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#Ledger.com/Start®| Getting Started — Ledger Support™
Complete Guide to Setting Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet via Ledger.com/Start
If you’ve recently purchased a Ledger hardware wallet, your first step toward securing your cryptocurrency is visiting Ledger.com/Start. This official setup page provides everything you need to initialize your device safely and correctly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire setup process, explain key security concepts, and help you avoid common mistakes.
Whether you own the Ledger Nano S Plus or the Ledger Nano X, this step-by-step blog will ensure your crypto assets are protected from hacks, phishing attempts, and unauthorized access.
Why Use Ledger.com/Start?
When setting up a hardware wallet, using the official website is critical. Ledger.com/Start is the verified onboarding portal created by Ledger. It ensures:
You download the legitimate Ledger Live software
Your device firmware is authentic
You avoid phishing or fake wallet apps
Your recovery phrase is generated securely
Never download wallet software from third-party websites. Cybercriminals often create fake versions to steal recovery phrases and funds.
What Is a Ledger Hardware Wallet?
A Ledger hardware wallet is a physical device that stores your cryptocurrency private keys offline. Unlike software wallets that remain connected to the internet, Ledger devices keep your keys isolated, making them resistant to malware and remote attacks.
Popular Ledger devices include:
Ledger Nano S Plus
Ledger Nano X
Both devices support thousands of cryptocurrencies including:
Bitcoin
Ethereum
Solana
Polygon
Step-by-Step Setup Using Ledger.com/Start Step 1: Unbox and Inspect Your Device
When you receive your Ledger wallet:
Ensure the packaging is sealed
Check that no one has preconfigured the device
Ledger devices do not come with pre-written recovery phrases
If your box includes a recovery phrase card already filled out, do not use the device.
Step 2: Visit Ledger.com/Start
Open your browser and manually type:
Avoid clicking random links in emails or ads. Phishing websites often look identical to the official page.
On Ledger.com/Start:
Choose your device model
Download Ledger Live
Follow on-screen instructions
Step 3: Download and Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official software used to manage your crypto assets. It allows you to:
Install crypto apps
Send and receive assets
Check balances
Buy, sell, and stake crypto
Ledger Live is available for:
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS (for Nano X)
Android
After installation:
Open Ledger Live
Select “Get Started”
Choose your device model
Step 4: Initialize Your Ledger Device
Plug your Ledger device into your computer using the USB cable.
You will see two options:
Set up as new device
Restore from recovery phrase
If this is your first setup, select Set up as new device.
Step 5: Create a PIN Code
You’ll be prompted to create a 4–8 digit PIN.
Important tips:
Do not use easy combinations like 1234
Do not share your PIN
If you enter the wrong PIN 3 times, the device resets
Your PIN protects your device from physical theft.
Step 6: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
This is the most important step.
Your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase:
Is the master key to your crypto
Can restore your wallet on any compatible device
Must be written down offline
Security best practices:
Never take a screenshot
Never store it on cloud storage
Never share it with anyone
Ledger will NEVER ask for it
If someone gets your recovery phrase, they can steal your funds.
Step 7: Verify Recovery Phrase
Ledger will ask you to confirm random words from your recovery phrase to ensure you wrote it correctly.
This step protects you from mistakes.
Once verified, your device is ready.
Installing Crypto Apps
After setup:
Open Ledger Live
Go to “Manager”
Allow connection on your device
Install apps like Bitcoin or Ethereum
Each cryptocurrency requires its own app installed on the device.
Sending and Receiving Crypto Receiving Crypto
Open Ledger Live
Click “Receive”
Choose asset
Verify address on your Ledger screen
Share the address
Always verify the address directly on your device screen — not just your computer.
Sending Crypto
Click “Send”
Enter recipient address
Confirm transaction on device
Transactions must be physically approved on your Ledger wallet.
Security Tips for Ledger Users
Ledger support, exchanges, and wallet apps will NEVER ask for it.
Scammers often pretend to be from Ledger. Always verify URLs carefully.
Ledger Live will notify you of firmware updates. Install them to improve security.
Some users purchase a second Ledger device and restore it using the same recovery phrase for redundancy.
What Happens If You Lose Your Ledger?
If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged:
Buy a new Ledger device
Choose “Restore from recovery phrase”
Enter your 24 words
Your funds are not stored on the device — they are on the blockchain. The recovery phrase restores access.
Why Hardware Wallets Are Safer Than Exchanges
Leaving crypto on exchanges exposes you to:
Hacks
Exchange bankruptcy
Frozen accounts
With Ledger:
You control your private keys
Transactions require physical confirmation
Assets remain under your ownership
This principle is known as: “Not your keys, not your coins.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying Ledger devices from unofficial sellers
Storing recovery phrase digitally
Ignoring firmware updates
Clicking phishing links
Using public computers for setup
Advanced Features in Ledger Live
Ledger Live also allows:
Staking select cryptocurrencies
Swapping crypto assets
Connecting to DeFi apps
NFT management
Portfolio tracking
These features make Ledger more than just a cold wallet — it becomes a complete crypto management system.
Frequently Asked Questions Is Ledger Safe?
Yes, when used correctly. Ledger devices use Secure Element chips and advanced encryption.
Can Ledger Be Hacked?
The device itself is extremely secure. Most losses occur due to phishing or user error.
Does Ledger Support All Cryptocurrencies?
Ledger supports 5,000+ coins and tokens, though not every crypto app can be installed simultaneously due to storage limits.
Final Thoughts
Setting up your Ledger wallet through Ledger.com/Start is the safest way to secure your cryptocurrency investments. By following the official setup process and carefully protecting your recovery phrase, you eliminate most security risks.
Whether you’re holding Bitcoin, Ethereum, or diversifying across multiple blockchains, a Ledger hardware wallet ensures full control over your digital assets.
Take your time during setup, double-check everything, and prioritize security above convenience. In the world of crypto, security is not optional — it’s essential.
If you found this guide helpful, consider bookmarking it for future reference or sharing it with others who are beginning their crypto security journey.