What Is Ledger.com/start and Why It Exists

Ledger.com/start is the official onboarding portal created by Ledger, a leading provider of cryptocurrency hardware wallets. This site serves as the trusted starting point for anyone who has purchased a Ledger device — whether it is the Nano S Plus, Nano X, or another model — and wants to set it up securely for managing their crypto assets. The purpose of this portal is to ensure that users follow a verified, safe workflow that minimizes the risk of scams, phishing, or misconfigurations. The portal essentially functions as the gateway to downloading the official Ledger Live application, initializing the hardware wallet, and learning the basic steps required to protect and control digital assets with confidence. (Ledger)

Because cryptocurrency ecosystems attract bad actors and fake websites, Ledger.com/start is designed to reduce the chances that a user will accidentally download tampered software, visit a spoofed site, or follow incorrect setup instructions. Security and authenticity are foundational to Ledger’s philosophy, and this portal reflects that emphasis. (home-ldger-start.pages.dev)

Getting Ready Before You Visit

Before you even go to Ledger.com/start, it is important to prepare a few things:

  1. A Safe Environment: Use a trusted computer or smartphone with an up-to-date browser and operating system. Avoid public or shared devices that might be monitored or infected with malware. (rthdrf)
  2. Ledger Device and Accessories: You should have a brand-new, unopened Ledger device. Inside the package you will typically find the wallet itself, a USB cable, recovery sheets, and documentation. Ensure that the box is sealed and untampered; if it looks used or already initialized, do not proceed and contact Ledger support. (en-begin-ledger-cdn.typedream.app)
  3. Pen and Backup Tools: You will be asked to generate and write down a 24-word recovery phrase. Having a pen and the provided recovery sheet (or better yet, an archival-grade metal backup) ready before you begin ensures that you can focus and complete the process without rushing. (Gossamer Gem)
  4. Time and Concentration: Set aside about 20 to 40 minutes in a quiet space. Setting up a hardware wallet securely is not difficult, but it requires careful attention, especially when recording your recovery phrase. (ghdfghdfg)

Once you have these preparations in place, you are ready to visit Ledger.com/start in your browser by typing the URL manually — never click suspicious links or use search engine ads which might redirect to fake sites. (Ledger)

Step-By-Step Walkthrough of the Setup Process

When you reach Ledger.com/start, the site will guide you through a series of clear, numbered steps to get your hardware wallet up and running:

1. Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official software companion for your hardware wallet. It runs on desktop systems — including Windows, macOS, and Linux — as well as mobile platforms like iOS and Android. Ledger.com/start provides direct and verified download links for Ledger Live. You should download only from this portal because third-party sources can host malicious or outdated installers. (en-begin-ledger-cdn.typedream.app)

Once downloaded, you install Ledger Live on your computer or phone. The app will later interface with your Ledger device to manage cryptocurrencies, install blockchain apps, check balances, send and receive funds, and access other features like staking and portfolio tracking. (user-ledger-com.framer.ai)

2. Initialize Your Ledger Device

After installing Ledger Live, connect your Ledger device to your computer via the provided USB cable (or via Bluetooth in supported models like Nano X). The device will power on, and you will be guided through the initialization:

  • Choose “Set up as a new device” if you are starting fresh.
  • The device will then ask you to create a PIN code. Typically, this is between 4 and 8 digits. This PIN protects physical access to the device. (Cypress Lizard)

3. Record and Secure Your Recovery Phrase

This step is the most crucial in the entire setup. Your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the only backup of your private cryptographic keys; it is the master key that restores your wallet if your device is lost, damaged, or stolen. Write down the words exactly, in order, on the recovery sheets provided. Ledger and their support will never ask you for this phrase — if anyone asks for it, it is a scam. (Gossamer Gem)

You should never photograph or type the phrase into any electronic device. Digital storage can be hacked, copied, or leaked. Instead, store the written copy in a secure, offline location — ideally multiple backups in separate physical locations. (home-ldger-start.pages.dev)

4. Verify the Recovery Phrase and Device Authenticity

Ledger Live will assist you in verifying that you wrote down the recovery phrase correctly. This verification reduces the chance of errors which could prevent you from later restoring your wallet. Additionally, Ledger Live will often check that the hardware device is genuine and untampered with, further enhancing confidence in your setup. (Gossamer Gem)

5. Install Cryptocurrency Apps and Add Accounts

Once your device is initialized, use Ledger Live to access the Manager section. Here you will see a list of supported blockchain apps — such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many others. For each asset you want to hold, install its corresponding app and then add an account inside Ledger Live. (Cypress Lizard)

After adding accounts, you can send, receive, and monitor balances through Ledger Live. When receiving funds, always double-check the address shown on the Ledger device’s screen — not just in the app — to prevent address manipulation by malware. (en-begin-ledger-cdn.typedream.app)

6. Maintain Good Security Practices

Even after setup, there are important ongoing security tips:

  • Install firmware updates and software patches promptly via Ledger Live.
  • Bookmark Ledger.com/start to ensure you always use the correct portal for downloads and guidance.
  • Never share your PIN or recovery phrase with anyone.
  • Keep your backups in secure, fireproof, and waterproof locations if possible. (home-ldger-start.pages.dev)

Security Considerations and Common Pitfalls

Legitimate Ledger setup happens entirely offline for critical secrets. The recovery phrase is generated by the device and never transmitted online. Ledger Live acts as your local controller; it must be downloaded from the official portal to stay safe. Ledger will not ask you for your recovery phrase or your PIN in email, social media, phone calls, or unsolicited messages — those are tactics used by scammers. (user-ledger-com.framer.ai)

One common mistake is visiting fake or phishing sites that mimic Ledger branding. Always verify the browser address bar shows https://www.ledger.com/start and has a valid padlock icon. Bookmarking the correct address after your first visit can help you avoid spoofed links in the future. (home-ldger-start.pages.dev)

By following all of these steps and best practices from Ledger.com/start, you greatly reduce the risk of losing funds to hacks or scams, and you maintain full control over your private keys — which is the essence of true self-custody in cryptocurrency. (Ledger)