Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started Wallet Setup

Why Ledger.com/Start® Matters

In the world of cryptocurrency, security begins with trust. When setting up a hardware wallet, using the correct, official resources is essential to avoid phishing, counterfeit devices, and malware-laced software. That’s why Ledger provides Ledger.com/Start® — the official onboarding portal that guides you through the wallet setup, firmware verification, and application installs with confidence.

By following the process laid out on Ledger.com/Start®, you ensure you only download Ledger Live from a trusted source, verify your device’s authenticity, and setup your wallet with maximum security from day one. This is the foundation of true self-custody in the crypto ecosystem.

What You’ll Need Before You Begin

To make your setup smooth and secure, have the following ready before starting:

A brand-new Ledger hardware wallet (e.g. Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax)
A computer or mobile device with functioning internet connection
A cable (USB / USB‑C) or Bluetooth (for Nano X / Stax) to connect your device
A clean, distraction-free environment and a pen with the provided recovery sheet
Time and patience — this process is critical for securing your assets

Step‑by‑Step Setup Guide

Visit Ledger.com/Start® Open your browser and type in ledger.com/start directly. Do not click advertisement links or search-engine ads. Confirm you see the secure HTTPS padlock and ledger.com domain. This is your official starting point.

Download Ledger Live Safely From the official portal, download Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android). Ensure it’s the version posted on the official site—not from third‑party sources.

Unbox and Inspect Your Device Make sure the package seal is intact, nothing appears tampered, and that it contains your Ledger device, recovery sheets, and documentation. Ledger devices always ship without a pre-setup PIN or recovery phrase.

Connect the Device & Start Setup Connect your Ledger wallet to the computer or mobile device. In Ledger Live, choose “Set up as a new device.” Follow the prompts displayed both on the device and in the app.

Set Your PIN Code Choose a unique PIN (4–8 digits). You will need to enter this PIN every time you use the device. Don’t reuse overly obvious combinations; memorize it or keep it offline.

< strong>Generate & Record Your Recovery Phrase The device will generate a 24-word recovery seed. Write these words in order on the recovery sheet. Never type them, photograph them, or store them digitally. This phrase is your only backup.

Confirm the Recovery Phrase The device will prompt you to verify certain words from your recovery phrase to confirm you correctly recorded them in the right order.

Verify Device Authenticity Ledger Live runs a built-in verification to confirm the hardware is genuine and untampered. This ensures the device’s secure element is intact and legitimate.

Add Crypto Accounts Once verified, you can install apps for supported cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, SOL, etc.) and create accounts in Ledger Live to begin managing your assets.

Use & Secure Your Wallet You’re now ready to receive, send, stake, or interact with Web3 tools. Always confirm every transaction on your device screen before approving.

What You Can Do After Setup

Ledger Live and your hardware wallet unlock a full suite of tools:

Send & Receive Crypto: Approve each transaction securely on-device.
Portfolio Tracking: Monitor balances & performance of all your assets.
Buy, Swap & Exchange: Integrated partners let you trade inside Ledger Live.
Staking & Yield: Stake supported assets like ETH, ADA, DOT via trusted protocols.
NFT & DeFi Access: Connect to Web3 apps, manage NFTs, use WalletConnect, etc.
Firmware & App Updates: Ledger regularly releases updates; keep your device and Ledger Live current.

Security Best Practices

Even with a hardware wallet, your security habits are crucial. Follow these practices:

Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone — not even Ledger support.
Always download Ledger Live from the official site (ledger.com/start) only.
Double-check website URLs and avoid phishing links or ads.
Verify every transaction on the device screen before approving.
Use passphrase protection if you want an additional layer of security.
Store backups of your recovery phrase in trusted, separate physical locations.
Do not store recovery phrases in photos, text files, or online storage.
Keep your firmware and Ledger Live app up to date for patches and new support.

Why Ledger.com/Start® Matters

What You’ll Need Before You Begin

Step‑by‑Step Setup Guide

What You Can Do After Setup

Security Best Practices

Begin Your Secure Wallet Journey