What Is Ledger.com/start?

Ledger created ledger.com/start as the official onboarding page for new users of devices like the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X.

The page helps you:

Using the official setup page matters because fake websites often imitate wallet brands to steal recovery phrases. The official process never asks you to type your 24-word recovery phrase online.

Step 1: Go to the Official Website

Open your browser and visit ledger.com/start.

Make sure you check the spelling carefully. Fraudulent websites often use similar names.

From there, select your device model:

The site then shows instructions tailored to your device.

Step 2: Download Ledger Live

The next step is downloading Ledger Live.

Ledger Live is the official application used to:

Install the app on your desktop or mobile device. Desktop is usually recommended for the first setup because it offers a smoother experience.

After installation, open the application and choose “Set up a new device.”

Step 3: Connect Your Ledger Device

Use the USB cable included in the box to connect your wallet.

When the device turns on, you will see a welcome message. The buttons on the device help you navigate:

Select “Set up as new device.”

This step ensures the wallet creates brand-new private keys directly inside the device.

Step 4: Create a PIN Code

You will now be asked to choose a PIN code.

The PIN protects physical access to your wallet. If someone steals the device, they cannot use it without the PIN.

Good PIN practices

Enter the PIN using the hardware buttons, then confirm it.

Every time you connect your device, this PIN will be required.

Step 5: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

This is the most important step of the entire process.

Your wallet will display 24 recovery words, one word at a time.

These 24 words are your backup.

If the device is lost, broken, or stolen, these words allow you to restore your assets on another Ledger device or compatible wallet.

Important security rules

After writing them down, the device asks you to confirm several words to make sure the backup was recorded correctly.

Anyone who has these 24 words controls your crypto.

Step 6: Verify the Device in Ledger Live

Once the device setup is complete, return to Ledger Live.

The app will run a genuine check.

This confirms the device is authentic and has not been tampered with.

This is one of the most useful parts of using the official setup process. If the device passes the genuine check, you can proceed confidently.

Step 7: Update Firmware (If Needed)

Sometimes your wallet may need a firmware update.

Firmware is the internal software that runs the device.

Updating helps with:

If an update appears, follow the instructions inside Ledger Live carefully.

Before major updates, always make sure your 24-word recovery phrase is written down correctly.

Step 8: Install Crypto Apps

A Ledger Nano X or Ledger Nano S Plus can hold apps for different blockchains.

For example:

Inside the Manager section of Ledger Live, choose the assets you want and click install.

Installing an app does not buy coins—it simply allows the device to interact with that blockchain.

Step 9: Add Accounts

After installing a coin app, create an account in Ledger Live.

For example:

The app synchronizes with the blockchain and creates an account dashboard where you can monitor balances and transactions.

Step 10: Receive Crypto

To receive funds:

Always compare the address on the hardware wallet screen.

If both match, copy the address and use it to receive funds.

This on-device verification protects you against malware that might try to replace wallet addresses.

Step 11: Send Crypto

When sending crypto:

The transaction is only approved after physical confirmation on the wallet.

That is the core security advantage of using a hardware wallet—private keys never leave the device.

Important Safety Tips

When using Ledger products, keep these rules in mind:

Never share your recovery phrase

No real support agent, website, or app should ever ask for it.

Buy only from trusted sources

Prefer official channels to reduce tampering risk.

Verify addresses on the device

Never rely only on your computer screen.

Keep Ledger Live updated

New versions often include security improvements.

Final Thoughts

The ledger.com/start process is designed to make first-time setup simple while keeping security at the center.

In short, the process is:

Once set up properly, a device like the Ledger Nano X or Ledger Nano S Plus gives you direct control over your digital assets while keeping private keys offline.