When it comes to protecting cryptocurrency, hardware wallets are considered the gold standard. Unlike software wallets or exchange-based wallets, hardware wallets give you complete control over your digital assets while keeping your private keys offline and away from hackers. Ledger.com/start is the official setup portal for all Ledger hardware wallets, including the popular Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Ledger.com/start, from unboxing your device to completing the setup, securing your recovery phrase, and making your first transaction. Whether you are a complete beginner or just switching from a software wallet, this guide will help you get started safely.
Ledger.com/start is the official onboarding page provided by Ledger, a leading cryptocurrency hardware wallet manufacturer based in France. This page serves as the gateway for:
Setting up a new Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or future models).
Downloading Ledger Live, the companion software for managing your coins.
Following step-by-step setup instructions directly from the manufacturer.
Ensuring you are not using fake or malicious software (since scammers often create fake download links).
By starting at Ledger.com/start, you ensure that you’re following the official, most secure process.
Before diving into setup, let’s understand why Ledger wallets are so popular among crypto investors:
Cold Storage Security – Your private keys are stored on the Ledger device itself and never leave it. This means even if your computer is hacked, your funds remain safe.
Ledger Live App – A simple interface that allows you to buy, sell, stake, and manage thousands of cryptocurrencies.
Recovery Phrase Protection – If you lose or break your device, you can recover your funds using your 24-word seed phrase.
Multi-Currency Support – Ledger supports 5,500+ coins and tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, Polygon, and stablecoins.
Bluetooth & Mobile Support – With the Ledger Nano X, you can connect to your smartphone wirelessly.
Regular Firmware Updates – Ledger continuously improves security and compatibility through updates.
For anyone serious about protecting crypto holdings, a Ledger wallet is a long-term security investment.
When you receive your Ledger wallet, make sure you purchased it directly from Ledger.com or an authorized reseller. This is critical to avoid tampered devices.
Inside the box, you should find:
Your Ledger Nano device (Nano S Plus or Nano X).
A USB cable (USB-C for most models).
Recovery phrase cards (to write down your 24-word seed phrase).
Instruction manuals and setup guides.
Keychain accessories (depending on the model).
⚠️ Important: If your device comes with a recovery phrase already filled in, do NOT use it. A genuine Ledger device will always generate a new recovery phrase during setup.
Plug in your Ledger device to your computer using the provided cable and then open your browser to Ledger.com/start.
From here, you will:
Choose your device (Nano S Plus or Nano X).
Download Ledger Live for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android.
Follow the instructions for initializing your device.
This ensures you’re following the official process rather than relying on random tutorials.
Ledger Live is the official companion software for your Ledger wallet. It allows you to:
Manage accounts for multiple cryptocurrencies.
Send and receive transactions.
Buy, sell, and swap crypto through integrated partners.
Stake coins like ETH, DOT, ATOM, and more to earn rewards.
Track your portfolio balance and transaction history.
During installation, you’ll be prompted to:
Create a password for the Ledger Live app.
Enable password lock for extra security.
Optionally enable Ledger Live Mobile if you want to sync your phone with your device.
Now, let’s set up your Ledger device itself:
Power on the device by holding the button.
Set a PIN code (4–8 digits). This protects your wallet if someone steals it.
Write down your recovery phrase (24 words) in exact order on the provided card.
⚠️ NEVER store your recovery phrase digitally (not on your phone, email, cloud, or computer). Write it on paper and store it in a secure place, like a safe.
Your recovery phrase is the only way to restore your funds if the device is lost or damaged.
After setting up your PIN and recovery phrase:
Connect your Ledger device to Ledger Live.
The app will verify whether your device is genuine by running a secure check.
Once verified, you can begin adding crypto accounts (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
Ledger Live allows you to add accounts for each cryptocurrency you want to store.
For example:
To store Bitcoin, add a Bitcoin account.
To store Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens, add an Ethereum account.
To store Solana, add a Solana account.
Once added, you can:
Receive funds by generating a deposit address.
Send funds by confirming transactions on your Ledger device.
View balances in real time.
Ledger frequently releases firmware updates to improve security. To update:
Open Ledger Live.
Go to My Ledger.
Follow the instructions to install the latest firmware.
You can also install crypto apps on your device (Bitcoin app, Ethereum app, etc.) depending on which coins you plan to use.
Aside from basic storage, Ledger Live offers:
Staking rewards (earn passive income).
Swap services (exchange one coin for another).
Buy crypto with debit/credit cards or bank transfers (through partners).
NFT management (Ethereum & Polygon NFTs).
Portfolio tracker (monitor your investments).
This makes Ledger more than just a wallet—it’s a complete crypto management solution.
Even though Ledger wallets are secure, your habits matter too. Follow these best practices:
Buy only from Ledger.com or official partners.
Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger will NEVER ask for it.
Beware of phishing websites and fake apps. Always double-check URLs.
Use a strong PIN. Don’t pick something easy like 1234.
Store your recovery phrase in a safe place. Consider a fireproof metal backup.
Enable password lock on Ledger Live.
Regularly update firmware for maximum protection.
Ledger not recognized? Try a different USB cable or port.
Device stuck on update? Restart Ledger Live and retry.
Forgot your PIN? Reset the device and restore it using your recovery phrase.
Lost Ledger device? No problem—just buy a new one and restore with your 24 words.
Many beginners fall victim to fake wallets or malicious software. Starting at Ledger.com/start ensures that:
You download Ledger Live only from the official source.
You follow the latest step-by-step instructions directly from Ledger.
You confirm your device is genuine and untampered.
This simple habit can prevent costly mistakes.
Setting up your Ledger device through Ledger.com/start is the safest and easiest way to begin your crypto security journey. By combining offline hardware security with the convenience of Ledger Live, you can store, manage, and grow your digital assets with confidence.
Whether you’re protecting a small portfolio or safeguarding millions in crypto, Ledger wallets provide peace of mind that your funds are truly under your control.