Introduction: What is Ledger.com/Start

Ledger.com/Start is the official onboarding and setup portal provided by Ledger for anyone who owns or has just purchased a Ledger hardware wallet, such as the Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or newer devices. It’s designed as a secure starting point that walks users step-by-step through safely initializing their wallet and connecting it to the companion software called Ledger Live.(setup-ledger.pages.dev)

The design of this page is intentional: cryptocurrencies are stored via private keys, and those keys must remain secure. Ledger hardware wallets are among the most trusted cold-storage devices in the crypto ecosystem because they keep private keys offline and isolated from internet-connected devices. Ledger.com/Start ensures the setup procedure protects you from common pitfalls, phishing attacks, and software tampering.(Ledger Hardware Wallet Setup Guide)

Why Always Start at Ledger.com/Start

Visiting Ledger.com/Start isn’t just a suggestion—it’s the recommended first step because it gives you access to official, verified downloads, instructions, and setup guidance directly from Ledger. This matters because in the crypto ecosystem, fake or scam sites frequently pose as official setup portals in order to steal recovery phrases and financial assets.(Ledger)

If you begin setup anywhere else—especially via third-party links, search ads, or social media—there’s a risk of downloading counterfeit software or landing on a scam page asking for your recovery phrase. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase online; revealing it anywhere outside your physical hardware interface immediately compromises your wallet.(rthdrf)

Step-by-Step Setup Flow at Ledger.com/Start

1. Unboxing and Inspection

When you first open your Ledger hardware wallet box, examine the packaging carefully. The seals should be intact and there should be no signs of tampering. Ledger devices should never arrive with the recovery phrase already filled in. If you find a printed or pre-written seed, do not use the device—contact Ledger support instead.(rthdrf)

This inspection step is critical because tampered packaging could indicate an intercepted device altered by malicious actors. Even though Ledger hardware includes cryptographic authenticity checks, physical indicators remain the best first line of defense.(setup-ledger.pages.dev)

2. Connecting and Visiting Ledger.com/Start

Once the device is unboxed and inspected, connect it to your computer or smartphone using the supplied cable. Then, open a web browser and manually type:

https://www.ledger.com/start

Typing the URL ensures you don’t accidentally click on a fake page presented through a search engine ad, link in a comment, or unauthorized tutorial. Ledger.com/Start automatically detects your device model and provides tailored setup instructions.(Ledger)

3. Downloading and Installing Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion application required to manage your hardware wallet, install apps for different cryptocurrencies, view balances, and send or receive transactions. On Ledger.com/Start, you’ll find download options for multiple platforms:

  • Windows (latest versions)
  • macOS
  • Linux distributions
  • iOS and Android mobile apps

Only download Ledger Live from the official portal; this ensures it’s the genuine version and not tampered with. Fake Ledger Live installers are a known vector for malware that can request your recovery phrase or corrupt wallet functions.(home started)

4. Initial Device Setup

After installing Ledger Live and launching it, the app will guide you to initialize your hardware device. This involves:

  • Choosing whether to set up a new device or restore an existing one (if you already have a recovery phrase).
  • Entering a PIN code directly on the device (PINs are usually 4–8 digits).
  • Writing down the 24-word recovery phrase carefully and in order.

This recovery phrase is your backup key to all the cryptocurrencies linked to your wallet. If your device is ever lost, damaged, or stolen, this phrase alone lets you restore access to your funds. For security, it should never be stored digitally (like in a photo, document, app, or cloud service).(Ledger)

5. Recovery Phrase Verification

After writing down the recovery phrase, Ledger Live will ask you to confirm a few random words. This verification step ensures you recorded the phrase correctly. Failing this check means you must carefully repeat the phrase recording. Only once you confirm the phrase does the device consider the wallet fully secured and ready.(home started)

6. Adding Cryptocurrency Accounts

Once your device is initialized and connected with Ledger Live, you can start adding accounts for the cryptocurrencies you hold. Ledger supports thousands of assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many ERC-20 and other format tokens. In Ledger Live’s “Manager” section, you can install only the specific apps you intend to use.(Ledger Hardware Wallet Setup Guide)

Having multiple apps installed allows Ledger Live to properly interact with those assets—for example, receiving, sending, and checking balances—all while the private keys remain in the secure hardware environment.(Ledger Hardware Wallet Setup Guide)

7. Firmware and Software Updates

Ledger devices and the Ledger Live software periodically receive updates that improve security and asset support. Ledger.com/Start and Ledger Live notify you when updates are available. Keeping everything updated is essential to guard against evolving threats.(setup-ledger.pages.dev)

Always apply updates only through Ledger Live and never enter your recovery phrase during updates; genuine Ledger Live will never demand it.(rthdrf)

Security Best Practices Around Ledger.com/Start

Even with secure hardware and official setup pages, users must stay vigilant:

  • Always type Ledger.com/Start manually instead of clicking links from unknown sources.(Ledger)
  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone or enter it into any website or app. Legitimate setup and interactions only require you to handle it on the Ledger device itself.(rthdrf)
  • Keep your Ledger Live app and device firmware updated.(setup-ledger.pages.dev)
  • Bookmark the official Ledger setup page and Ledger Live download page to reduce future risk of landing on fake sites.(Ledger)
The Ledger ecosystem is secure only when users follow proper protocols. A secure start — at Ledger.com/Start — forms the foundation for confidently managing digital assets for years to come.(setup-ledger.pages.dev)