Ledger hardware wallets are widely recognized for offering strong security for digital assets. If you've recently purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or another Ledger device, your first essential step is to set everything up correctly—and that process begins at Ledger.com/start. This official onboarding hub provides the tools and instructions required to get your device ready, install Ledger Live, and secure your crypto accounts. In this guide, we will walk through every part of the setup process with clarity and detail, ensuring you start your crypto-security journey on the right foot.
Visiting Ledger.com/start ensures that you are accessing the authentic, official resources provided by Ledger. Counterfeit or malicious websites can pose major risks in the crypto world, and many security breaches happen because users unintentionally follow fraudulent setup instructions. By using the official start page, you reduce these risks significantly and ensure your wallet's software and firmware come from legitimate sources.
Before beginning the setup, start by unboxing your hardware wallet. Inside the box, you will typically find:
Make sure the box is sealed and untouched. Ledger never ships devices with a pre-set PIN or recovery phrase. If you find a handwritten recovery phrase inside your box, stop immediately—this is a red flag for tampering.
Open your browser and type Ledger.com/start. The page will guide you to download Ledger Live, the official software companion for your hardware wallet. This program lets you install apps, manage your crypto accounts, update firmware, and track your portfolio securely.
Choose your operating system—Windows, macOS, or Linux—and download the application directly from the site. Avoid downloading Ledger Live from third-party sources or app stores.
After downloading, run the installation file and follow the on-screen prompts. Once installed, open Ledger Live and select "Get Started."You'll be asked to choose your device model and confirm that it is genuine. Ledger Live includes an authenticity check that ensures your device has not been altered.
With your device connected via USB, follow the on-screen instructions displayed on the device itself.
You will be asked to create a PIN code. This PIN protects your device from unauthorized access. Choose a number combination that you can remember but is difficult for others to guess. Ledger allows retry attempts, but if too many incorrect attempts occur, the device will reset itself.
This is the most critical part of your setup. The recovery phrase—typically 24 words—is your master key to accessing your crypto assets. Write down the words in order on the provided recovery sheets. Never take a photo of the phrase, never store it online, and never share it with anyone.
Your Ledger device will ask you to confirm your recovery words. This step ensures you wrote them down correctly. Take your time—if you lose your phrase or write it incorrectly, no one can recover it for you.
With setup complete, open Ledger Live and navigate to the "My Ledger" section to install apps for various cryptocurrencies. Each blockchain requires its own app, and once installed, you can create accounts within Ledger Live to send, receive, and track assets.
For example:
Ledger regularly improves its firmware to patch vulnerabilities and add features. When prompted, allow Ledger Live to update your device firmware. Keep your device connected and do not unplug it during the update. Your PIN and recovery phrase are not affected.
Once your device is running, maintaining proper security habits is essential:
Ledger hardware wallets are designed with security in mind, but your habits play a huge role in keeping your crypto safe.
If you encounter issues during setup, here are common solutions:
If problems persist, visit the official Ledger Support page for reliable assistance.
Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet through Ledger.com/start is the safest and most reliable way to begin securing your digital assets. By following the steps above carefully—from downloading Ledger Live to writing down your recovery phrase—you build a solid foundation for long-term crypto protection. As digital assets continue to grow in value and popularity, using a trusted hardware wallet and following best practices is essential. Your crypto security starts with proper setup, and Ledger.com/start is the right place to begin.