Ledger Start® | Get Started with Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet is the most important step toward protecting your cryptocurrency from online threats, hacks, and unauthorized access. Ledger has become one of the world’s most trusted names in digital asset security, and with Ledger Start® and the setup flow available through ledger live, getting started is easier than ever. Whether you're using ledger live desktop or accessing the onboarding instructions from ledger.com/start, this guide will walk you through every step clearly and simply.
Ledger hardware wallets—including the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X—are designed to ensure that your crypto stays safe, offline, and under your control. But to unlock their full potential, you must follow the correct setup procedure. This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to begin, what to expect, and how to ensure everything is done correctly.
What Is Ledger Start®?
Ledger Start® is the secure onboarding process created by Ledger to help new users set up their hardware wallet properly. When you unbox your device, you will be guided to the official setup page through ledger.com/start, ensuring that you’re using authentic instructions and downloading legitimate software—most importantly, the official ledger live application.
Using Ledger Start® protects users from fake websites, counterfeit software, and phishing schemes. It ensures that you only interact with verified Ledger tools, including ledger live desktop for managing your assets.
Why Use ledger.com/start to Begin Setup?
When setting up a crypto wallet, security is everything. ledger.com/start is the only official, verified, and secure URL for initializing and configuring a Ledger device. Using this link ensures:
You download the official version of ledger live
You follow genuine instructions provided directly by Ledger
You avoid phishing links that imitate the Ledger brand
You receive up-to-date guidance based on your wallet model
Never search for random downloads on the internet. Always manually enter or click only the official link: ledger.com/start.
Step-by-Step Guide: Getting Started with Ledger Start®
1. Unbox Your Ledger Device
Your Ledger Nano device package should include:
Your Ledger hardware wallet
A USB cable
Recovery phrase sheets
A “Did You Know?” or onboarding card pointing you to ledger.com/start
Ensure your packaging is sealed and untampered. Ledger devices should never come with a pre-written recovery phrase—this is a major red flag.
2. Go to ledger.com/start
Open your browser and enter the official URL:
➡️ ledger.com/start
This brings you to the Ledger Start® onboarding portal. From here, you can choose your device model and follow step-by-step instructions tailored to your product.
The page also links to the latest secure download of ledger live.
3. Install Ledger Live
Next, download ledger live, the official application for managing your Ledger hardware wallet and crypto portfolio.
Ledger Live is available for:
ledger live desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Ledger Live Mobile (iOS & Android)
The Ledger Start® portal ensures that you download the legitimate version. Never install ledger live from unofficial sites.
4. Connect Your Ledger Device
Once ledger live desktop or mobile is installed:
Open the app
Select “Get Started”
Choose your device model
Connect your Ledger wallet to your computer or phone
Follow the on-screen instructions
Ledger Live will help you initialize the device and complete the setup safely.
5. Create a New Wallet and Generate Your Recovery Phrase
Your Ledger device will guide you through creating a new wallet. During this step, your 24-word recovery phrase (also known as the seed phrase) will be generated on the device.
Important Notes:
Write down your words on the recovery sheets provided
Do NOT store them digitally
Never share your recovery phrase with anyone
Ledger will never ask for your 24-word phrase
This recovery phrase is the ultimate key to your crypto. Anyone who has it can control your assets.
6. Set Up a Secure PIN
Ledger devices require a PIN code to prevent unauthorized access. Choose a PIN that is strong and unique. If someone tries too many incorrect PIN guesses, the device will wipe itself to protect your assets.
7. Verify Your Recovery Phrase with Ledger Live
Ledger Live will prompt you to verify your 24-word recovery phrase to ensure it matches what you wrote down. This is a crucial security step.
8. Install Coin Apps and Add Accounts
Once your device setup is complete:
Open ledger live desktop
Go to the “My Ledger” tab
Install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage (BTC, ETH, LTC, etc.)
Add accounts for each asset
Ledger Live acts as your secure interface for sending, receiving, and viewing your crypto.
How Ledger Live Helps You Manage Your Crypto
Portfolio Tracking
Ledger Live gives you a complete overview of your portfolio:
Current value
Performance charts
Asset allocation
And it supports thousands of coins and tokens.
Secure Transactions
Every transaction you make in ledger live must be physically confirmed on your Ledger device. This prevents remote hacking.
Buy, Sell, Swap & Stake
Ledger Live integrates multiple services so you can:
Buy crypto
Swap between coins
Stake assets like ETH, DOT, ATOM, SOL, and more
Earn rewards securely
All while keeping your crypto offline in your Ledger hardware wallet.
Using ledger live desktop vs. Mobile App
ledger live desktop
Best for:
High-volume transactions
Multi-asset portfolio management
NFT support
Advanced trading integrations
Ledger Live Mobile
Great for:
On-the-go portfolio monitoring
Quick sends and receives
Bluetooth pairing with Ledger Nano X
Both versions sync seamlessly with your Ledger device.
Security Tips When Using Ledger Start® and Ledger Live
Always access ledger.com/start manually.
Only download ledger live from the official Ledger website.
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase—not even with Ledger Support.
Enable a strong PIN.
Keep your device firmware updated through Ledger Live.
Store your recovery phrase offline in multiple safe locations.
Your Ledger hardware wallet already provides industry-leading security, but following these practices ensures maximum protection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is ledger.com/start used for?
It’s the official Ledger setup portal where new users begin onboarding and download ledger live.
2. Is ledger live safe?
Yes—Ledger Live is the official application developed by Ledger. Always download it from ledger.com/start to avoid fake versions.
3. Can I use Ledger without ledger live?
No. Ledger Live is required for setup, firmware updates, and managing your crypto accounts.
4. What’s the difference between ledger live desktop and mobile?
The desktop version supports advanced features like full NFT management and deeper portfolio tracking; mobile is ideal for quick access.
5. What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
Your crypto is still safe as long as you have your 24-word recovery phrase. Restore your wallet on a new Ledger device using the phrase.
6. Can someone hack my Ledger if they know my PIN?
If they know the PIN and have physical access to the device, they could access your wallet. That’s why a strong PIN matters.
7. Does Ledger store my recovery phrase?
No—Ledger devices generate and store your recovery phrase offline and never send it online.
Final Thought
Getting started with Ledger Start® is the most secure and reliable way to create a truly safe crypto environment. Whether you're using ledger live, ledger live desktop, or following the instructions from ledger.com/start, each step is designed to ensure maximum protection for your digital assets.
Ledger gives you full control of your crypto with offline, hardware-level security. By following official setup procedures and practicing good security habits, you create an impenetrable foundation for managing your crypto portfolio now and in the future.