Ledger.com/Start | Secure Setup for Your Ledger Wallet
Cryptocurrencies have revolutionized finance, but with great digital freedom comes the responsibility of securing your assets. If you're using a Ledger hardware wallet, you're already on the right track. Ledger wallets provide cold storage for your digital assets, keeping them offline and protected from cyber threats. However, to truly benefit from Ledger's security, it’s crucial to complete the setup process properly. That’s where Ledger.com/start comes in — the official and secure gateway to set up and manage your Ledger device.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about setting up your Ledger wallet using Ledger.com/start — from unboxing to configuring security features, managing assets with Ledger Live, and following best practices for long-term safety.
What Is Ledger.com/Start?
Ledger.com/start is the official setup portal provided by Ledger for new users of their hardware wallets, such as the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X. It ensures that users go through the correct setup process, download the authentic Ledger Live software, and learn how to safely initialize and use their device.
Why Use Ledger.com/Start?
- Avoid phishing scams by using the official source.
- Get step-by-step instructions tailored to your device model.
- Download Ledger Live securely.
- Learn how to create backups and store recovery phrases safely.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide via Ledger.com/Start
Step 1: Unbox Your Ledger Wallet
Start by unboxing your Ledger device. Inside the box, you should find:
- Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
- USB cable (USB-C or micro USB)
- Recovery sheet (to write your 24-word seed phrase)
- Getting started guide and instructions
- Keychain accessories (optional depending on model)
Important: Make sure the device packaging hasn’t been tampered with. Ledger devices come without any pre-installed firmware or a preset PIN code. If you suspect foul play, contact Ledger Support immediately.
Step 2: Visit Ledger.com/Start
Open a web browser and go to ledger.com/start. From here:
- Select your device model (Nano X, Nano S Plus, or other).
- Click “Start Setup” to begin the configuration process.
- You will be directed to download Ledger Live, the companion app for your Ledger device.
Step 3: Download and Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application used to:
- Manage your crypto portfolio
- Install apps on your Ledger device
- Send, receive, buy, sell, or stake assets
- Access DeFi and Web3 dApps (via Ledger Extension)
Download only from Ledger.com/start. Ledger Live is available for:
- Windows (10+)
- macOS (10.14+)
- Linux (Ubuntu 20.04 and above)
- iOS/Android (for Ledger Nano X via Bluetooth)
Follow on-screen instructions to install Ledger Live on your desktop or mobile device.
Step 4: Initialize Your Ledger Device
Once Ledger Live is installed, plug in your Ledger wallet and follow the prompts:
a. Choose "Set up as new device"
If you’re a new user, select this option. If restoring a wallet, select "Restore from recovery phrase."
b. Choose a PIN Code
- You’ll be prompted on the device screen to set a PIN.
- The PIN can be 4–8 digits long.
- Enter it twice for confirmation.
- Do not share your PIN with anyone.
c. Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
This is the most important step of the setup.
- The device will generate a unique 24-word seed phrase.
- Write it down on the recovery sheet included in the box.
- Do not store it digitally (screenshots, cloud, notes app, etc.).
- Double-check the words and their order.
- Ledger will ask you to verify a few words for confirmation.
🚨 Important: Anyone with access to your 24-word phrase can access your crypto. Never share it. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Step 5: Confirm Setup in Ledger Live
After setting up your device, go back to Ledger Live:
- Select "My device is ready."
- Ledger Live will perform a genuine check to verify the device is authentic.
- You’ll then gain access to the Ledger Live dashboard.
From here, you can begin managing your crypto portfolio securely.
Managing Crypto Assets via Ledger Live
Once your device is set up, you can start interacting with crypto through the Ledger Live app.
Add Accounts
To receive and manage assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum:
- Go to Accounts → Add Account.
- Select a cryptocurrency (e.g., BTC).
- Install the corresponding app on your Ledger device via Ledger Live.
- Create a wallet address and sync it.
Receive Crypto
- Click on Receive.
- Choose the crypto account.
- Verify the address on your device.
- Copy and share the address with the sender.
Send Crypto
- Click on Send.
- Enter recipient address and amount.
- Confirm transaction on your Ledger device.
Buy, Sell, Swap & Stake
Ledger Live integrates with services like:
- MoonPay, Banxa – Buy crypto
- Coinify – Sell crypto
- Changelly, 1inch – Swap tokens
- Ledger Earn – Stake assets like ETH, ATOM, DOT, etc.
All transactions are confirmed directly on your device.
Advanced Features & Security Best Practices
1. Enable Password Lock on Ledger Live
Add an extra layer of protection by setting a password for Ledger Live.
2. Enable Ledger Live’s “Developer Mode” (Advanced Users)
Gives access to experimental features and beta apps. Only for experienced users.
3. Use Ledger Extension for Web3
- Connect your Ledger wallet to dApps like Uniswap or OpenSea.
- Available as a Chrome extension.
- Offers cold wallet protection while interacting with DeFi/Web3 platforms.
4. Back Up Your Recovery Phrase
- Make multiple handwritten copies.
- Store in separate, secure, offline locations.
- Consider using fireproof recovery phrase steel plates.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Device Not Recognized
- Try a different USB port or cable.
- Restart your computer.
- Ensure Ledger Live is up to date.
PIN Forgotten
- Reset the device by entering the wrong PIN 3 times.
- Restore with your 24-word recovery phrase.
Lost or Damaged Device
- Buy a new Ledger.
- Restore wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase.
Suspicious Activity or Error
- Disconnect immediately.
- Contact Ledger Support.
Security Tips for Long-Term Use
- Always use Ledger.com/start – Never trust unofficial links.
- Bookmark the official URL – Avoid phishing attacks.
- Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated.
- Don’t trust unsolicited messages – Ledger Support never DMs or calls first.
- Use a strong PIN and don’t reuse it.
- Be cautious of clipboard hijacking – Double-check all crypto addresses.
- Consider adding a 25th passphrase (Advanced Security via BIP39).
Supported Assets
Ledger supports over 5,500 coins and tokens, including:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH) + ERC-20 tokens
- Solana (SOL)
- Cardano (ADA)
- Polkadot (DOT)
- XRP, LTC, BNB, DOGE, and more
You can manage many of these directly in Ledger Live, while others may require third-party wallet integrations (e.g., MetaMask, Yoroi).
Mobile Setup (Nano X Only)
The Ledger Nano X supports Bluetooth, allowing secure mobile setup.
Steps:
- Download Ledger Live Mobile (iOS/Android).
- Pair your Ledger Nano X via Bluetooth.
- Follow the same setup steps as desktop.
- Confirm actions directly on your device when transacting.
Note: Nano S Plus doesn’t support Bluetooth.
Why Use a Hardware Wallet Like Ledger?
- Offline Security: Assets are stored offline.
- User Control: You own your private keys.
- Multi-asset Support: Manage thousands of assets.
- DeFi/Web3 Access: Interact securely with dApps.
- Backup & Recovery: Recover assets with seed phrase.
Final Thoughts
Setting up your Ledger wallet via Ledger.com/start is the first step to achieving self-custody and securing your crypto assets. While the process might seem technical at first, Ledger provides a user-friendly experience with step-by-step guidance. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a newcomer, your financial sovereignty starts with taking control of your keys.
Never share your seed phrase, always double-check URLs, and use Ledger Live and Ledger hardware devices exactly as instructed. The more proactive you are about security, the more peace of mind you’ll have in your crypto journey.