ledger.com/start

If you’ve purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Stax, the very first step in securing your crypto is to visit the official setup page: ledger.com/start. This is where Ledger provides safe, verified instructions for downloading Ledger Live, initializing your device, generating your recovery phrase, and learning the essential safety rules for managing crypto securely.

Below is a clear, beginner-friendly, 1200-word guide explaining everything you need to know about ledger.com/start and how to complete your wallet setup confidently and safely.

what is ledger.com/start?

ledger.com/start is Ledger’s official onboarding page designed to guide new users through the secure setup of their hardware wallet. It helps you:

  • download the real Ledger Live software

  • initialize your Ledger device

  • generate your 24-word recovery phrase

  • install blockchain apps

  • add crypto accounts

  • learn best practices for storing your seed phrase

  • avoid scams and fake firmware

Instead of searching the internet and risking malicious websites, ledger.com/start ensures you always follow the correct and safe setup path.

why you should use only ledger.com/start

Crypto scams often impersonate Ledger or disguise malware as “Ledger Live.” Using anything other than ledger.com/start can be dangerous. This page protects you by:

  • providing verified download links

  • preventing fake firmware installation

  • teaching recovery phrase safety

  • showing official step-by-step instructions

  • helping beginners avoid phishing or fake apps

Ledger recommends that every customer begin their journey only through ledger.com/start for maximum security.

verify your Ledger device before starting

When you unbox your Ledger, check that everything inside looks correct. You should find:

  • your Ledger hardware wallet

  • a USB cable

  • blank recovery phrase sheets

  • documentation or quick-start guides

  • optional stickers

Important note:
Ledger never includes a printed recovery phrase inside the package.
If yours comes with a pre-filled seed phrase, someone has tampered with it. You should not use that device under any circumstances.

step 1: visit ledger.com/start

Open your browser and go directly to:
ledger.com/start

You’ll see device options such as:

  • ledger nano s plus

  • ledger nano x

  • ledger stax

Select your model to load detailed setup instructions created specifically for your device.

step 2: download and install ledger live

ledger live is Ledger’s official management software. It is required for:

  • setting up your wallet

  • installing blockchain apps

  • creating crypto accounts

  • sending and receiving coins

  • viewing your portfolio

  • staking supported assets

  • performing firmware updates

  • connecting to Web3 sites

Downloading ledger live anywhere else can be dangerous. Always use the link provided at ledger.com/start.

ledger live is available for:

  • windows

  • mac

  • linux

  • ios

  • android

For nano x and stax, you can also connect via bluetooth on mobile devices.

step 3: initialize your Ledger as a new device

Once ledger live is installed:

  1. open the app

  2. click “get started”

  3. choose your Ledger model

  4. select “initialize as new device”

Ledger live will guide you visually, but the most important actions happen on the hardware wallet itself.

step 4: set up your pin code

Your pin code protects your Ledger device from unauthorized access. You’ll choose a pin during the setup process.

Good pin practices:

  • avoid obvious numbers

  • don’t reuse your phone pin

  • keep it private

  • memorize it rather than storing it insecurely

If someone enters the wrong pin too many times, the device resets automatically. You can always restore it using your recovery phrase.

step 5: generate your 24-word recovery phrase

This is the most important step of the entire setup.

Your Ledger device will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the master key to your wallet.

You must:

  • write down all 24 words in order

  • double-check spelling

  • never take a photo or screenshot

  • never save the words on your phone or computer

  • never upload them to cloud storage

  • never share them with anyone

Ledger cannot recover your funds if you lose your recovery phrase.
Anyone who knows your phrase can control your wallet.

step 6: confirm your recovery phrase

After writing your 24 words, your Ledger will ask you to confirm them. This ensures you copied everything correctly.

Only after confirming the phrase is your wallet officially created.

step 7: install crypto apps on your Ledger

Each blockchain requires its own app. You install these apps through ledger live.

To install apps:

  1. open “my ledger” in ledger live

  2. connect and unlock your device

  3. approve the connection on the Ledger

  4. install the apps you need (bitcoin, ethereum, solana, etc.)

Ledger supports thousands of cryptocurrencies across many networks. You only need to install apps for the coins you plan to use.

step 8: add accounts inside ledger live

Installing an app is not enough—you must also add accounts to manage crypto.

To add an account:

  1. go to “accounts”

  2. click “add account”

  3. choose the cryptocurrency

  4. verify with your Ledger

  5. ledger live will create the account automatically

Each account will generate its own receiving address.

step 9: receive crypto safely

To receive coins into your Ledger:

  1. click “receive”

  2. select the account

  3. connect your Ledger

  4. verify the receiving address on both ledger live and your device screen

  5. approve only if they match

Always check the address on your Ledger device, not just your computer.
This protects you from malware that could change your address.

step 10: send crypto safely

To send crypto:

  1. click “send”

  2. enter the destination address

  3. enter the amount

  4. review the details

  5. physically confirm the transaction on your Ledger

Your private keys never leave the device.
All signing is done securely inside the hardware wallet.

ledger security best practices for 2025

Below are the essential rules every Ledger user should follow.

do this:

  • store your recovery phrase offline

  • keep backups in secure places

  • bookmark ledger.com/start

  • update firmware when available

  • verify addresses on the device screen

  • stay alert for phishing

never do this:

  • never enter your seed phrase online

  • never share your 24 words

  • never store your seed phrase digitally

  • never download ledger live from unofficial sources

  • never buy second-hand Ledgers

  • never give your phrase to support teams

Sticking to these rules ensures long-term crypto safety.

troubleshooting help at ledger.com/start

ledger.com/start also provides:

  • device connection fixes

  • firmware update guides

  • bluetooth troubleshooting

  • recovery phrase restore instructions

  • app installation support

  • ledger live help articles

If issues continue, the page links directly to Ledger’s official support resources.

final thoughts

ledger.com/start is the safest and most reliable place to begin setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. It provides trusted instructions, real download links, and all the tools you need to create your wallet, secure your recovery phrase, install crypto apps, and manage your digital assets confidently.

By following the steps carefully—especially protecting your 24-word recovery phrase—you gain long-term, professional-grade security for your crypto.

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