Ledger.com/start — Starting Up™ Your Device | Ledger®

Setting up your Ledger® hardware wallet correctly is the first and most important step toward securing your digital assets. The official onboarding platform, Ledger.com/start, is designed to guide you through the entire initialization process safely and efficiently. Whether you’ve purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus™, Ledger Nano X™, or another Ledger® device, starting from the official setup page ensures your wallet is genuine, secure, and properly configured.

Why Start with the Official Setup Page?

When dealing with cryptocurrency security, precision matters. Ledger® devices are built with advanced security architecture, including Secure Element chips and custom operating systems, to safeguard private keys offline. However, the protection begins with correct setup.

By visiting Ledger.com/start, users receive:

  • Official Ledger Live™ download links
  • Step-by-step device configuration guidance
  • Security verification instructions
  • Recovery phrase backup education
  • Firmware update support

Using unofficial links or third-party downloads can expose users to phishing risks or compromised software. The official setup page ensures you’re interacting directly with Ledger’s authentic ecosystem.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Ledger® Device

1. Unbox and Verify Your Device

When you receive your Ledger® hardware wallet, ensure:

  • The box is sealed and untampered
  • No recovery phrase is pre-written inside the packaging
  • The device powers on properly

Ledger® devices are never shipped with a pre-configured recovery phrase. If you find one, do not use the device.

2. Download Ledger Live™

To manage your crypto assets, you’ll need Ledger Live™, the official desktop and mobile application. The safest way to download it is directly from Ledger.com/start, where you can choose the correct version for:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • iOS
  • Android

Once installed, open Ledger Live™ and select “Set up a new device.”

3. Initialize Your Device

After connecting your Ledger® hardware wallet via USB or Bluetooth (Nano X™), follow the on-screen instructions:

  • Choose “Set up as new device”
  • Create a secure PIN code
  • Confirm your PIN

Your PIN protects access to the physical device. If entered incorrectly three times, the device resets automatically to prevent unauthorized access.

4. Generate and Secure Your Recovery Phrase

The device will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This is the most critical step in securing your assets.

Important guidelines:

  • Write the words down in the exact order shown
  • Never take a screenshot or store digitally
  • Keep the phrase offline and secure
  • Never share it with anyone

This recovery phrase is the only backup to restore your wallet if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Ledger® does not store or have access to your recovery phrase.

Security Best Practices

Hardware wallets provide superior protection compared to software wallets, but user responsibility remains essential.

Here are important security tips:

  • Always verify you are on the official Ledger.com/start page before downloading software
  • Beware of phishing emails or fake support messages
  • Never enter your recovery phrase on any website
  • Keep firmware updated through Ledger Live™ only
  • Enable passphrase protection for advanced security

Ledger® will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. If someone does, it is a scam.

Installing Apps and Adding Accounts

Once your device is initialized and verified in Ledger Live™, you can install cryptocurrency apps directly onto your hardware wallet.

Steps include:

  1. Open Ledger Live™
  2. Go to “Manager”
  3. Allow device access
  4. Install apps like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), or others
  5. Add accounts to begin managing assets

Each cryptocurrency requires its corresponding app on the device. The secure element ensures private keys never leave the hardware wallet.

Sending and Receiving Crypto Securely

After adding accounts, you can:

  • Generate receiving addresses
  • Verify addresses directly on the device screen
  • Send crypto with on-device confirmation

Every transaction must be physically approved by pressing the device buttons. This prevents malware from authorizing transactions without your knowledge.

Always verify wallet addresses on the device screen, not just on your computer monitor.

Firmware Updates and Maintenance

Ledger® continuously improves device security and performance through firmware updates.

To update:

  • Open Ledger Live™
  • Connect your device
  • Follow update instructions carefully

Before updating, ensure your recovery phrase is safely stored. Firmware updates do not affect your assets, but the recovery phrase remains your ultimate backup.

Troubleshooting and Support

If you encounter issues during setup:

  • Ensure you are using official cables
  • Restart your computer and device
  • Update Ledger Live™
  • Check USB permissions

For official help and setup instructions, always return to Ledger.com/start to avoid third-party misinformation.

Why Choose Ledger®?

Ledger® is trusted globally for digital asset security. Its hardware wallets combine:

  • Military-grade secure chips
  • Offline private key storage
  • Multi-asset compatibility
  • User-controlled security

With increasing cyber threats in the crypto space, hardware wallets remain the gold standard for long-term storage.

Starting your journey correctly ensures maximum protection. By following the official setup process at Ledger.com/start, you minimize risks and establish a strong security foundation from day one.

Final Thoughts

Setting up your Ledger® hardware wallet is simple but must be done carefully. From creating your PIN to safeguarding your recovery phrase, every step plays a vital role in protecting your digital wealth.

Never rush the setup process. Take time to understand how your device works, double-check security measures, and ensure backups are safely stored offline.

Your cryptocurrency security begins with proper initialization — and the safest place to begin is the official Ledger® onboarding platform.

Secure your assets. Stay vigilant. Stay in control.