Welcome to Ledger.com/Start
Ledger.com/Start is your trusted and official entry point to setting up, securing, and managing your Ledger hardware wallet and digital assets. Whether this is your first time in the crypto world, or you’re already experienced, we ensure your journey begins on a strong foundation of security and clarity.
On this page, you’ll find step‑by‑step instructions to initialize your device, download Ledger Live, protect your recovery phrase, and begin managing your crypto portfolio safely. From here, you unlock access to over 5,000 supported coins and tokens, staking, NFTs, and Web3 integrations — all while maintaining full control of your private keys.
Why Begin at Ledger.com/Start?
- Official & Secure: Ledger.com/Start is the only verified setup portal. Avoid third‑party links or phony landing pages that might attempt phishing or malware distribution.
- Step‑by‑Step Guidance: Clear instructions tailored for your Ledger model (Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax, etc.), ensuring no steps are overlooked.
- Download Trusted Software: You’ll get Ledger Live from the authoritative source, preventing you from installing spoofed or malicious versions.
- Security & Education: You’ll get built‑in warnings and best practices about how to handle your recovery phrase, firmware updates, and safe usage.
- Access Everything Safely: Once setup is done, you can manage, send, stake, swap, and explore Web3 with confidence, knowing your keys remain offline and secure.
Step‑by‑Step Setup Guide
- Unbox and Inspect: Ensure your Ledger device arrives in sealed, tamper‑evident packaging. It should include the device, USB cable, recovery sheets, and instruction materials.
- Select Your Device: Choose your Ledger model (e.g. Nano S Plus, Nano X) on the start page so that the instructions you see match your hardware.
- Download & Install Ledger Live: Use the official link provided on Ledger.com/Start to download Ledger Live. Install it on your desktop or mobile — follow prompts and allow needed permissions.
- Initialize Your Device: In Ledger Live, choose “Set up as new device” (or restore from recovery if migrating). On the device screen, set your PIN code (4–8 digits), then write down your 24‑word recovery phrase exactly in order on the provided recovery sheet.
- Confirm Your Recovery Phrase: The device will ask you to verify the phrase by selecting words in the correct order. This ensures your phrase is correctly backed up.
- Install Crypto Apps: In Ledger Live, you’ll be able to install the individual apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) onto your ledger hardware. Each app enables management of that specific asset.
- Add Accounts & Manage Assets: Use Ledger Live to add accounts for the cryptocurrencies you want. Then you can send, receive, swap, stake, and view balances — always authorizing critical actions on the hardware device itself.
Features & Capabilities After Setup
- Multi‑Asset Support: Manage 5,000+ coins and tokens across popular blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
- Secure Transaction Signing: Every transaction must be confirmed on your Ledger device screen; private keys never touch your computer or phone.
- Buy, Swap & Stake: Integrated partners allow buying crypto, exchanging assets, and staking eligible tokens — all while retaining custody.
- Portfolio View & Analytics: Track your holdings, gains/losses, and market trends from a unified dashboard.
- NFT & Web3 Integration: View and interact with your NFTs, participate in decentralized apps (dApps), and connect to Web3 seamlessly.
- Firmware & Security Management: Ledger Live helps you update your device’s firmware, manage passphrase settings, and verify device authenticity.
- Open Source & Auditable: Ledger’s software is open source and audited — giving transparency and trust in its architecture.
Security Best Practices & Warnings
- Never share your recovery phrase: No one, including Ledger support, will ever ask for your 24‑word phrase. Anyone with that phrase can control your assets.
- Store recovery phrase offline: Use physical backups — paper, metal plates, or other offline durable media. Do not store it digitally (screenshots, text files, cloud).
- Verify download URLs: Always ensure you are on
ledger.com/startbefore downloading Ledger Live to avoid phishing sites. - Buy only from trusted sources: Only purchase Ledger devices from ledger.com or authorized resellers to avoid counterfeit units.
- Keep firmware and apps updated: Ledger periodically issues updates to patch security vulnerabilities and support new coins. Always update via Ledger Live.
- Check your transaction on device screen: Before confirming any transaction, verify the destination address, amount, and fees shown on the device display match your intention.
- Use a strong PIN & passphrase (optional): The PIN protects against physical access; a passphrase adds an extra hidden wallet layer (but losing it means losing funds).
- Avoid phishing attempts: Don’t click unsolicited emails or links claiming issues with your wallet. Always go to ledger.com/start manually.
> “The Ledger subreddit is continuously targeted by scammers. Ledger Support will never send you private messages. Never share your 24‑word recovery phrase with anyone, never enter it on any website or software…” :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Common Setup Issues & Fixes
- Device not recognized: Try a different USB port or cable. Use a data‑capable cable (not just charging). Restart your computer and reconnect.
- Firmware update fails: Check that your device battery (if applicable) is sufficient. Try on another computer. Make sure you use the version of Ledger Live from the official site.
- Phantom or duplicate download links: Some phishing pages mimic official pages. Always verify the domain before downloading software.
- Loss of device: Use your 24‑word recovery phrase to restore your wallet onto a new Ledger or compatible wallet — never share your phrase with anyone.
- Stuck in initialization: Quit and restart Ledger Live, reconnect device, and ensure firmware is up to date.
Begin with Confidence at Ledger.com/Start
Your crypto security journey begins here. Starting at Ledger.com/Start ensures that from day one, you’re following a verified, secure process — avoiding spoofed pages, malicious downloads, or configuration mistakes.
From unboxing your device to managing your diverse crypto portfolio, Ledger’s ecosystem lets you do more while retaining full control of your private keys. Whether you're buying, staking, trading, or interacting with Web3, Ledger gives you peace of mind.
Always maintain vigilance: update firmware, safeguard your recovery phrase, and double-check all operations on your device screen. In the decentralized world, you become your own bank — but with the right practices, you’ll stay the safest one.