Introduction to Ledger.com/start

Ledger.com/start is the official and only recommended gateway to set up your Ledger hardware wallet safely and securely. Whether you have purchased the Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Stax, this setup page ensures that your device is initialized correctly and that you are using the official Ledger Live software to manage your digital assets. This process protects your funds by guiding you through a secure, offline key generation, wallet backup, and portfolio management experience.

Setting Up Your Ledger Device for the First Time

After unboxing your Ledger hardware wallet, go to Ledger.com/start on your browser to begin the setup process. You will be guided to download and install Ledger Live, the official application that interacts with your device. Once installed, open the app and connect your Ledger device to your computer using the supplied USB cable.

Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device as a new wallet or restore an existing one. If this is your first time using a Ledger wallet, choose to initialize a new wallet. Your device will then generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is your only backup and must be written down and stored securely offline. Never take a photo of it or store it digitally.

Securing Your Wallet With a PIN Code

As part of the setup at Ledger.com/start, you will be prompted to create a PIN code. This PIN is required every time you want to access your wallet. You will enter it directly on the Ledger device using its physical buttons. This added layer of protection helps prevent unauthorized access in case your device is lost or stolen.

It is essential to choose a secure and memorable PIN, but never share it with anyone. After confirming your PIN and recording your recovery phrase, your Ledger device is initialized and ready to use.

Installing Ledger Live and Adding Crypto Accounts

Ledger Live is the companion software that lets you interact with your wallet securely. Once you complete the setup at Ledger.com/start, the Ledger Live interface becomes your central hub for managing your crypto portfolio. Within Ledger Live, you can install apps for different cryptocurrencies on your device, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many others.

You can then add accounts to your Ledger Live dashboard, each representing a wallet for a specific asset. These accounts let you generate addresses to receive crypto, track your balances, and send transactions—all of which must be confirmed on your Ledger device.

Sending, Receiving, and Swapping Crypto Securely

With Ledger Live and your Ledger device fully set up, you can begin transacting with full confidence. To receive crypto, select the appropriate account, generate a receiving address, and verify it directly on your Ledger device. This ensures the address hasn’t been tampered with.

To send crypto, input the recipient’s address, amount, and network fee in Ledger Live. The app will prompt you to confirm the transaction on your hardware wallet. No transaction is ever approved unless you physically authorize it on the device, keeping your funds secure from remote attacks.

Ledger Live also supports crypto swaps and integrations with third-party services for buying, selling, and staking assets—all secured by your Ledger hardware wallet.

Staying Updated and Protected

Ledger regularly releases firmware updates for its hardware devices to improve performance and strengthen security. Ledger Live will notify you when an update is available. Always install updates directly through the official app and only when prompted. Updates require device confirmation and may also include updates to installed coin apps.

You should also routinely back up your recovery phrase by verifying that it is safely stored and accessible to you, and only you. Never share it with anyone or enter it into any website, app, or form—doing so will result in permanent loss of funds.

Disclaimer and Security Warning

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your wallet. Ledger does not store or have access to this phrase. If you lose it, you will lose access to your assets permanently. Ledger will never ask you for your recovery phrase, and any request for it—whether by email, website, or support—is a scam. Only use Ledger.com and Ledger Live to interact with your wallet.

Conclusion

Ledger.com/start is the essential first step in securely setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. By following the official instructions, protecting your recovery phrase, and using Ledger Live for all transactions, you are taking full control of your digital assets. Ledger’s hardware-first approach ensures the highest level of security in the cryptocurrency space, giving you confidence and peace of mind as you manage your investments.