Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started — Ledger

 

Introduction

Your crypto journey begins—and stays secure—by starting at the official Ledger setup portal. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to correctly and safely set up your Ledger.com/Start, including unboxing, downloading software, verifying your device, and staying secure long term.

Whether you’re using a Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X, following these steps ensures your assets are protected right from the start.

1. 📦 Unbox and Inspect Your Ledger Device

When your Ledger arrives, take time to examine everything before plugging it in.

Your package should include:

  • The Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus or Nano X)

  • USB cable

  • Recovery sheet (to write down your 24-word recovery phrase)

  • Instruction booklet or quick-start guide

Check that the package is sealed and untampered. Ledger devices come in secure packaging—if anything is broken, missing, or suspicious, stop immediately and contact Ledger support.

2. 🛡️ Visit the Official Setup Page

To begin setup, manually type the official Ledger setup page into your browser’s address bar.

Do not click on search engine links or ads. Many phishing sites look similar but are designed to steal your recovery phrase or trick you into installing malicious software.

Use only the official address typed in directly. Always look for the secure lock icon in your browser.

3. 🖥️ Download and Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application that helps you manage your Ledger device and assets.

It’s available for:

  • Windows

  • macOS

  • Linux

  • iOS

  • Android

Make sure to download Ledger Live directly from the official site. After installing, run the program and make sure it starts with a clean interface—avoid any application that asks for your seed phrase during installation.

You can also verify the file’s integrity by checking its digital signature or SHA-512 hash, a common method used to detect tampered software.

4. 🔌 Set Up Your Ledger Device

Once you’ve installed Ledger Live, connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X). Follow the setup steps carefully:

  • Select “Set up as new device”

  • Choose a secure 4-8 digit PIN code

  • Write down the 24-word recovery phrase provided by the device

This recovery phrase is your only backup. If you lose it, no one—not even Ledger—can help you recover your crypto.

Never take a photo of it or store it digitally. Use a pen and the recovery sheet provided or a metal backup option if you prefer greater durability.

5. ✅ Verify Device Authenticity

Ledger Live will check your hardware wallet’s authenticity automatically. If your device was tampered with, already pre-configured, or isn’t genuine, you’ll be notified.

Be especially cautious if:

  • Your device already had a PIN code

  • A recovery phrase was pre-written or preloaded

  • You were asked to enter your seed phrase into any website or app

If any of these things happen, do not proceed. Reset the device and contact Ledger’s support team.

6. 📲 Install Apps and Add Accounts

With your wallet set up and verified, the next step is to install apps for each cryptocurrency you want to manage.

Here’s how:

  1. Open Ledger Live

  2. Navigate to the “Manager” tab

  3. Install apps for assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, or any of the 5,000+ supported coins

  4. Go to “Accounts” and add an account for each crypto asset

Each time you install a new app or account, your device will require approval. This ensures your private keys remain secured and nothing is installed without your consent.

7. 🔁 Manage, Stake, Swap, and More

Ledger Live isn’t just for setup—it’s also your all-in-one dashboard for crypto management.

You can:

  • Send and receive crypto using verified on-device approval

  • Buy and sell crypto via integrated third-party services

  • Stake crypto assets like Ethereum, Solana, or Polkadot

  • Track your portfolio across multiple accounts and currencies

  • Interact with Web3 apps, DeFi platforms, and NFT marketplaces using Ledger’s browser extension or WalletConnect integration

All sensitive approvals are confirmed on your Ledger device’s screen, not on your computer—ensuring maximum security.

8. 🔐 Security Best Practices

Security doesn’t end after setup. Here’s how to protect your assets every day:

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone. No support rep, app, or service will ever need it.

  • Only download software from official sources—Ledger Live and firmware updates included.

  • Keep your device’s firmware and Ledger Live up to date—they include important security patches.

  • Always verify transactions on your device before approving. This step stops malware from rerouting your funds.

  • Use a physical backup—paper or stainless steel—to store your recovery phrase. Keep it in a safe, fireproof location.

  • Beware of phishing scams—fraudulent emails, fake support chats, and spoofed websites are common.

🧠 Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Entering your recovery phrase on a website – This is the number one scam. Ledger devices never require your phrase to be entered on a computer or phone.

  • Trusting fake Ledger Live apps – On mobile app stores, check that the developer is "Ledger." Avoid apps that ask for seed input.

  • Buying from unofficial resellers – Always buy Ledger devices from the official store or authorized distributors to avoid tampering.

  • Storing your seed phrase in cloud storage – Never take photos of your phrase or type it into your phone or computer. Hackers look for this data.

🛠️ Troubleshooting and Extra Tips

  • If your device doesn’t power on, especially Nano X, make sure it’s charged using the original cable.

  • If your Ledger Live doesn’t recognize your device, restart your computer and reconnect the USB.

  • If you reset your Ledger, you can recover it using your 24-word phrase—just choose "Restore from recovery phrase" instead of new setup.

  • Use a passphrase (an optional 25th word) for an additional layer of security. This creates a hidden wallet.

🔁 Recap: Your Secure Setup in 8 Steps

StepAction
1.Unbox and inspect your device
2.Manually go to the official setup page
3.Download and install Ledger Live
4.Initialize your device and write down the recovery phrase
5.Verify the device's authenticity
6.Install apps and add crypto accounts
7.Manage assets securely in Ledger Live
8.Follow security best practices daily

🚀 Why Start at the Official Site Matters

Starting at the official Ledger setup site ensures:

  • Authentic firmware and apps

  • No exposure to phishing websites or fake software

  • Verified device setup and security checks

  • Access to customer support, tutorials, and FAQs

  • Peace of mind from knowing you’re in full control of your private keys

Millions of users trust Ledger to safeguard their digital assets. But even the best technology can’t protect you if you skip basic precautions.

📝 Final Thoughts

Using a Ledger hardware wallet is one of the safest ways to store crypto—but only if set up properly.

When you start with the official process:

  • Your wallet is initialized securely

  • Your recovery phrase is yours alone

  • Your assets stay under your control

  • Your connection to the blockchain is always verified on-device

Take your time, follow the steps, and keep learning about crypto security. You’re now in control of your digital wealth—don’t take shortcuts.

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