Official® | Lédger.com/Start® | Getting Started
Welcome to your official Ledger onboarding guide. This comprehensive walkthrough takes you step‑by‑step from unboxing your Ledger hardware wallet to securely managing your cryptocurrencies. If you’re setting up your first Ledger device — whether a Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, or another supported model — this guide helps you do it the right way, with security at every stage.
Table of Contents (Interlinking Section IDs):
- What Is Ledger.com/Start®?
- Why Use Ledger.com/Start® (Secure Onboarding)
- What You’ll Need Before You Begin
- Step 1: Verify Your Device and Packaging
- Step 2: Visit Ledger.com/Start® (Official Entry Point)
- Step 3: Install Ledger Live — Your Crypto Control Center
- Step 4: Initialize Your Device and Create a PIN
- Step 5: Back Up Your Recovery Phrase
- Step 6: Add Crypto Accounts in Ledger Live
- Security Best Practices After Setup
- Common Setup Issues & Troubleshooting
- FAQs
- Summary
1. What Is Ledger.com/Start®?
Ledger.com/Start® is the official setup portal for Ledger hardware wallets. It’s designed to guide new users through the secure initialization of their wallet, including downloading Ledger software, configuring the device, and managing crypto assets safely. Starting here means you are using verified resources directly from Ledger, protecting you from phishing and counterfeit software.
Interlink Suggestion: Use anchor text “official Ledger onboarding page” linking to your own /about‑ledger/start page or to related support topics.
2. Why Use Ledger.com/Start® (Secure Onboarding)
Security in crypto is critical. Unlike custodial exchanges, where platforms hold your keys, a Ledger wallet gives you full control of your private keys. This means:
- Your private keys never touch the internet.
- Ledger Live only interfaces with your device for transactions.
- You avoid third‑party risks like hacks or false apps.
Moreover, Ledger regularly updates setup processes to align with new threats and improvements — which is why starting at Ledger.com/Start® keeps you up‑to‑date.
Interlink Suggestion: Link “crypto self‑custody security” to an internal article explaining why self‑custody matters.
3. What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before you start the setup process at Ledger.com/Start®, gather the following:
- Your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano X, Nano S Plus, etc.)
- USB cable (included) or Bluetooth (Nano X)
- A computer or mobile device
- Paper (or metal backup) to record your recovery phrase
- A secure, private workspace — away from distractions and open networks
Interlink Suggestion: Link “how to choose a secure setup environment” to a security best practices page.
4. Step 1: Verify Your Device and Packaging
Unboxing is your first real security checkpoint. A genuine Ledger device should:
- Arrive in sealed packaging without tampering signs
- Include the device, USB cable, and recovery sheets
- Not contain a pre‑written recovery phrase — if it does, do not use it †
Counterfeit or tampered hardware risks exposing your private keys. If anything seems off, contact official support before you continue.
Interlink Suggestion: Link “verify Ledger device authenticity” to your internal FAQs explaining this in detail.
5. Step 2: Visit Ledger.com/Start® (Official Entry Point)
Always type https://www.ledger.com/start manually into your browser — do not click links from email or ads. Phishing sites may closely mimic Ledger’s UI but are designed to steal your private data.
Once on the page:
- Select your device model
- Confirm the Ledger Live download link is from Ledger.com
- Follow the on‑screen prompts
Interlink Suggestion: Use anchor text “avoid phishing” linking to a page explaining common crypto scam tactics.
6. Step 3: Install Ledger Live — Your Crypto Control Center
Ledger Live is a companion application available for desktop and mobile. From here, you will:
- Initialize the device
- Install asset‑specific apps
- Add crypto accounts
- Send/receive funds
- Update firmware
Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger.com/Start link or the official app stores. Avoid any software claiming to be Ledger Live from third‑party sources.
Interlink Suggestion: Link “Ledger Live features” to a detailed overview page of its capabilities.
7. Step 4: Initialize Your Device and Create a PIN
When you connect your Ledger device:
- Choose Set Up as New Device (unless restoring)
- Create a PIN code (4–8 digits)
- Confirm the code on‑device
This PIN protects against physical access attacks — never share it.
8. Step 5: Back Up Your Recovery Phrase
After PIN setup, your device shows a 24‑word recovery phrase — this is your only backup.
Critical rules:
- Write each word in order on the provided card
- Store the phrase offline in a secure location
- Never take a photo or save digitally
- Ledger Support will never ask for it (if someone does, it’s a scam)
Anyone with access to this phrase can control your crypto.
Interlink Suggestion: Link “how to store your recovery phrase safely” to a detailed storage best practices article.
9. Step 6: Add Crypto Accounts in Ledger Live
Once your Ledger and Ledger Live are connected:
- Open Ledger Live
- Go to Accounts > Add Account
- Select the cryptocurrency you want
- Confirm on your device
Each blockchain (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) may require a specific app to be installed on the device — Ledger Live guides this.
10. Security Best Practices After Setup
Setting up your wallet is just the start; ongoing safety matters:
Firmware & Software Updates
Ledger regularly issues updates — install them promptly via Ledger Live.
Transaction Verification
Always verify transaction details on your device’s screen before confirming.
Beware Impersonators
Ledger will never cold‑call or email you first, or request your recovery phrase.
Interlink Suggestion: Link “Ledger security checklist” to a separate page listing daily security habits.
11. Common Setup Issues & Troubleshooting
Even with official pages, you may encounter:
- Ledger Live not detecting your device
Try a different USB port, cable, or restart Ledger Live. - Firmware installation issues
Keep the device connected and follow prompts; contact support if problems persist. - Bluetooth pairing (Nano X)
Turn off then on your Bluetooth, reconnect in Ledger Live Mobile.
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I recover if I lose my Ledger device?
Yes — but only with your 24‑word recovery phrase.
Q: Is Ledger.com/Start safe?
Yes — it’s the official onboarding source. Always verify you’re on the correct URL.
Q: Can Ledger Support access my crypto?
No — Ledger never has access to your private keys or recovery phrase.
13. Summary
Using Ledger.com/Start® to initialize your Ledger hardware wallet gives you:
- A secure setup backed by the official source
- Protection from phishing and counterfeit software
- A clear path to managing over 5,500+ supported assets
- A foundation of best practices for long‑term crypto safety
Remember: your security is in your hands — protect your recovery phrase, use verified downloads, and follow recommended updates and verification steps.
Suggested Interlink Structure for SEO
| Section Title | Suggested Internal Anchor Text | Target URL |
|---|---|---|
| Ledger Security Best Practices | security habits for crypto wallets | /security‑best‑practices |
| How to Store Your Recovery Phrase Safely | secure recovery phrase storage | /recovery‑phrase‑storage |
| Ledger Live Features | complete Ledger Live guide | /ledger‑live‑features |
| Avoid Phishing Scams | crypto phishing awareness | /crypto‑phishing‑prevention |
| Verify Ledger Device Authenticity | how to verify Ledger devices | /verify‑ledger‑authenticity |