ledger.com/start: your complete beginner guide to setting up a ledger hardware wallet
cryptocurrency security is more important today than ever before. with online threats increasing and exchanges getting hacked, keeping your digital assets safe has become a priority. this is where ledger hardware wallets come in. they offer powerful offline protection for your crypto, and ledger.com/start is the official gateway to set them up securely. this guide explains everything in simple, beginner-friendly language so you can start using your ledger wallet with confidence.
what is ledger.com/start?
ledger.com/start is the official setup portal designed for new ledger users. it provides clear instructions to help you:
unbox and initialize your ledger device
install and use ledger live
create or restore your crypto wallet
save and secure your 24-word recovery phrase
add and manage crypto accounts
send, receive, and store digital assets safely
because there are many fake websites and phishing attacks in the crypto world, always use only the official setup page ledger.com/start.
why ledger devices are trusted for crypto security
ledger hardware wallets, such as the ledger nano s plus, ledger nano x, and ledger stax, are popular because they provide some of the strongest security in the industry.
1. your keys stay offline
your private keys never leave your device. this means hackers cannot access them online.
2. built-in secure element chip
ledger wallets use a banking-grade secure chip that protects your information from tampering.
3. supports thousands of cryptocurrencies
ledger supports bitcoin, ethereum, solana, litecoin, polygon, bnb, avalanche, ripple, and thousands of tokens.
4. full control of your assets
you—not an exchange—control your crypto. you're the only one who has access to your recovery phrase.
step-by-step guide to setting up your ledger using ledger.com/start
setting up your device is easy when you follow the official instructions. below is a simple step-by-step guide.
step 1: go to the official setup page
open any browser and visit ledger.com/start.
double-check the spelling to avoid fake websites.
the page will ask you to choose your ledger device model. select the one you purchased.
step 2: unbox your ledger wallet
your new ledger package usually includes:
your ledger hardware wallet
usb cable
instructions
recovery phrase sheets
optional stickers
make sure your box is sealed and looks original. if something looks off, contact ledger support before using the device.
step 3: download and install ledger live
ledger live is the official app used to manage your ledger wallet and crypto assets. it is available for:
windows
mac
linux
ios
android
on the ledger.com/start page, click the download link for your device. once installed:
open ledger live
choose “get started”
select your device model
ledger live will walk you through the rest of the setup.
step 4: set up your device for the first time
connect your ledger device to your computer using the cable provided (or use bluetooth for nano x).
on the device, choose:
“set up as new device”
you will now be asked to create a pin code. choose a secure pin—one that you can remember but others won’t guess.
step 5: write down your 24-word recovery phrase
this is the most important part of wallet setup.
your ledger will generate a 24-word recovery phrase, also called a seed phrase. write all words down on the provided card.
very important rules:
never take a photo of your recovery phrase
never store it in cloud storage, email, or notes
never type it into any website
never share it with anyone
ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase
if you lose your device, this phrase is the only way to restore your wallet.
ledger live will ask you to confirm the words to make sure you wrote them correctly.
step 6: verify your device
ledger live performs an automatic check to confirm that your ledger device is genuine and secure. this protects you from fake or altered devices.
after verification, your ledger is ready to use.
step 7: install crypto apps on your device
each cryptocurrency requires a small "app" installed on your ledger.
in ledger live:
go to my ledger
open app catalog
install the apps you need (bitcoin, ethereum, solana, bnb, polygon, etc.)
you can install multiple apps depending on your storage capacity.
step 8: add crypto accounts in ledger live
before you can send or receive crypto, you must create accounts for each coin.
to add an account:
open ledger live
click accounts
choose add account
select your cryptocurrency
connect your ledger device
this allows you to view balances and manage funds safely.
step 9: receive crypto into your ledger wallet
to receive crypto:
open ledger live
click receive
select your coin
verify the address on your ledger device
always confirm that the address shown on your computer matches the one displayed on your hardware wallet. this protects you from malware or redirects.
after confirming, copy the address and send crypto from an exchange or another wallet.
step 10: send crypto securely
sending crypto from your ledger wallet is also simple:
click send
paste the recipient address
enter the amount
connect your ledger device
verify and confirm the transaction on your device
never confirm a transaction unless the address on your device screen matches the one you entered.
important security practices for ledger users
staying safe with your ledger is not difficult when you follow best practices.
1. keep your recovery phrase private
this is the most critical rule. anyone with your 24 words can access your crypto.
2. always use the official app
download ledger live only from the official website: ledger.com/start.
3. don’t fall for phishing scams
ledger never sends messages asking for recovery phrases.
4. update firmware regularly
ledger updates improve security and device performance.
5. protect your pin code
keep your device locked when not in use and avoid simple pins like “1234.”
common issues and troubleshooting
even though ledger is easy to use, you may face some small issues. here are quick solutions:
1. device not connecting
try reconnecting the device
change your usb cable or port
update ledger live
2. forgotten pin
reset the device and restore it using your 24-word recovery phrase.
3. insufficient storage for apps
uninstall apps you’re not using (this does not delete your crypto).
why you should always use ledger.com/start
there are many tutorials online, but only the official ledger setup page guarantees:
the latest instructions
safe download links
correct device verification steps
complete setup guidance
protection against phishing or fake software
starting with the official page keeps your crypto safe from the beginning.
final thoughts
ledger hardware wallets are one of the safest ways to store cryptocurrency. by using ledger.com/start, you ensure that your device is set up properly, your recovery phrase is secured, and your crypto assets are protected from online threats.
whether you're a beginner or a long-time crypto user, the combination of ledger hardware security, ledger live, and official setup instructions provides powerful and reliable protection for your digital assets.