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A Ledger hardware wallet is a specialized device designed to secure your cryptocurrency by keeping your private keys offline in what’s called cold storage, away from internet-connected devices where hackers and malware can steal them.
Unlike exchange wallets or software wallets (often online or “hot”), Ledger wallets allow you to control your own assets, which means only you hold the keys and therefore have access to the crypto. This is the essence of self-custody in the crypto world — no one else can move your funds unless they have your physical device + PIN + recovery phrase.
The page https://www.ledger.com/start is the official onboarding portal provided by Ledger. Through it, you will:
Download official Ledger software (Ledger Live).
Set up your Ledger hardware device for the first time.
Learn security best practices.
Install apps for different cryptocurrencies.
This guide expands every step into detailed explanations and tips.
It’s critical to use only the official site — ledger.com/start — as your setup beginning point. Fake or phishing websites often mimic Ledger to trick users into installing malware or entering their recovery phrases, which results in total loss of funds.
Some scam campaigns specifically impersonate Ledger Live installers or ask for recovery phrases online — these are always fraud. Ledger never asks for your 24-word phrase over email or on websites.
Always type “ledger.com/start” directly in your browser — do not click links from emails or search ads.
Prepare the following before setup:
Your Ledger device (e.g., Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, Stax).
A desktop or mobile device with internet.
USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X).
A quiet, secure space — no one else watching.
Pen or pencil and the provided recovery phrase cards (or a secure metal backup).
When you receive your Ledger wallet:
Make sure the packaging appears untampered and genuine.
Ledger products should not be pre-configured or come with written recovery words.
If anything seems suspicious, do not proceed — contact official Ledger support.
Ledger devices typically include:
The hardware wallet itself
USB cable
Recovery sheet cards
Instruction leaflet
4.2 Step 2 — Visit the Official Start Page
Open a trusted browser (Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Safari, etc.) and type:
👉 https://www.ledger.com/start
This is the only safe page to begin setup. You’ll be directed to download Ledger Live and follow on-screen setup steps.
4.3 Step 3 — Download Ledger Live Officially
“Ledger Live” is the official app for interacting with your Ledger wallet. It lets you:
Manage accounts
Send/receive crypto
Track balances and portfolio
Install blockchain apps
Update device firmware
Stake and swap assets
From Ledger.com/start you can download Ledger Live for:
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS (App Store)
Android (Google Play)
Never download Ledger Live from third-party sites or random links.
4.4 Step 4 — Install and Launch Ledger Live
Once downloaded:
Install Ledger Live on your device.
Launch it.
Choose “Get Started” and follow the on-screen flow.
The app will later guide you through device initialization.
4.5 Step 5 — Initialize Your Ledger Hardware
Connect your Ledger wallet using the USB cable (or via Bluetooth for Nano X). Follow these prompts on the device screen:
Set Up as New Device
Choose “Set up as new device” if you’re creating a fresh wallet.
If restoring an old wallet with your recovery phrase, choose “Restore”.
Create Your PIN Code
Choose a PIN of 4–8 digits.
This must be entered every time you use the device.
Avoid common combinations like 1234 or birthdays.
Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
This is the most critical part:
Your wallet will generate a 24-word phrase displayed on your device.
Carefully write all 24 words in order on the provided sheet.
Never store these words digitally (photos, notes, cloud).
Never share them with anyone.
Your recovery phrase is the ultimate key to your assets. If you lose your device but keep this phrase, you can restore your wallet on any compatible device.
4.6 Step 6 — Verify Your Recovery Phrase
Ledger will ask you to confirm certain words to ensure you wrote them correctly. This reduces the risk of loss due to mistakes.
4.7 Step 7 — Complete Setup in Ledger Live
Once the device is initialized:
Return to Ledger Live.
Follow the prompts to connect your wallet.
Ledger Live will authenticate your device and check the firmware.
From here you can:
Add cryptocurrency accounts
Install apps for coins (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.)
Monitor balances
Guard assets against loss or theft
After setting up:
Add Crypto Accounts
Through Ledger Live, install blockchain apps and add accounts for specific assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), etc.
Manage Transactions
You can send and receive crypto securely. Every transaction requires confirmation on the Ledger device screen — not just in the app.
Explore Advanced Features
Ledger Live supports:
Staking certain coins
Portfolio tracking
NFTs (viewing and managing on supported chains)
Swap services in-app
Even after setup, security habits matter:
Never Share Your Recovery Phrase
Ledger Support or any legitimate company will never ask for your 24-word phrase.
Keep Your Recovery Phrase Offline
Store in at least two secure physical locations. Many users prefer a metal backup for durability.
Only Use Official Ledger Live
Fake Ledger Live apps and installers are a major tactic hackers use.
Beware of Phishing
Emails, ads, or messages claiming to be Ledger asking for seed phrases or PINs are scams.
Always verify URLs — official Ledger sites use ledger.com only.
Update Firmware Through Ledger Live
Firmware updates include security improvements — install them when notified.
Try:
Different USB cable or port
Restart the app
Unlock your Ledger before opening Ledger Live
Recovery Confirmation Fails
Check:
Word spelling
Word order
Re-writing on a new card and retrying
Your Ledger hardware wallet and the official start page, https://www.ledger.com/start , form the cornerstone of secure crypto self-custody. With the correct setup, disciplined security practices, and ongoing care, your digital assets can be safely managed without reliance on custodians or exchanges.
Official Link to Begin Setup
Official Ledger start page: https://www.ledger.com/start
This is the only official and secure starting point for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet.