Ledger.com/start | Getting started with Ledger Wallet (formerly Ledger Live)

Using ledger.com/start is the single most critical step in securing your cryptocurrency. This official portal is your gateway to correctly initializing your Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax hardware wallet. This guide provides the exact, secure procedure you must follow—any deviation risks your assets. Consider this your essential security briefing.

Your Prerequisites Checklist

Before you begin, have these items ready:

• Your unopened Ledger device (Nano S Plus, X, or Stax).

• The USB cable included in the box.

• A computer (Windows, macOS, Linux) or a smartphone (iOS/Android).

• A pen and the official recovery phrase sheet from your box.

• 20 minutes of uninterrupted time in a private space.

The Step-by-Step Security Protocol

Step 1: Go to the ONE Official Source

Open your browser and manually type: https://www.ledger.com/start

Security Imperative: Do not search for this link. Do not click links from emails, forums, or social media. Typing it yourself is your first defense against phishing attacks that steal funds.

Step 2: Download & Install Ledger Live

• The page auto-detects your operating system. Click "Download Ledger Live."

• Install the application. Ledger Live is your secure, official interface—it manages your device and portfolio but never touches your private keys.

Step 3: Initialize Your New Device

• Connect your Ledger via USB. For Nano X/Stax users, the mobile app will offer a Bluetooth pairing option.

• In Ledger Live, select "Set up as new device."

• Your device's Secure Element chip will now generate your unique, cryptographic master key.

Step 4: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase (THE MASTER KEY)

This is the most important action in crypto self-custody.

• Your device screen will display 24 words in a specific order.

• Using the supplied sheet and a pen, write each word by hand. Never type it, photograph it, or store it digitally.

• This phrase is your backup. It allows recovery of all assets across all accounts if your Ledger is lost. Anyone with these words owns your crypto.

• The phrase is generated offline inside your device's Secure Element, ensuring it was never exposed to the internet.

Step 5: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase

• Your Ledger will now ask you to re-select random words from the list.

• This confirmation proves you recorded it correctly. Failure here means you must start over—a critical safety check.

Step 6: Set a Strong PIN Code

• Choose a 4-8 digit PIN directly on your Ledger's screen.

• This PIN is required every time you connect the device, providing physical security. The device wipes itself after 3 incorrect guesses.

Step 7: Install Apps & Add Accounts

• Open the "Manager" in Ledger Live. Install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you own (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).

• Note: Device storage is limited (Nano S Plus: ~3-10 apps; Nano X/Stax: ~100 apps). You can uninstall/reinstall apps freely—your assets remain safe.

• Go to "Accounts" and click "Add account" to generate receiving addresses. Your private keys remain offline on the device; only public address info is shared with Ledger Live. This process supports 5,500+ assets.

For Nano X & Stax Bluetooth Setup: In the Ledger Live mobile app, choose "Pair with Bluetooth." Follow the on-screen prompts to pair your device securely. The Bluetooth connection is encrypted and never transmits your recovery phrase.

Essential FAQs

Q: Is ledger.com/start the only safe way to set up my Ledger?
A: Yes. This is the official source for the genuine Ledger Live software. Downloading from any other site risks installing malware designed to steal your 24-word phrase during setup.

Q: What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
A: Your funds are completely safe. Purchase a new Ledger, navigate to ledger.com/start, select "Restore from recovery phrase," and enter your 24 words. Your entire portfolio will be restored. This is why the recovery phrase is paramount.

Q: Can I use my Ledger with third-party wallets like MetaMask?
A: Yes, securely. You can connect your Ledger to wallets like MetaMask via the "Connect Hardware Wallet" feature. This allows you to interact with DeFi and NFTs while your private keys remain protected on your Ledger device.

Q: What’s the difference between the PIN and the 24-word phrase?
A: The PIN is a short, local access code for your physical device. The 24-word phrase is your universal master backup that restores all accounts on any compatible wallet. Never share either, but guard the 24 words with your life.

Q: I have an old Ledger; do I need to use ledger.com/start again?
A: Only if you are setting up a new or reset device. For daily use, just open your installed Ledger Live app. Use ledger.com/start to download the latest version of Ledger Live when prompted for critical firmware updates.

Q: Is my crypto stored on the Ledger device itself?
A: No. Cryptocurrency exists on blockchains. Your Ledger securely stores the private keys that prove ownership and sign transactions. The device is a high-security keycard, not a storage drive.

Security Best Practices & Conclusion

You have now established a foundation of security that outperforms any exchange or software wallet. To maintain it:

• Guard Your Recovery Sheet: Store it in a fireproof/waterproof safe. Consider a metal backup solution.

• Never Share Your 24 Words: Ledger will never ask for them. No legitimate website, support agent, or software ever should.

• Verify Receive Addresses: Always double-check receiving addresses on your Ledger's screen before receiving large sums.

• Update Firmware: Regularly use Ledger Live's Manager to install security updates for your device and apps.

By meticulously following the ledger.com/start protocol, you have taken full, uncompromising responsibility for your digital wealth. Your private keys are now generated offline, stored in a Secure Element chip, and backed up by a physical phrase you alone control. This is the essence of true ownership in the digital age. Stay vigilant, stay secure.