With crypto adoption growing rapidly in 2025, personal wallet security has become a necessity rather than an option. Hardware wallets remain one of the most reliable ways to protect digital assets, and Ledger devices continue to be among the most widely used options for self-custody.
This guide explains how Ledger wallets are set up using ledger.com/start, why that page exists, and how users can approach the process safely without exposing themselves to common online threats. This article is educational only and is not affiliated with Ledger. Always verify URLs manually and rely on official documentation when handling private keys.
ledger.com/start is Ledger’s official onboarding page designed to guide users through:
Installing the Ledger Wallet application (formerly Ledger Live)
Initializing a new Ledger device
Verifying device authenticity
Learning basic wallet security principles
Because fake setup pages are one of the most common attack methods in crypto, Ledger centralizes the onboarding process on this single page to reduce confusion and help users avoid counterfeit downloads.
The increase in phishing campaigns, cloned websites, and malicious wallet software has made hardware wallet setup a high-risk moment for new users. Attackers often target people during the initial configuration phase, when recovery phrases and PINs are first generated.
Ledger wallets reduce this risk by ensuring:
Private keys are generated offline inside the device
Sensitive information never appears on a website or computer screen
Transactions must be physically approved on the device itself
Starting from ledger.com/start helps users avoid unofficial downloads and misleading third-party instructions.
Ledger offers several hardware wallets, all of which use ledger.com/start for setup:
Ledger Nano S Plus – USB-only, entry-level device
Ledger Nano X – Bluetooth support for mobile use
Ledger Flex / Ledger Stax – Touchscreen models designed for frequent interaction
Ledger Nano Gen5 – Latest model with updated security architecture and recovery options
Regardless of model, the setup flow remains consistent and begins from the same official entry point.
Before visiting ledger.com/start, it’s recommended to prepare the following:
A new Ledger device purchased from an official source
A private environment with no cameras or screen recording
Pen and durable paper (or metal backup) for offline recovery storage
A clean computer or smartphone with up-to-date software
Ledger devices are shipped without any preset recovery phrase. If a device includes one, it should not be used.
The setup process is intentionally device-driven, meaning critical actions happen on the hardware wallet, not on the website.
1. Access the Official Page
Manually type ledger.com/start into your browser rather than clicking ads or links.
2. Download Ledger Wallet App
The page directs users to the Ledger Wallet application for desktop or mobile, depending on the device model.
3. Connect the Ledger Device
Connection is established via USB or Bluetooth. The app checks the device’s authenticity using Ledger’s secure element verification.
4. Create a PIN Code
The PIN is entered directly on the device. Multiple incorrect attempts trigger protective delays or device reset.
5. Generate the Recovery Phrase
The recovery phrase is generated on the device screen only. Users are prompted to write it down and confirm it on the hardware itself.
6. Install Asset Applications
Individual blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) are installed through the Ledger Wallet interface.
At no point does ledger.com/start ask users to input private keys, recovery phrases, or passwords.
The recovery phrase is the single point of ownership for a Ledger wallet. Anyone with access to it can control the funds.
Best practices include:
Never storing it digitally
Never uploading it to cloud services
Never sharing it with support staff or websites
Storing backups in multiple secure physical locations
Some newer Ledger models offer optional encrypted recovery services, but manual offline storage remains the standard approach.
Once setup is complete, the Ledger Wallet app allows users to:
Monitor balances across supported networks
Send and receive crypto with on-device confirmation
Interact with DeFi applications via WalletConnect
Manage NFTs on supported blockchains
Stake eligible assets directly from the interface
All transactions require physical approval on the Ledger device, preventing remote compromise.
Even experienced users can make avoidable errors:
Downloading wallet software from unofficial sources
Trusting sponsored ads claiming to be “Ledger setup”
Entering recovery phrases into websites or browser extensions
Ignoring firmware update notifications
Ledger firmware and app updates should only be installed through official channels accessed from ledger.com/start.
Ledger wallets use certified secure element chips and support a wide range of assets and applications. Other hardware wallets may prioritize open-source firmware or different usability models.
Choosing a wallet depends on personal preferences, but the setup principles — offline keys, physical confirmation, and secure backups — remain the same across reputable devices.
Setting up a hardware wallet is one of the most important steps a crypto user can take. Understanding how ledger.com/start is meant to be used helps reduce exposure to phishing attempts and counterfeit software.
This guide is intended to educate users on safe setup practices, not to replace official Ledger documentation. When handling private keys, patience and caution matter more than speed.
A correctly configured Ledger wallet provides long-term protection — as long as users remain disciplined about security fundamentals.
ledger.com/start is Ledger’s official onboarding page that explains how to set up a new Ledger hardware wallet. It provides access to verified Ledger Wallet app downloads, device setup instructions, and authenticity checks to help users avoid counterfeit software and phishing pages.
Ledger recommends starting setup from ledger.com/start because it centralizes official instructions and downloads. Users should manually type the address into their browser rather than clicking ads, emails, or third-party links.
No. ledger.com/start and the Ledger Wallet app never ask users to enter a recovery phrase online. Recovery phrases are generated and confirmed directly on the Ledger device during setup.
Most users complete setup in about 20–30 minutes. This includes installing the Ledger Wallet app, creating a PIN, writing down the recovery phrase, and installing asset applications. Taking extra time to verify each step is recommended.
Yes. Bluetooth-enabled Ledger models support setup using the Ledger Wallet mobile app on iOS or Android. Desktop setup is also available and may offer additional management features.
If the recovery phrase is safely stored, funds can be restored on a new Ledger device. During setup, users select the recovery option and re-enter the phrase on the device. Without the recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.
New Ledger devices should arrive sealed and without a preset recovery phrase. During setup, the Ledger Wallet app performs an authenticity check by communicating with the device’s secure element.