LEDGER.COM/START

Self-custody is becoming more important than ever in the crypto world. As exchanges face hacks, shutdowns, and increasing regulation, millions of users are choosing hardware wallets to secure their digital assets. One of the most trusted names for cold-storage devices is Ledger. If you’ve purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Stax, the official place to begin your setup is Ledger.com/start.

This simple, beginner-friendly guide explains everything you need to know about Ledger.com/start—what it is, why it matters, how to set up your device, how to protect your recovery phrase, and how to safely send, receive, and manage crypto using Ledger Live.

WHAT IS LEDGER.COM/START?

Ledger.com/start is the official onboarding page created by Ledger to guide new users through the entire setup process. Rather than searching online for instructions or risking fake download links, Ledger directs every customer to this one page. Here, you find:

  • The official Ledger Live download

  • Step-by-step setup guides

  • Links for firmware updates

  • Security tips for new users

  • Video instructions for beginners

  • Recovery phrase safety guidelines

  • Troubleshooting solutions

It ensures you follow verified steps and avoid dangerous third-party sources.

WHY YOU MUST USE ONLY LEDGER.COM/START

Crypto scams often target beginners who download fake apps or visit fraudulent sites. Using Ledger.com/start protects you by:

  • Ensuring you access the real Ledger Live software

  • Preventing malicious firmware installation

  • Guiding you through secure wallet creation

  • Teaching best practices for storing your seed phrase

  • Helping you avoid phishing sites or fake wallet apps

Everything from setup to security verification begins at this single, safe place.

VERIFYING YOUR DEVICE BEFORE STARTING

When you unbox a new Ledger wallet, you should confirm that the device is genuine. Your package should include:

  • A Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax)

  • A USB cable

  • Recovery sheets (blank)

  • Documentation cards

  • Optional stickers

Important: Ledger NEVER includes a recovery phrase inside the box. If you find one already printed, the device has been tampered with. A legitimate Ledger wallet generates your seed phrase only when you power it on for the first time.

STEP 1: GO TO LEDGER.COM/START

Using a secure device, open your browser and type Ledger.com/start.
Choose your Ledger model. You’ll then see detailed instructions specific to your hardware.

Everything from this point forward begins with Ledger Live.

STEP 2: DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL LEDGER LIVE

Ledger Live is the official application that allows you to:

  • Initialize your hardware wallet

  • Install blockchain apps

  • Add crypto accounts

  • View real-time balances

  • Buy, sell, or swap crypto

  • Send and receive funds

  • Manage staking and Web3 tools

  • Update firmware

Make sure you download Ledger Live from the link provided at Ledger.com/start, not from third-party websites or random app stores. Ledger Live is available for:

  • Windows

  • macOS

  • Linux

  • iOS

  • Android

For Nano X and Stax, you can also connect through Bluetooth on supported devices.

STEP 3: INITIALIZE YOUR LEDGER AS A NEW DEVICE

After opening Ledger Live:

  1. Click “Get Started.”

  2. Select your Ledger model.

  3. Choose “Initialize as new device.”

The software will guide you through the setup, but all sensitive actions—PIN creation and seed phrase generation—happen on the physical Ledger device itself.

STEP 4: CREATE YOUR PIN CODE

Your PIN code protects your device from unauthorized access. You’ll set it directly on the Ledger’s screen.

Tips for choosing a secure PIN:

  • Use a number not related to birthdays or phone numbers

  • Avoid simple patterns like 1111, 1234, or 0000

  • Memorize the PIN without writing it in obvious places

If someone enters the wrong PIN too many times, the device resets itself for security. You can recover it later using your recovery phrase.

STEP 5: GENERATE YOUR 24-WORD RECOVERY PHRASE

The most important step happens next: your Ledger generates a 24-word recovery phrase. These 24 words are the master key to your wallet.

You must:

  • Write down all 24 words in exact order

  • Double-check spelling

  • Store the sheets securely offline

  • Protect them from moisture, fire, and theft

  • Never photograph, scan, or save the words digitally

  • Never share them with anyone

Remember: Ledger (the company) has no access to your recovery phrase. They cannot retrieve it, replace it, or help you recover your account if you lose it.

Anyone with your 24 words can access your entire crypto portfolio.

STEP 6: VERIFYING YOUR RECOVERY PHRASE

Your Ledger will ask you to confirm several of the words in the correct order. This step ensures that you wrote everything down properly. Once confirmed, your wallet is officially created.

STEP 7: INSTALLING APPS ON YOUR LEDGER DEVICE

Each blockchain—such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana—requires its own app.

To install them:

  1. Open “My Ledger” inside Ledger Live.

  2. Connect and unlock your Ledger device.

  3. Approve the connection.

  4. Install the apps you need.

You only need apps for networks you actually use. Ledger supports thousands of cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, SOL, ADA, MATIC, XRP, BNB, DOT, and many ERC-20 tokens.

STEP 8: ADDING ACCOUNTS IN LEDGER LIVE

Installing an app is not enough—you must also create accounts.

To add an account:

  1. Go to “Accounts.”

  2. Click “Add Account.”

  3. Select the cryptocurrency.

  4. Verify with your Ledger.

  5. Ledger Live generates the account automatically.

Each account gives you a dedicated blockchain address.

STEP 9: RECEIVING CRYPTO SAFELY

To receive crypto into your Ledger wallet:

  1. Select the coin you want to receive.

  2. Click “Receive.”

  3. Connect and unlock your device.

  4. Compare the address shown on your computer with the one on your Ledger screen.

  5. Approve the address only if both match.

This step prevents malware from changing your receiving address.

STEP 10: SENDING CRYPTO SAFELY

To send crypto:

  1. Click “Send.”

  2. Enter the destination address.

  3. Enter the amount.

  4. Review the transaction.

  5. Physically approve it on the Ledger device.

Your private keys never leave the hardware wallet. All signing happens inside the secure element.

LEDGER SECURITY BEST PRACTICES (2025)

To keep your crypto safe, always follow these rules:

DO:

  • Keep your recovery phrase offline in secure locations

  • Use Ledger.com/start for updates and downloads

  • Enable optional passphrase protection if needed

  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date

  • Verify all receiving addresses on the device screen

DON’T:

  • Never enter your seed phrase on websites

  • Never give your 24 words to “support agents”

  • Never store your phrase digitally

  • Never buy used or pre-initialized Ledger devices

  • Never skip address verification

Security is not a one-time action—it’s a daily habit.

TROUBLESHOOTING HELP AT LEDGER.COM/START

Ledger.com/start also includes solutions for:

  • Device not detected

  • Firmware update failures

  • Bluetooth pairing issues

  • Incorrect recovery phrase input

  • App installation problems

  • Ledger Live syncing issues

If problems persist, Ledger.com/start provides links to support documentation and customer assistance.

FINAL OVERVIEW

Ledger.com/start is the safest and most accurate place to begin your Ledger hardware wallet journey. It provides trusted setup instructions, the official Ledger Live software, and all the guidance needed to create your wallet, secure your recovery phrase, install crypto apps, and begin managing your assets with confidence.

If you follow every step carefully—especially protecting your 24-word recovery phrase—you can enjoy long-term, reliable, and secure self-custody of your digital assets.

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