Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started with Ledger Wallet
A Complete, Web-Ready Guide to Setting Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Securing your cryptocurrency is more important today than ever before. With online threats, phishing scams, and increasing digital vulnerabilities, relying solely on software wallets or exchanges can put your assets at risk. Ledger® hardware wallets (Nano S Plus, Nano X, and the latest Ledger Stax) provide industry-leading protection using offline, tamper-resistant technology. If you’ve just purchased your Ledger device, Ledger.com/Start® is the official, trusted pathway to begin your setup process safely.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know—step-by-step—so you can confidently begin your crypto journey with maximum protection. Let’s get started. ✦
★ 1. Understanding Ledger Hardware Wallets
At its core, a Ledger Wallet is a hardware-based security device that stores your private keys offline. This means your crypto assets are protected even if your computer or phone becomes compromised.
Key benefits of Ledger wallets include:
✔ Offline (cold) storage for private keys
✔ Secure Element (SE) chip technology (similar to passport and credit-card security)
✔ Backup & recovery through a 24-word recovery phrase
✔ Support for 5,500+ cryptocurrencies
✔ Integration with Ledger Live® for asset management
Your Ledger device is not just a wallet—it's a personal vault designed to give you full control over your digital wealth.
✦ 2. Before You Begin: What You Need
Before going to Ledger.com/Start®, gather the following:
➤ Your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax)
➤ USB cable or Bluetooth-enabled smartphone (Nano X / Stax)
➤ A safe place to store your 24-word Recovery Phrase
➤ A computer or smartphone with internet access
｡☆ Important: Never take photos, screenshots, or digital copies of your Recovery Phrase. Keep it offline at all times.
★ 3. Visit Ledger.com/Start® (The Only Official Start Page!)
When setting up a Ledger wallet, always use the official URL:
This page ensures that you:
✔ Avoid fake websites
✔ Download the authentic Ledger Live® application
✔ Follow secure, step-by-step instructions
At Ledger.com/Start®, simply select your wallet model and begin the guided setup process.
✦ 4. Download & Install Ledger Live®
Ledger Live® is the all-in-one management platform for your Ledger device. It allows you to purchase, send, receive, stake, and manage crypto safely.
Steps to follow:
Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android).
Download Ledger Live® from the official site.
Install and open the application.
Choose “Set up a new device” when prompted.
Ledger Live® also includes authenticity checks and firmware updates to ensure your device remains secure.
★ 5. Set Up Your Device: PIN Code + Recovery Phrase
Once Ledger Live® recognizes your device, follow these core setup steps:
✔ Create a Secure PIN Code
Your device will ask you to set a PIN (usually 4–8 digits).
Do NOT reuse an existing PIN from another account or device.
Write it down and store it securely—if you forget it, you must reset the device and restore it using your Recovery Phrase.
✔ Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
Your Ledger device will generate a unique 24-word Recovery Phrase.
This phrase is the master key to your assets.
✘ Never store it digitally
✘ Never share it with anyone
✔ Keep it in a safe, physical location
✔ Consider using a fireproof metal backup (e.g., Ledger Cryptosteel Capsule)
If your device is ever lost, damaged, or replaced, you will use this phrase to recover all your assets.
✦ 6. Verify Your Recovery Phrase
Ledger will ask you to confirm the 24-word phrase in the correct order.
This step ensures you wrote it down correctly.
⚠ Critical Warning:
Ledger employees will NEVER ask for your recovery phrase.
If anyone online asks for it, it's 100% a scam.
★ 7. Install Crypto Apps on Your Ledger Wallet
Each cryptocurrency requires a specific app installed on your hardware wallet.
➤ How to add apps:
Open Ledger Live®
Go to “My Ledger”
Connect and unlock your device
Install the app(s) you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, etc.)
Your Ledger device can store multiple crypto apps at once depending on model and memory.
✦ 8. Add Accounts in Ledger Live®
Crypto “accounts” help you track and manage balances.
Steps:
Go to Accounts → Add Account
Select the cryptocurrency
Open the corresponding app on your device
Let Ledger Live scan the blockchain
Your account will appear with real-time balances
Accounts allow you to send, receive, stake, and grow your portfolio securely.
★ 9. Receive Crypto Safely
To receive crypto:
Choose an account in Ledger Live®
Click Receive
Verify the wallet address on:
Ledger Live® (your screen)
AND your physical Ledger device
✔ Only send funds after both addresses match.
This prevents man-in-the-middle attacks or malware from altering addresses.
✦ 10. Send Crypto with Peace of Mind
Sending works similarly:
Select Send
Enter the recipient’s address
Confirm network fees
Approve the transaction on your Ledger device
The physical confirmation protects you even if your computer is compromised.
★ 11. Staking, Swapping, and Buying Crypto
Ledger Live® integrates several powerful features:
✔ Staking (ETH, SOL, DOT, ADA, ATOM, etc.)
✔ Swapping through partners
✔ Buying crypto from verified providers
✔ NFT management (Ethereum & Polygon)
All actions remain fully secured by your device.
✦ 12. Keep Your Device & Ledger Live Updated
Updates ensure:
Latest security patches
New cryptocurrency support
Improved performance
Whenever prompted:
➤ Update Ledger Live® first
➤ Then update your device firmware
Always confirm you’re using the official Ledger website or app.
★ Conclusion
Setting up your Ledger Wallet through Ledger.com/Start® is the safest and most reliable way to begin your crypto journey. With its Secure Element chip, offline storage, and powerful Ledger Live® management ecosystem, Ledger empowers you to take full control of your digital wealth—securely, confidently, and independently.
By following these instructions—protecting your PIN, safeguarding your 24-word Recovery Phrase, and verifying all actions on your physical device—you ensure your crypto remains shielded from online threats and unauthorized access. ✦
Whether you're holding long-term, staking for rewards, or managing a diverse portfolio, Ledger provides the ultimate blend of security and convenience. Your assets, your keys, your future—protected with Ledger. ✧