Ledger.com/start – Starting Up™ Your Ledger® Device
Getting started with your Ledger® hardware wallet is an important step toward securing your digital assets. Whether you've purchased a new Ledger Nano S Plus™ or Ledger Nano X™, the official setup process begins at Ledger.com/start. This official onboarding page guides you through installing Ledger Live™, initializing your device, creating a recovery phrase, and learning essential security practices.
Using only the official Ledger® setup process helps ensure your wallet remains protected from counterfeit software and phishing attempts. Never download wallet software from unofficial sources or share your Secret Recovery Phrase with anyone.
Why Start at Ledger.com/start?
Ledger.com/start is the official destination for setting up your Ledger® hardware wallet. The page provides trusted instructions for:
Downloading and installing Ledger Live™
Initializing your Ledger® device
Creating and verifying your PIN
Backing up your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase
Installing cryptocurrency apps
Adding accounts and managing digital assets
Learning security best practices
Following the official setup guide ensures your wallet is configured correctly from the beginning.
Step 1: Download Ledger Live™
The first step is installing Ledger Live™, the companion application used to manage your Ledger® device.
Ledger Live™ allows you to:
Set up a new Ledger® wallet
Install blockchain applications
Send and receive cryptocurrencies
View portfolio balances
Buy, sell, swap, and stake supported crypto assets
Update device firmware
Always download Ledger Live™ from the official Ledger® website to avoid malicious software.
Step 2: Connect Your Ledger® Device
After installing Ledger Live™, connect your Ledger® hardware wallet using the supplied USB cable or Bluetooth® (Ledger Nano X™ only).
Ledger Live™ automatically detects supported devices and begins the setup wizard.
During setup you'll choose whether to:
Set up as a new device
Restore from an existing recovery phrase
New users should select Set up as a new device.
Learn more in our Ledger Live Setup Guide.
Step 3: Create Your PIN Code
Your Ledger® device will ask you to create a secure PIN.
Your PIN protects access to the hardware wallet whenever it is connected.
For maximum security:
Choose a PIN that's difficult to guess.
Never share your PIN.
Avoid birthdays or repeated numbers.
Memorize it instead of storing it online.
If the wrong PIN is entered multiple times, the device automatically resets to protect your assets.
Step 4: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
One of the most important steps during setup is recording your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase.
Your recovery phrase:
Is generated offline
Restores your wallet if your device is lost
Gives complete ownership of your crypto assets
Write every word exactly as displayed on the recovery sheet included with your Ledger® device.
Never:
Save it digitally
Take screenshots
Store it in cloud storage
Share it with anyone
Ledger® will never ask for your recovery phrase.
For additional protection, review our Recovery Phrase Security Guide.
Step 5: Verify the Recovery Phrase
After recording your recovery phrase, the device asks you to verify it.
This confirms:
Words were copied correctly
Recovery backup is complete
Your wallet can be restored if necessary
Do not skip this verification process.
Step 6: Install Cryptocurrency Apps
Once initialization is complete, Ledger Live™ lets you install blockchain applications.
Examples include:
Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
Solana (SOL)
Polygon (POL)
Litecoin (LTC)
XRP
Cardano (ADA)
Each cryptocurrency requires its corresponding Ledger application.
Apps can be installed or removed anytime without affecting your crypto assets.
Step 7: Add Crypto Accounts
After installing apps, add accounts inside Ledger Live™.
The application securely synchronizes with your Ledger® device while private keys remain protected inside the Secure Element chip.
Once accounts are added, you can:
Receive crypto
Send crypto
Monitor balances
View transaction history
Manage multiple blockchain networks
Keeping Your Device Updated
Ledger® regularly releases firmware and Ledger Live™ updates that improve security and compatibility.
Before updating:
Verify your recovery phrase is safely backed up.
Keep your device connected throughout the update.
Follow every instruction displayed in Ledger Live™.
Never disconnect the wallet during firmware installation.
Read more in our Ledger Firmware Update Guide.
Security Best Practices
Protecting your Ledger® wallet requires good security habits.
Always:
Purchase from authorized sources.
Download Ledger Live™ only from the official website.
Verify receiving addresses on the device screen.
Keep your recovery phrase offline.
Lock your device when not in use.
Install firmware updates promptly.
Avoid:
Sharing your recovery phrase.
Entering recovery words into websites.
Downloading unofficial wallet software.
Responding to fake customer support messages.
Clicking phishing emails claiming to be from Ledger®.
Troubleshooting Setup Issues
If you encounter setup problems:
Restart Ledger Live™.
Use the original USB cable.
Update the application.
Try another USB port.
Restart your computer.
Check firmware compatibility.
Most setup issues are resolved by using the latest version of Ledger Live™ and following the official onboarding guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ledger.com/start the official setup page?
Yes. Ledger.com/start is the official starting point for setting up a new Ledger® hardware wallet.
Can I restore an existing wallet?
Yes. During setup you can restore an existing wallet using your original 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase.
Does Ledger® store my recovery phrase?
No. Your recovery phrase is generated offline and is known only to you.
Can I manage multiple cryptocurrencies?
Yes. Ledger Live™ supports thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens through native apps and supported integrations.
Start Your Crypto Security Journey
Using Ledger.com/start ensures your Ledger® hardware wallet is initialized safely and correctly. By following the official setup process, creating a strong PIN, securely storing your recovery phrase, and keeping Ledger Live™ updated, you establish a strong foundation for protecting your cryptocurrency portfolio.
Whether you're new to digital assets or an experienced investor, taking a few extra minutes to complete the setup properly can significantly improve the long-term security of your crypto holdings.