Ledger.com/Start — The Official Setup Path for Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

Welcome to Ledger.com/Start, the official and safest starting point for configuring your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you're new to cryptocurrency or transitioning from software wallets to more secure hardware solutions, this guide provides a complete walkthrough to help you activate your Ledger device, install Ledger Live, protect your recovery phrase, and begin managing your digital assets responsibly.

Ledger devices store your private keys offline, safeguarding your crypto from digital threats like phishing, malware, and device-based attacks. With this detailed onboarding guide, you’ll learn how to properly initialize your device and ensure you're using it to its full security potential.

1. Confirm Your Box and Contents

When you unbox your Ledger device, verify that everything inside looks authentic and untampered. Your package should include:

• A Ledger Nano series hardware wallet
• USB cable for connection
• Recovery phrase cards
• Getting started guides
• Accessories depending on the model

Ledger never ships devices with preset PINs or pre-written recovery phrases. If anything looks suspicious, stop immediately and reach out to official Ledger support.

2. Install Ledger Live Using Ledger.com/Start

Ledger Live is the official application for managing your Ledger hardware wallet. It enables device setup, firmware updates, app installations, account creation, sending and receiving crypto, and portfolio management.

To download the app safely, always begin at:
Ledger.com/Start

Avoid using search engines to find the download link. Fake applications can steal your information or mislead you during setup.

Ledger Live supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Once installed, open the app and select “Get Started”.

3. Select Your Ledger Device and Begin Initialization

Ledger Live will prompt you to choose your specific device model. Follow the on-screen guide and plug in your Ledger device using the provided USB cable or, if supported, enable Bluetooth.

The Ledger device will walk you through creating a secure PIN code. Choose a PIN that is difficult to guess. Never store your PIN digitally or share it with anyone.

4. Generate Your Unique 24-Word Recovery Phrase

Your Ledger device will display a 24‑word recovery phrase. This phrase acts as the master backup to your wallet—your keys, accounts, and crypto.

Treat this phrase with absolute confidentiality.

• Write it down by hand on the provided cards.
• Never take a photo or screenshot.
• Never type it on a website, app, or computer.
• Store the backup securely offline.

Your recovery phrase must remain private. Anyone with access to it can control your crypto. Ledger employees will never ask for it.

5. Verify and Connect to Ledger Live

After securing your recovery phrase, Ledger Live will automatically verify your device and ensure its authenticity. This helps protect you from counterfeit hardware or tampered firmware.

Once verified, you can proceed to device personalization and firmware validation.

6. Install Blockchain Apps on Your Device

To manage different cryptocurrencies, your Ledger wallet requires individual blockchain apps. Apps allow your device to interact with each supported network.

To install apps:

• Open the My Ledger section in Ledger Live.
• Approve access on your Ledger device.
• Install apps for your preferred cryptocurrencies.

Each app takes a small amount of storage on your Ledger device. You can uninstall and reinstall apps without affecting your assets.

7. Add Accounts in Ledger Live

Accounts let you track your crypto for each asset. Without accounts, you cannot send or receive crypto using Ledger Live.

To add accounts:

• Click Add Account inside Ledger Live.
• Select the asset you want to manage.
• Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device.
• Allow Ledger Live to synchronize.

8. Receiving Crypto Safely

To receive crypto into your Ledger-protected wallet:

• Open Ledger Live and select Receive.
• Choose the account where funds should be deposited.
• Ledger Live will show a receiving address.
• Verify the address on your Ledger device's screen before sharing or sending.

Address verification is crucial. Malware can manipulate addresses displayed on your computer or phone but cannot alter the one displayed on your Ledger device.

9. Sending Crypto Securely

To send crypto, enter the transaction details inside Ledger Live. Once initiated, the Ledger device will prompt you to approve or deny the transaction.

You must physically confirm all actions using the device buttons—ensuring that no unauthorized transactions can occur.

10. Keep Your Device's Firmware Updated

Ledger routinely updates device firmware to improve security, fix bugs, and expand support for new crypto assets.

Before updating, always confirm you have your 24‑word recovery phrase securely backed up.

Firmware updates are essential to maintaining optimal protection and performance.

11. Security Best Practices

Follow these practices to keep your crypto safe:

• Bookmark Ledger.com/Start to avoid counterfeit websites.
• Use your Ledger device to verify all transactions and addresses.
• Never share your recovery phrase—ever.
• Store backups in safe offline locations.
• Lock your Ledger Live app with a password.

12. Troubleshooting Common Problems

If you're facing issues, try the following:

• Restart Ledger Live and your Ledger device.
• Try a different USB cable or port.
• Reinstall affected blockchain apps.
• Check whether your firmware or Ledger Live needs updating.
• Visit the official support portal for expert help.

Final Wrap-Up

Your Ledger hardware wallet is now properly configured and ready to secure your digital assets. By following the guidance found here at Ledger.com/Start, you’ve taken the most important step toward protecting your cryptocurrency with industry-leading hardware security.

For official instructions, downloads, firmware updates, and support, always return to:
Ledger.com/Start