If you’ve purchased a Ledger hardware wallet, the first step is visiting Ledger.com/start. This is the official portal for initializing your device, installing Ledger Live, and securely managing your cryptocurrency. Ledger wallets are designed to keep your private keys offline, providing strong protection against hacks, malware, and phishing attacks.

Following the official setup process ensures your digital assets remain secure from day one.

What Is Ledger.com/start?

Ledger.com/start is the trusted onboarding page for all Ledger hardware wallets, including:

• Ledger Nano S Plus
• Ledger Nano X
• Ledger Stax

Through this portal, you can download Ledger Live, Ledger’s official application for desktop and mobile devices. Ledger Live enables you to:

• Manage cryptocurrencies
• Send and receive assets
• Buy, sell, swap, and stake supported tokens
• Track portfolio balances in real-time

⚠️ Always type the URL manually to avoid phishing sites. Do not click links in emails, ads, or social media claiming to provide Ledger setup instructions.

Step-by-Step Setup Process

1️⃣ Unbox and Inspect Your Ledger Device

Make sure the packaging is intact and your device shows no signs of tampering. Ledger devices do not come with a pre-written recovery phrase.

2️⃣ Visit Ledger.com/start

Open your browser and navigate to Ledger.com/start. Select your device model to begin setup.

3️⃣ Download Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile device. Install the application and open it.

4️⃣ Initialize Your Device

Choose Set up as new device within Ledger Live. On your Ledger hardware:

• Create a strong PIN code
• Generate a 24-word recovery phrase

5️⃣ Record Your Recovery Phrase

Write down the 24-word recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet.

• Never take a photo of it.
• Never store it digitally.
• Never share it with anyone.

This recovery phrase is your only backup for your wallet.

6️⃣ Confirm Recovery Phrase

Your device will ask you to confirm certain words from the recovery phrase to ensure it was recorded correctly.

7️⃣ Install Cryptocurrency Apps

Through Ledger Live, install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and add accounts to your portfolio.

Funding Your Ledger Wallet

Once setup is complete, you can fund your Ledger wallet by:

• Transferring crypto from an exchange
• Sending from another wallet
• Buying crypto through Ledger Live integrated providers

Always double-check network compatibility before sending crypto to your Ledger wallet address.

Security Best Practices

• Always download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start.
• Never share your 24-word recovery phrase.
• Confirm all transaction details directly on your Ledger device.
• Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated.
• Beware of phishing scams or fake support agents requesting your recovery phrase.

If anyone asks for your recovery phrase, it is a scam.

Ledger Hardware vs Exchange Wallets

Ledger wallets provide self-custody, meaning you control your private keys.

• Ledger hardware wallet: You control private keys; assets are secure offline.
• Exchange account: Custodial; the exchange holds your keys.

Self-custody ensures that only you can access your crypto, reducing the risk of exchange hacks or platform downtime.

Final Thoughts

Starting at Ledger.com/start ensures your Ledger hardware wallet is set up safely and correctly. By downloading Ledger Live, initializing your device, and securely storing your recovery phrase, you maintain full control over your digital assets.

For anyone serious about crypto security, Ledger.com/start is the essential first step to protecting and managing your cryptocurrency offline.