Ledger.com/start: A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up Your Ledger Wallet
As the world of cryptocurrency continues to grow, securing your digital assets has become more important than ever. While online wallets and exchange-based wallets offer convenience, they also expose users to potential hacks, phishing attacks, and unauthorized access. This is where hardware wallets like Ledger come in. If you’ve recently purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Stax, your first step to getting started is visiting Ledger.com/start. This official setup page is designed to help users securely initialize their devices, install essential software, and begin managing crypto with confidence.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Ledger.com/start, including how to set up your device, install Ledger Live, secure your recovery phrase, add accounts, and start making crypto transactions safely. Whether you’re new to crypto or upgrading to a more secure solution, this guide will help you navigate the process smoothly.
What Is Ledger.com/start?
Ledger.com/start is the official setup portal provided by Ledger, the company behind the world’s leading hardware wallets. The page acts as a central hub for:
Downloading Ledger Live, the companion software for Ledger devices
Accessing step-by-step setup instructions
Watching official video tutorials
Learning about recovery phrases, PIN codes, and security basics
Getting links to firmware updates and device manuals
Accessing customer support and troubleshooting documentation
Using Ledger.com/start ensures you follow the most secure and updated setup process. Because hardware wallets play a crucial role in your long-term digital asset security, it is essential to always rely on official resources like this one.
Step 1: Visit Ledger.com/start
Begin by opening any browser and typing Ledger.com/start into the address bar. Make sure the URL is correct to avoid phishing websites. Ledger never asks for your recovery phrase online, so if you encounter any form asking for that information, leave immediately.
Once on the page, choose your device model:
Ledger Nano S Plus
Ledger Nano X
Ledger Stax
After selecting your device, you’ll be guided to download Ledger Live.
Step 2: Download and Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official software that allows you to manage crypto assets, install apps on your device, update firmware, and track your portfolio. At Ledger.com/start, you will see download options for:
Windows
macOS
Linux
Mobile versions (Android and iOS) — depending on the device
After downloading, open the installer and complete the setup. Only download Ledger Live from official sources to avoid malware or tampered versions.
When you open the app for the first time, you’ll see an option to “Get Started.” Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your device.
Step 3: Unbox Your Ledger Device
Inside your box, you will find:
The Ledger hardware wallet
USB cable (or USB-C cable depending on the model)
Recovery phrase cards
Instructions and documentation
Ensure the box is sealed and has not been tampered with. Ledger devices always come in plain packaging without prewritten recovery phrases. If yours includes a card with words already filled in, do not use it — this is a major security red flag.
Step 4: Initialize Your Ledger Device
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile phone. The device screen will display instructions to help you set up.
You will be asked to:
Create a PIN code
Choose a secure PIN of 4 to 8 digits. Never share this with anyone.Write down your 24-word recovery phrase
Your device will show a unique 24-word phrase. Write the words in order on the supplied recovery sheets.This phrase is the only backup of your wallet. Anyone with access to it can control your crypto, so store it safely and offline.
Confirm your recovery phrase
The device will randomly ask for certain words to ensure you wrote them correctly.
Ledger never stores your recovery phrase, nor does Ledger Live. Everything is generated locally on your device.
Step 5: Install Apps Through Ledger Live
Before adding any crypto accounts, you must install the corresponding app onto your Ledger device. For example:
Bitcoin app
Ethereum app
Solana app
XRP app
Polygon app
And many more
Go to My Ledger inside Ledger Live and install apps based on the cryptocurrencies you plan to use. Each app allows your device to sign transactions for that blockchain.
Step 6: Add Crypto Accounts
Once apps are installed, you can add accounts inside Ledger Live. Each account corresponds to a specific asset. For example, if you install the Ethereum app, you can add an Ethereum account.
To add an account:
Open Ledger Live
Go to “Accounts”
Click “Add account”
Select the crypto asset
Confirm the process on your Ledger device
Your Ledger device must always be connected when adding accounts for the first time.
Step 7: Receive Crypto Into Your Ledger Wallet
To receive crypto:
Go to “Receive” in Ledger Live
Select the account
Verify the receiving address displayed
Confirm the address on your Ledger device
Send funds from your exchange or wallet
Always double-check that the address shown in Ledger Live matches the address displayed on your device. This prevents malware from altering your receiving address.
Step 8: Send Crypto Safely
When sending crypto:
Click “Send” in Ledger Live
Enter the recipient’s address
Enter the amount
Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device
The transaction will only be broadcast after you physically approve it on the device. This protects your funds even if your computer is compromised.
Step 9: Keep Your Firmware Updated
Ledger regularly releases firmware updates to improve security and support new features. You can update the firmware from Ledger Live through the My Ledger section. Always follow official instructions and never disconnect the device during an update.
Security Best Practices
Never disclose your 24-word recovery phrase
Avoid typing your recovery phrase into any device
Do not take photos or digital copies of the phrase
Buy Ledger devices only from official retailers
Bookmark Ledger.com/start to avoid phishing
Keep your PIN private and secure
Store your recovery sheet in a safe, offline location
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Ledger.com/start provides access to a comprehensive support section. Some frequent issues include:
Device not connecting
Ledger Live not recognizing the wallet
Firmware update issues
App installation errors
Bluetooth problems (for Ledger Nano X)
Each issue has detailed solutions and official guidance.