Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started – The Complete Guide

Introduction

Welcome to Ledger.com/Start®, the official onboarding portal for your Ledger® hardware wallet. Whether you're a first-time cryptocurrency user or a seasoned investor looking to upgrade your security, Ledger provides a seamless, secure, and intuitive way to manage your digital assets.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything from unboxing your Ledger device to securing your assets and getting started with Ledger Live®, the companion app used to manage your crypto. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Visit the Official Site – Ledger.com/Start

Before you begin, it’s critical to ensure you’re on the official website: www.ledger.com/start. This is the only legitimate source for setting up your Ledger device. Bookmark it for easy access and avoid third-party links, as there are many phishing attempts in the crypto space.

On this page, you’ll be guided through downloading the Ledger Live app, installing firmware, and setting up your device securely.

Step 2: What Comes in the Box?

Unbox your Ledger hardware wallet — you’ll typically receive:

  • Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X device
  • USB cable or USB-C cable
  • Getting Started leaflet
  • 3 Recovery phrase sheets
  • Ledger stickers

Important: Your device should come in a sealed package with no signs of tampering. Ledger devices are designed to be initialized by the user only. If your device arrives with a pre-written recovery phrase or used-looking packaging, do not use it.

Step 3: Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application used to:

  • Set up your device
  • Install crypto apps
  • Send and receive coins
  • Buy and sell crypto
  • Stake assets
  • Track your portfolio

Download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/Start. It’s available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Once installed, open the app and follow the setup instructions.

Step 4: Set Up Your Ledger Wallet

Connect your device to your computer or mobile device and begin the initialization process:

  1. Create a PIN Code – Choose a 4-8 digit PIN code to protect access to the device.
  2. Generate Your Recovery Phrase – The device will display 24 words. Write these down exactly as shown, in order.
  3. Confirm the Phrase – The device will ask you to verify the recovery words.
  4. Secure It – Store the phrase offline in a safe place. Never enter it on a computer, phone, or online form.

Warning: Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. If anyone does — it's a scam.

Step 5: Install Apps and Add Accounts

Now that your device is initialized, use Ledger Live to install crypto-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your Ledger device. Each app corresponds to a blockchain.

To manage your assets:

  • Open Ledger Live
  • Click "Accounts"
  • Add accounts for the coins you’ve installed

You can now send and receive cryptocurrencies securely.

Step 6: Use Features Like Buy, Swap, Stake, and Track

Ledger Live is not just a wallet manager — it's a complete crypto ecosystem. Through it, you can:

  • Buy crypto with fiat via third-party partners
  • Swap tokens directly (e.g., BTC to ETH)
  • Stake popular coins like ETH, DOT, and ATOM to earn rewards
  • Track portfolio performance over time

These features are designed to work seamlessly with your hardware wallet, ensuring private keys never leave the device.

Step 7: Keep Your Device and Ledger Live Updated

Ledger regularly releases firmware and app updates to fix bugs, improve functionality, and add security enhancements. Check for updates in Ledger Live under:

  • Settings > General > Check for updates
  • My Ledger > Firmware update

Updates are crucial for staying protected from evolving threats.

Tips for Staying Safe

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
  • Avoid unofficial Ledger apps and websites
  • Enable password lock in Ledger Live for extra protection
  • Use only genuine Ledger accessories

Ledger devices are some of the most secure ways to store crypto, but your habits play a huge role in your overall security posture.

Need Help?

If you encounter any issues, visit the Ledger Support Center. You’ll find FAQs, live chat, and guides for every step of the process. Ledger does not offer phone support, so beware of impersonators.

Conclusion

Getting started with your Ledger hardware wallet through Ledger.com/Start is your first step toward long-term crypto security. With Ledger, your private keys stay offline and under your control — where they belong. Combined with Ledger Live, it becomes a powerful tool to manage, grow, and protect your crypto investments.