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Ledger.com/Start — Getting Started | Official Ledger®
Welcome to the official Ledger.com/Start — Getting Started | Official Ledger® guide. If you’re new to Ledger devices and want a clear, step-by-step walkthrough, this article will help you understand everything you need to successfully set up your Ledger hardware wallet, connect it to the Ledger ecosystem, and begin managing your cryptocurrencies with confidence.
What Is Ledger.com/Start?
Ledger.com/Start — Getting Started | Official Ledger® is the official onboarding page provided by Ledger, the trusted leader in hardware wallets. This page is designed to help new users activate and configure their Ledger device — such as the Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X — for the first time. It provides access to essential setup tools like Ledger Live and guides that walk you through setup, security, recovery, and asset management.
Why You Should Use Ledger for Crypto Security
Before diving into the setup process, let’s quickly understand why Ledger hardware wallets are widely recommended:
Private Keys Stored Offline – Your private keys, which control your crypto assets, are stored in the device’s secure chip and never exposed to the internet.
Protection Against Hacks – By design, hardware wallets reduce the risk of malware or online attacks accessing your funds.
Support for Many Cryptocurrencies – Ledger supports thousands of tokens across Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many other networks.
Trusted by Millions Worldwide – Ledger is a market-leading brand trusted by crypto enthusiasts and professionals globally.
With that foundation, let’s begin setting up your Ledger device through Ledger.com/Start — Getting Started | Official Ledger®.
Step 1 — Unbox Your Ledger Device
When you receive your Ledger device, you should see the following components:
A Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.)
A USB cable
A recovery sheet
Setup instructions
⚠️ Important: Only set up your device using the official Ledger instructions. Ledger Support never asks for your recovery phrase.
Step 2 — Visit Ledger.com/Start
Open your computer or mobile device’s browser.
Go to Ledger.com/Start exactly as shown — this ensures you’re using the official site.
You will be guided to download Ledger Live — the secure companion app used to manage your assets.
🔐 Never enter your recovery phrase online or share it with anyone.
Step 3 — Install Ledger Live
Once on Ledger.com/Start — Getting Started | Official Ledger®:
Choose your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android).
Download and install Ledger Live.
Ledger Live is required to interact with your hardware wallet. It lets you:
Add and manage crypto accounts
Check balances and transaction history
Send and receive assets
Step 4 — Power On and Initialize Your Ledger Device
After installing Ledger Live:
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or phone.
Turn it on and follow on-screen instructions.
Choose between:
Set up as new device
Restore device from recovery phrase
If this is your first Ledger, choose Set up as new device.
Step 5 — Create a PIN Code
During setup, you’ll be prompted to choose a PIN code. This code is essential:
It unlocks your Ledger device each time you use it.
Choose a code you can remember — never write it on your recovery sheet.
Do NOT share it with anyone.
Step 6 — Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
This step is critical:
Your Ledger device generates a 24-word recovery phrase.
This phrase is the backup of your wallet.
Write it on the recovery sheet provided.
⚠️ Never save your recovery phrase digitally (photos, text files, cloud storage). ⚠️ Never share it with anyone. Anyone with your recovery phrase can access your crypto.
Ledger will ask you to verify some words to ensure you wrote them correctly.
Step 7 — Connect Ledger Live to Your Device
In Ledger Live, choose Add a device.
Select your Ledger model (e.g., Nano S Plus or Nano X).
Follow prompts to connect and allow Ledger Live to communicate with your device.
Updates may be installed — keep your device connected until it’s done.
Step 8 — Add Crypto Accounts in Ledger Live
Once connected, you can add accounts:
Open Ledger Live.
Navigate to Accounts → Add account.
Choose your cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
Ledger Live scans the blockchain and loads your account.
You can add multiple assets and see everything in one place.
Step 9 — Receive Crypto to Your Ledger Wallet
To receive funds:
In Ledger Live, click Receive.
Choose the account (e.g., Bitcoin).
Your Ledger device displays a wallet address.
Confirm the address on the device screen.
Share this address with the sender.
Always verify the address on your device — screen spoofing malware cannot manipulate a hardware wallet’s display.
Step 10 — Send Crypto Securely
To send crypto:
In Ledger Live, click Send.
Enter the recipient address and amount.
Confirm details in Ledger Live.
Verify and approve the transaction on your Ledger device.
Transactions are never signed without your physical confirmation on the hardware wallet.
Best Security Practices
Maintaining crypto security goes beyond setup:
Keep it offline, in a safe place.
Consider multiple copies stored securely.
Ledger Support will never ask for your recovery phrase or PIN.
Phishing sites often use URLs similar to “ledger-secure.com” — always check the address.
Regularly update:
Ledger firmware (via Ledger Live)
Ledger Live application
These updates improve security and add support for new assets.
Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues Device Not Recognized
Ensure the USB cable is fully connected.
Try a different USB port.
Restart Ledger Live.
Firmware/Update Errors
Make sure your Ledger device has enough battery (for Nano X).
Retry updates through Ledger Live.
Incomplete Sync
Check internet connection.
Allow Ledger Live to complete blockchain sync for each account.
Using Ledger with Third-Party Apps
Once your wallet is set up through Ledger.com/Start — Getting Started | Official Ledger®, you can connect to trusted applications like:
Decentralized exchanges (DEXes like Uniswap)
NFT marketplaces
Web3 wallets (MetaMask with Ledger hardware for secure signing)
Always verify the application’s legitimacy before connecting.
Advanced Features Worth Exploring
As you grow more comfortable, explore:
Staking Assets
Some networks (e.g., Tezos, Cosmos) allow you to earn rewards.
Multi-Asset Support
Manage tokens across many blockchains, directly in Ledger Live or connected apps.
Portfolio Tracking
Ledger Live lets you view overall portfolio performance over time.
Recovering Your Wallet (If Needed)
If your device is lost or damaged:
Get a new Ledger device.
On first setup, choose Restore device from recovery phrase.
Enter your 24 words in the correct order.
Your accounts and balances are restored — this is why keeping the phrase safe is essential.
Conclusion — Start Your Crypto Journey Securely
Ledger.com/Start — Getting Started | Official Ledger® is your gateway to securing and managing your crypto. By following the steps above, you ensure:
Your private keys stay secure offline.
You learn best practices early.
You can confidently send, receive, and store digital assets.
Remember: crypto security starts with good habits — protect your PIN and recovery phrase, update regularly, and always verify addresses on your Ledger device.
Welcome to secure self-custody!