Introduction to Ledger and ledger.com/start
Ledger is one of the world’s leading hardware wallet brands, providing secure storage for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and hundreds of other digital assets. Unlike online wallets or exchanges, a Ledger hardware wallet keeps your private keys offline — drastically reducing the risk of hacks.
The official onboarding portal, ledger.com/start, is the trusted place to initialize your Ledger Nano device. Whether you own a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or the newer Ledger Stax, this site ensures you’re following authentic and up-to-date setup steps.
Why Use a Hardware Wallet?
Before jumping into the process, it’s helpful to understand why a hardware wallet is so critical:
✅ Cold Storage Security: Your private keys never leave the device, protecting them from online attacks.
✅ Full Ownership: You truly own your crypto by controlling your keys.
✅ Protection from Phishing: The device confirms transactions physically, preventing unauthorized transfers.
✅ Multi-Asset Support: Manage thousands of coins and tokens in one place.
What You Need Before You Start
- A Genuine Ledger Device: Buy directly from ledger.com or authorized resellers. Avoid second-hand or tampered devices.
- A Computer or Smartphone: Compatible with Ledger Live — the official companion app.
- Internet Connection: Needed for installing firmware and apps.
- Pen and Paper: For writing your 24-word recovery phrase.
- A Safe Storage Location: To store your recovery phrase securely — a fireproof safe is highly recommended.
Step 1: Visit ledger.com/start
Start by visiting ledger.com/start. This page will:
- Detect your Ledger model.
- Guide you through firmware updates.
- Provide verified download links for Ledger Live, the only official software to manage your wallet.
Avoid downloading Ledger Live from unofficial websites to prevent malware attacks.
Step 2: Unbox and Check for Tampering
When you open your Ledger box:
✔️ Ensure the anti-tamper seal is intact (some new boxes might not have one, but the device itself should look brand-new).
✔️ Check for signs of physical damage or pre-installed recovery phrases — these are red flags!
✔️ Never trust a device that comes with a recovery phrase — it should generate a new, unique one only for you.
Step 3: Install Ledger Live
Next, download Ledger Live from the official link. Ledger Live works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Ledger Live lets you:
- Initialize your device.
- Install crypto apps (like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
- Send, receive, and stake assets.
- Update firmware securely.
Step 4: Initialize Your Device
Plug your Ledger device into your computer or phone using the included USB cable (Nano X can also use Bluetooth).
Follow these steps:
- Power On: Hold down the power button until the Ledger logo appears.
- Set a PIN Code: Choose a 4-8 digit PIN code. Never share this PIN. It protects your wallet if it’s stolen.
- Generate Your Recovery Phrase: Your Ledger will display 24 random words. Write them down carefully, in order, on the recovery sheet provided.
- Verify Your Phrase: The device will ask you to confirm words at random positions to ensure you copied them correctly.
✅ Important: Your recovery phrase is the ONLY backup for your crypto. If you lose your Ledger but have this phrase, you can restore your funds on a new device. If you lose both, your crypto is gone forever.
Step 5: Add Accounts
Once initialized:
- Open Ledger Live.
- Connect your device.
- Click “Accounts” > “Add Account.”
- Install the crypto app (e.g., Bitcoin) on your Ledger device via Ledger Live.
- Add your crypto accounts.
Each supported crypto has its own app. For example, if you want to hold both Bitcoin and Ethereum, install both apps.
Step 6: Receive Crypto Securely
To receive crypto:
- Click “Receive” in Ledger Live.
- Choose the account (e.g., Bitcoin).
- Verify the wallet address displayed on Ledger Live matches exactly the one shown on your Ledger device screen.
- Share the address with the sender.
Never trust only the on-screen address; always confirm it on your device.
Step 7: Sending Crypto
When you want to send crypto:
- Click “Send” in Ledger Live.
- Enter the recipient’s address and amount.
- Confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device screen.
- Approve the transaction physically on your device.
This double-check protects you from malware that might alter addresses on your computer.
Step 8: Keep Firmware Updated
Ledger regularly releases firmware updates to patch security vulnerabilities and add new features.
✅ Always check for updates in Ledger Live.
✅ Connect your device to update firmware safely.
✅ Follow the on-screen instructions step-by-step.
Security Best Practices
To maximize your crypto security:
🔒 Never Share Your Recovery Phrase: No one — not even Ledger support — will ever ask for it.
🗃️ Use Metal Backups: Consider using a metal recovery phrase backup (like Cryptosteel) to protect against fire and water damage.
🌍 Beware of Phishing: Only interact with the official website (ledger.com) and Ledger Live app.
🧑💻 Verify URLs: Double-check URLs when entering your seed phrase for recovery. Fake websites mimic Ledger to steal your keys.
🚫 Don’t Reuse PINs or Phrases: Never reuse PINs or seed phrases from other wallets.
📦 Buy Only from Official Sources: Third-party sellers can’t be trusted if they’re not authorized.
Common Troubleshooting
Device Not Recognized?
- Try another USB cable or port.
- Restart Ledger Live.
- Make sure you’re using the official Ledger Live software.
Lost PIN Code?
- Reset your device and restore using your 24-word recovery phrase.
Lost Recovery Phrase?
- Unfortunately, there’s no way to recover your crypto. Always back it up securely.
Staying Up-to-Date
Ledger frequently publishes security tips and new guides. Subscribe to their official newsletter or visit their blog at ledger.com/blog.
Final Thoughts
Setting up your Ledger device with ledger.com/start is the smartest step towards protecting your crypto wealth. It gives you true self-custody, peace of mind, and robust defense against online threats.
💡 Remember: Not your keys, not your crypto. With your Ledger and 24-word recovery phrase safely backed up, you’re in complete control.