Ledger Start® | Get Started with Your Ledger Hardware Wallet (Official Guide)
When it comes to protecting your cryptocurrency, a secure and trusted hardware wallet is essential. Ledger® — known globally for its highly secure hardware wallets — provides a streamlined, official setup experience through Ledger Start®, ensuring users begin their crypto journey safely and correctly.
Whether you’re unboxing a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or the next-generation Ledger Stax, Ledger Start® walks you through everything from device initialization to installing Ledger Live® and securing your recovery phrase. This guide explains what Ledger Start® is, why it's important, and how to complete your setup step-by-step with maximum security.
What Is Ledger Start®?
Ledger Start® is the official setup portal for all Ledger hardware wallets. It is the trusted starting point for:
Downloading Ledger Live®, the official wallet and management app
Initializing your new Ledger device
Installing or updating firmware
Creating or restoring your crypto wallet
Learning essential crypto safety practices
Accessing verified support resources
Using Ledger Start® ensures that every step of your setup is authentic, secure, and free from third-party interference.
Why Use Ledger Start®?
✔ Official. Secure. Authentic.
Ledger Start® guarantees you're accessing only official software and instructions directly from Ledger — no imitation apps or unsafe websites.
✔ Protects Against Phishing and Malware
Fake wallet setup pages and malicious downloads are common attack vectors. Ledger Start® eliminates those risks by giving you a verified starting point.
✔ Provides the Latest Ledger Live® Software
All downloads from Ledger Start® are authenticated and digitally signed. You always get the newest, safest version of Ledger Live®.
✔ Ensures Proper Wallet Initialization
Following the guided steps prevents mistakes during PIN creation, seed phrase backup, and device configuration.
✔ Ideal for Beginners & Experienced Users
Whether setting up a wallet for the first time or restoring an old one, the Ledger Start® flow is simple, clear, and fully secure.
Step-by-Step Guide: Start Using Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Below is the complete onboarding process you will experience when using Ledger Start®.
Step 1: Access Ledger Start®
Open your browser and manually type:
Ledger.com/start
Avoid clicking ads or unknown links.
Once there, choose your Ledger device (Nano X, Nano S Plus, Stax, etc.).
Step 2: Download Ledger Live®
Ledger Start® will direct you to download Ledger Live®, the official app that lets you:
Manage your crypto portfolio
Add and remove accounts
Send and receive crypto
Update firmware and install apps
Stake certain assets
Access Web3, NFTs, and DeFi features securely
Ledger Live® is available for:
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
Download it only from the official Ledger Start® page.
Step 3: Install and Open Ledger Live®
Once installed:
Open Ledger Live
Click “Get Started”
Select your hardware wallet model
Follow the on-screen setup wizard
Ledger Live will walk you through each step, ensuring correct initialization.
Step 4: Connect Your Ledger Device
Use the provided USB cable to connect your Ledger hardware wallet.
Ledger Live will automatically detect it.
If the device is new, you’ll be prompted to begin the initialization process.
Step 5: Set Up Your New Ledger Wallet
You’ll be given two choices:
➤ Create a New Wallet
For users setting up a fresh device for the first time.
➤ Restore Wallet
For users recovering an existing wallet using their seed phrase.
Choose the option appropriate to your situation.
Step 6: Create Your Secure PIN Code
Your Ledger device will ask you to set a PIN code, which protects your wallet if someone physically accesses your device.
You will set the PIN directly on the device screen
Your PIN must be entered every time you unlock the device
Never share your PIN with anyone
Choose a strong PIN that is not easily guessable.
Step 7: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase (Critical Step!)
Your Ledger device will generate a 12-, 18-, or 24-word recovery phrase.
This is the single most important part of crypto security.
Your recovery phrase is your master key.
If your device is ever lost, stolen, or damaged, this phrase is the only way to recover your wallet and funds.
Important Rules:
Write it down on paper (not your phone or computer)
Never photograph it
Never type it online
Never share it with Ledger support or anyone else
Store it in a secure, private place
Ledger Live will verify the phrase to ensure you recorded it correctly.
Step 8: Install Apps and Add Crypto Accounts
With your wallet initialized, you can now install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage.
Examples:
Bitcoin
Ethereum
Solana
XRP
Litecoin
Polkadot
Multiple ERC-20 and token standards
After installing the apps, add accounts in Ledger Live to view balances and perform transactions.
How Ledger Start® Keeps You Safe
✔ Verified Setup
Ensures you're following the official Ledger initialization process.
✔ Secure Seed Phrase Instructions
Teaches new users how to properly protect their recovery phrase — the most common place beginners make mistakes.
✔ Firmware Authenticity
Ledger Start® ensures you only install genuine Ledger firmware.
✔ Avoids Dangerous Third-Party Apps
Some fake apps attempt to steal crypto. Ledger Start® guarantees you’re downloading Ledger Live® directly from the manufacturer.
✔ Easy-to-Follow Guidance
Simple tutorials reduce setup errors that could compromise your wallet.
Best Practices When Using Your Ledger
To keep your wallet safe:
Only download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start
Never share your recovery phrase
Keep your recovery sheet in a secure, offline location
Use your Ledger only on trusted, malware-free computers
Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated
Bookmark the official Ledger website
These habits significantly strengthen your crypto security.
Conclusion: Start Safely with Ledger Start®
Ledger Start® | Get Started with Your Ledger Hardware Wallet gives you a safe, trusted, and user-friendly beginning to your crypto security journey. By following the official setup process—installing Ledger Live, creating your PIN, backing up your recovery phrase, and adding accounts—you firmly establish control over your digital assets.