Ledger.com/Start® | Starting Up Your Device® - Ledger®

Introduction

Welcome to Ledger.com/Start® — the official starting point for setting up your Ledger® hardware wallet. Whether you’ve purchased a Ledger Nano X®, Ledger Nano S Plus®, or the latest Ledger Stax®, this guide will walk you through every step of initialization, from unboxing to connecting with Ledger Live®.

Your Ledger device keeps your private keys offline, ensuring your cryptocurrency remains safe from hackers and malware. Following this setup process correctly ensures your digital assets are always protected and recoverable.

Before You Begin

Before visiting ledger.com/start, ensure you have the following items ready:

• Your new Ledger hardware wallet (Nano X®, Nano S Plus®, or Stax®).
• A computer or smartphone with a stable internet connection.
• A USB cable (included in the box) or Bluetooth for Nano X®.
• Pen and paper for writing your 24-word recovery phrase.

Important: Make sure your device arrived sealed and uninitialized. If it’s already set up or the packaging seems tampered with, contact Ledger Support immediately.

Step 1: Visit Ledger.com/Start®

Go to ledger.com/start. This is the only official website for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. Avoid search engine ads or third-party links that may lead to phishing sites. Always verify the URL begins with “https://ledger.com”.

The site will direct you to download Ledger Live®, Ledger’s official software for managing your device and crypto assets. Choose your operating system — Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android — and install the app.

Step 2: Install Ledger Live®

After downloading, open the Ledger Live installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Once installed, launch the application and select “Get Started.”

Ledger Live will ask which Ledger model you’re setting up. Choose your model, then click “Set up as new device.” The app will guide you through initialization while your device displays on-screen instructions.

Step 3: Initialize Your Device

Turn on your Ledger device by pressing and holding both buttons simultaneously. Navigate the menus using the left and right buttons; press both together to confirm selections.

Create Your PIN Code

Choose a secure PIN code (4–8 digits). You’ll enter this each time you unlock your Ledger device. Never share this PIN with anyone.

Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

The device will generate 24 unique words — your recovery phrase. Write them down carefully on the provided recovery sheet, keeping the order exact. This phrase is your wallet’s master key. If your device is lost or damaged, this phrase allows full recovery of your funds.

Security Tip: Never take a photo or store your recovery phrase digitally. Keep it offline and private — anyone with these words can control your crypto.

Step 4: Verify Your Recovery Phrase

Your Ledger will prompt you to confirm the recovery phrase by selecting the words in the correct order. This ensures you’ve copied them accurately. Once confirmed, your wallet setup is nearly complete.

Store your recovery phrase in a safe, offline location. Consider using a metal backup plate for fire and water resistance.

Step 5: Connect to Ledger Live®

Return to the Ledger Live app. It will ask you to connect and unlock your device using your PIN. Ledger Live will then perform an authenticity check to verify that your device is genuine and not compromised.

Once verified, you’ll see the message “Your device is genuine.” Congratulations — your Ledger is officially ready to use.

Step 6: Install Apps and Add Accounts

In Ledger Live, go to the “My Ledger” tab. Install blockchain apps for the coins you plan to use, such as Bitcoin®, Ethereum®, or Solana®. Each app enables your Ledger to manage accounts and sign transactions for that blockchain.

Then, in the “Accounts” section, click “Add Account”. Choose your cryptocurrency and confirm the operation on your device. Ledger Live will sync and display your balance and transaction history.

Step 7: Receiving and Sending Crypto

Receiving Crypto

1. In Ledger Live, click Receive.
2. Select the crypto account to receive funds to.
3. Verify the address shown on your computer matches the address on your Ledger device screen.
4. Only share the address if both match perfectly.

Sending Crypto

1. Click Send in Ledger Live.
2. Enter the recipient’s address and amount.
3. Review the transaction details on your device and confirm by pressing both buttons.

All transactions must be approved physically on your Ledger — this ensures that even if your computer is compromised, your crypto remains secure.

Security Best Practices

• Always use ledger.com/start. Bookmark it to avoid phishing websites.
• Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger will never ask for it.
• Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated regularly.
• Store your recovery phrase offline, ideally in a secure or fireproof location.
• If your Ledger is lost, buy a new one and restore using your recovery phrase.

Troubleshooting

Device Not Detected

If Ledger Live doesn’t recognize your device, try another USB port, cable, or restart both the computer and the Ledger. Ensure the device is unlocked with your PIN.

Firmware Update Required

Sometimes a firmware update is needed before continuing. Go to the “My Ledger” tab in Ledger Live and follow the update instructions carefully while keeping your recovery phrase secure.

Forgot PIN

If you forget your PIN, reset your device by entering the wrong code three times. Then restore it using your 24-word recovery phrase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ledger Safe?

Yes. Ledger devices use secure chips (CC EAL5+ certified) to isolate your private keys completely from online systems. Your keys never leave your device.

Can I Use Ledger With DeFi Apps?

Yes. You can connect your Ledger to wallets like MetaMask or Rabby Wallet to interact with DeFi platforms securely, while maintaining full key control.

What If I Lose My Ledger Device?

Simply purchase a new device and restore it using your recovery phrase. Your assets remain safe on the blockchain as long as you keep your phrase secure.

Conclusion

Setting up your Ledger wallet via Ledger.com/Start® is the essential first step to taking control of your cryptocurrency security. By following the steps in this guide — downloading Ledger Live, creating your PIN, safely recording your recovery phrase, and verifying all transactions on your device — you ensure your assets are fully protected against online threats.

Remember the golden rule of crypto: “Not your keys, not your coins.” With Ledger, you own your keys, and therefore, you truly own your crypto.