Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started with Ledger Wallet

setupstart

— 4 min read

Welcome to Ledger.com/Start, your complete step-by-step guide for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet and securing your cryptocurrency with confidence. Whether you are new to crypto or an experienced investor, this page will walk you through each part of the process—installation, initialization, security, and first-use—so you can begin managing digital assets safely and efficiently.

Cryptocurrency ownership gives you freedom, but it also comes with responsibility. When you hold crypto, you are your own bank, and that means the security of your funds depends on the tools you choose. That’s why millions of users worldwide trust Ledger hardware wallets to protect their digital assets from hacks, scams, and unauthorized access.

This guide will help you get started smoothly so you can enjoy the full benefits of a secure self-custody experience.

What Is Ledger.com/Start?

Ledger.com/Start is the official onboarding portal where users activate their hardware wallet, install required software, and learn best practices for securing their crypto. This page serves as your personal starting point, offering clear instructions and beginner-friendly steps so you can confidently set up your device from the moment you unbox it.

Whether you’re using a Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, or another Ledger device, this guide provides all the foundational knowledge you need to begin your crypto journey.

Step 1: Unbox Your Ledger Device

Before powering on your Ledger wallet, inspect the package to ensure everything is present and undamaged.

You should find:

  • Your Ledger hardware wallet
  • A USB cable
  • Recovery phrase cards
  • Getting-started guide
  • Lanyard (if included in your model)

Ledger devices come sealed and protected. If anything looks tampered with, do not continue—contact customer support for assistance.

When everything looks correct, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Visit Ledger.com/Start and Download Ledger Live

To use your hardware wallet, you must install Ledger Live, the official software that acts as the gateway to your crypto accounts.

Ledger Live allows you to:

  • Initialize your device
  • Manage your accounts and portfolio
  • Install crypto apps
  • Buy, sell, and swap supported assets
  • Securely sign transactions with your Ledger device

Ledger.com/Start will automatically detect your operating system and provide the correct download for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS.

After downloading Ledger Live, install and open the application.

Step 3: Initialize Your Ledger Wallet

When you turn on your Ledger device for the first time, you will be prompted to set it up as new.

Choose a PIN Code

You’ll first create a PIN—this is the code you will enter every time you access your wallet. Choose a PIN that is:

  • Difficult for others to guess
  • Easy for you to remember
  • Between 4 and 8 digits

Never share your PIN with anyone.

Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

After setting a PIN, your Ledger device generates a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This is the single most important part of your setup.

Your recovery phrase:

  • Is the only backup of your wallet
  • Can restore your crypto if your device is lost or damaged
  • Must never be shared, photographed, or stored digitally

Write the words down on the provided recovery sheet in the exact order displayed. Store the sheet in a secure, offline location. Anyone who holds your recovery phrase can access your crypto—treat it like your digital life savings.

Step 4: Connect Ledger Live to Your Device

Once your device is initialized, open Ledger Live and follow the on-screen setup instructions.

You’ll be guided through:

  • Device verification
  • Firmware confirmation
  • Authenticity checks
  • Security tips

Ledger Live will also help you understand how to use the device’s buttons, navigate menus, and approve transactions.

Step 5: Install Crypto Apps and Add Accounts

Now you’re ready to install the apps you need. Each cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) has its own app inside Ledger Live.

You can:

  • Install or uninstall apps anytime
  • Add accounts for each asset
  • View balances and transaction history
  • Organize your portfolio

Once apps are installed, create accounts to begin managing your assets.

Step 6: Transfer Crypto to Your Ledger Wallet

With your accounts set up, you can begin transferring your existing crypto to your hardware wallet.

To receive crypto:

  1. Open Ledger Live
  2. Select the account
  3. Click Receive
  4. Connect and unlock your device
  5. Confirm the address on the device screen
  6. Copy the address and use it to transfer funds

Always confirm the address on your device’s screen, not just on your computer. This ensures the address has not been altered by malware.

Step 7: Keep Ledger Live and Firmware Updated

For maximum security and performance, regularly update:

  • Ledger Live
  • Firmware on your hardware wallet
  • Crypto apps installed on your device

Updates add new features, expand asset support, and strengthen your wallet against emerging threats.

Ledger notifies you of updates directly inside the Ledger Live dashboard.

Security Best Practices for Ledger Users

To keep your crypto fully protected:

  • Never share your recovery phrase—no employee, website, or support agent will ever ask for it.
  • Store your recovery sheet offline and in multiple secure locations.
  • Use a strong PIN and avoid repeating it elsewhere.
  • Verify all transaction details on your Ledger device before approving.
  • Avoid phishing links and always access Ledger tools from official sources.
  • Enable the “Genuine Check” inside Ledger Live to confirm authenticity.

Remember: your Ledger device secures your private keys, but you secure your recovery phrase.

Why Use a Ledger Hardware Wallet?

Ledger wallets are among the most trusted crypto security solutions because they combine convenience with strong protection features:

  • Offline private key storage
  • Secure Element chips
  • Tamper-resistant architecture
  • Compatibility with hundreds of cryptocurrencies
  • Easy portfolio management through Ledger Live

Taking your assets off exchanges and securing them in a hardware wallet puts you in full control.

Start Your Crypto Journey Today

Ledger.com/Start empowers you to take your first steps into secure crypto ownership. By following these instructions carefully and understanding the importance of self-custody, you can protect your digital assets for years to come.

Whether you’re holding Bitcoin for long-term savings, exploring DeFi, collecting NFTs, or diversifying into altcoins, Ledger gives you the tools to manage your crypto confidently and securely.

Read more