and Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official companion app for managing your Ledger wallet. It allows you to:
Initialize and configure your Ledger device
Add and manage cryptocurrency accounts
Send and receive digital assets
Monitor your portfolio and transaction history
Update your device firmware securely
How to Download Ledger Live
Go to the official Ledger website: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live
Download the version compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS)
Install and open Ledger Live
Important: Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Fake applications are a common method for stealing crypto.
Step 2: Connect Your Ledger Device
Once Ledger Live is installed:
Connect your Ledger device using the supplied USB cable.
If using Ledger Nano X, you can also connect via Bluetooth to a mobile device.
Open Ledger Live and follow the instructions on the screen.
Ledger Live will automatically detect your device and perform an authenticity check to ensure it has not been tampered with.
Step 3: Set Up a New Device or Restore an Existing Wallet
Ledger.com/start provides two options during setup:
Set Up as a New Device
Select this option if you are using Ledger for the first time. The device will generate a brand-new 24-word recovery phrase, which is essential for accessing your wallet in the future.
Restore from Recovery Phrase
Select this option if you already have a Ledger or compatible hardware wallet and want to restore access to your funds using your existing 24-word recovery phrase.
For most first-time users, setting up a new device is recommended.
Step 4: Create Your PIN Code
You will be prompted to create a PIN code on your Ledger device:
The PIN protects your wallet in case someone gains physical access to your device.
The keypad layout changes each time you enter it to prevent spying or keylogging.
Enter the PIN directly on the Ledger device.
Choose a secure PIN that is memorable but difficult for others to guess. Too many incorrect attempts will temporarily lock the device to prevent brute-force attacks.
Step 5: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
Your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase, which serves as the master key to your wallet.
Recovery Phrase Best Practices
Write the 24 words down exactly as displayed on the device.
Use the recovery card provided by Ledger.
Keep your recovery phrase offline and secure.
Never photograph, scan, or store it digitally.
Never share it with anyone, including Ledger support.
Your recovery phrase is the only way to recover your funds if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Step 6: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase
After recording the recovery phrase, Ledger will ask you to confirm selected words on your device:
This ensures you wrote down the seed correctly.
It also verifies that you understand its importance.
Accuracy is critical—mistakes can prevent you from recovering your wallet.
Step 7: Optional Passphrase for Extra Security
Ledger allows you to add an optional passphrase to create a hidden wallet:
Each passphrase generates a separate wallet associated with your recovery phrase.
Even if someone obtains your recovery phrase, they cannot access wallets protected by a passphrase.
This feature is recommended for users with large holdings or heightened privacy needs.
Always remember your passphrase—it cannot be recovered if lost.
Step 8: Install Cryptocurrency Apps
Ledger devices use individual apps for each cryptocurrency.
Through Ledger Live, you can:
Install apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported assets.
Remove apps without losing access to funds.
Manage storage efficiently on your device.
Installing or removing apps does not affect your balances, which always remain secure on the blockchain.
Step 9: Add Cryptocurrency Accounts
Once apps are installed, you can add accounts in Ledger Live:
Add multiple accounts for the same cryptocurrency.
Organize accounts for different purposes: trading, savings, or long-term holding.
Track balances and transaction history within Ledger Live.
Each account remains fully protected by your Ledger device.
Step 10: Receiving Cryptocurrency
To receive crypto:
Select the account in Ledger Live.
Generate a receiving address.
Verify the address on your Ledger device.
Share the verified address with the sender.
Always confirm addresses on the device itself, not just on your computer, to prevent malware from manipulating addresses.
Step 11: Sending Cryptocurrency
To send crypto:
Enter the recipient’s address and the amount in Ledger Live.
Review the transaction details.
Confirm the transaction physically on your Ledger device.
No transaction can occur without your physical approval on the device, keeping your funds secure even if your computer is compromised.
Step 12: Monitor Your Portfolio
Ledger Live provides a clear overview of your portfolio:
Total value in your preferred fiat currency.
Asset distribution across multiple cryptocurrencies.
Transaction history and confirmations.
Network fees and pending transactions.
This makes managing your assets easier while keeping private keys offline.
Step 13: Firmware Updates and Device Maintenance
Regular firmware updates improve device security and functionality:
Ledger Live notifies you when updates are available.
Perform updates only through Ledger Live.
Authenticity checks ensure your device remains genuine.
Firmware updates protect against new vulnerabilities and ensure your wallet remains reliable.
Advanced Ledger Live Features
For experienced users, Ledger Live offers advanced functionality:
Staking: Earn rewards with supported cryptocurrencies.
Swap: Exchange supported assets directly within the app.
Third-party integrations: Connect securely to DeFi platforms, exchanges, and other services.
NFT management: For supported networks.
All advanced operations require confirmation on your Ledger device, keeping your private keys safe.
Security Best Practices
Even with Ledger’s strong protections, user behavior is essential:
Only download Ledger Live and firmware from official sources.
Keep your recovery phrase and passphrase offline and secure.
Verify all transactions on your device.
Beware of phishing attacks, fake websites, and unsolicited emails.
Backup your recovery phrase in multiple secure locations if possible.
Following these practices ensures your crypto remains safe from both online and offline threats.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues:
Ensure Ledger Live and firmware are up to date.
Check your USB connection or try a different cable.
Restart your device and computer or mobile device.
Visit Ledger’s official support pages for step-by-step guidance.
Contact Ledger support only through official channels.
Never share your recovery phrase during troubleshooting—Legitimate support will never ask for it.
Why Ledger.com/start Matters
Ledger.com/start ensures users begin with a secure, verified setup. Skipping steps, using unofficial software, or storing recovery phrases insecurely increases the risk of losing funds.
Ledger’s design is built on security, transparency, and user control. There are no hidden backdoors, no remote access, and no way for anyone else to access your wallet.
Start Your Crypto Journey with Confidence
Ledger.com/start is your gateway to secure, self-custodied cryptocurrency management. By carefully setting up your device, securing your recovery phrase, and verifying every transaction, you gain full control of your digital assets.
Whether you are new to cryptocurrency or an experienced user, Ledger ensures your crypto is secure, private, and fully under your control. By following these steps and best practices, you can confidently manage your digital wealth now and in the future.