Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started — Ledger Support
Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started — Ledger Support
Getting started with a Ledger hardware wallet begins with a secure and carefully managed setup process. The official Ledger.com/start page is designed to guide users through the initial steps of connecting their Ledger device, installing the companion application, creating security credentials, and preparing the wallet for managing digital assets. Ledger currently refers to its companion application as Ledger Wallet, although many users still know it by its previous name, Ledger Live.
Ledger.com/start is an official starting point for Ledger device setup. Rather than relying on unofficial tutorials or third-party download websites, users should begin with Ledger's official resources when configuring a new device.
The setup process connects the physical Ledger device with the Ledger Wallet application. The application provides the interface for viewing portfolios, managing accounts, installing supported applications, and interacting with digital assets, while the hardware device is responsible for protecting private keys and confirming transactions.
For security-conscious cryptocurrency users, this separation is important. The application makes everyday management convenient, while the hardware device provides an additional layer of protection for signing transactions.
The first important step is obtaining the official companion application. Ledger provides versions for desktop operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as mobile versions for iOS and Android.
Always obtain the application from Ledger's official website or an official app store listing. Avoid downloading wallet software from advertisements, unknown websites, file-sharing pages, or links sent through unsolicited messages.
Once installed, open the application and follow the setup instructions displayed on screen.
Connect your Ledger device according to the instructions supplied with your specific model. During initialization, the device will guide you through security configuration.
One of the most important parts of setup is creating a PIN. The PIN protects access to the physical device and should be difficult for another person to guess. Ledger's educational material explains that device initialization includes creating a PIN and backing up the recovery phrase.
Never disclose your PIN to another person.
The recovery phrase is one of the most important elements of a self-custody wallet. During setup, your Ledger device generates a recovery phrase that serves as a backup for the wallet's private keys.
Write the words down exactly as displayed by the device and keep the backup offline in a secure location. Ledger specifically advises users never to store their secret recovery phrase on an internet-connected device.
Do not photograph the phrase, upload it to cloud storage, save it in an email, or type it into a website.
Most importantly, never share your recovery phrase with anyone. A person who obtains it may be able to gain control of the associated assets.
During onboarding, the Ledger ecosystem performs checks designed to help ensure that the device is genuine and properly configured. Ledger's setup documentation describes device authentication as part of its onboarding process.
Take your time during this stage. Read the instructions shown on both the application and the physical device. If something appears unusual, stop and verify the information through official Ledger support resources rather than accepting unexpected instructions.
After initialization, the Ledger Wallet application can be used to manage applications associated with supported cryptocurrencies and services.
The application's management area allows users to select and install the relevant application on their Ledger device. Ledger's current documentation describes the process as connecting the device, opening Ledger Wallet, accessing the management section, selecting an application, and installing it.
The exact applications available can vary depending on the Ledger device, software version, and supported asset.
Once the necessary application is installed, users can add accounts for the assets they want to manage. Ledger describes its software as a central interface for managing multiple accounts and digital assets.
This can make portfolio management more convenient because users can view supported assets from one interface instead of relying on numerous unrelated applications.
Remember that the displayed balance represents assets recorded on their respective blockchains. The Ledger device protects the private keys used to authorize transactions; it does not physically contain blockchain coins in the same way a traditional wallet holds cash.
After setup, users can use Ledger Wallet to prepare cryptocurrency transactions. When sending funds, carefully verify the recipient address, network, amount, and transaction fee.
A particularly important security practice is confirming sensitive transaction information on the physical Ledger device before approving a transaction. Ledger's documentation explains that transaction details can be displayed on the device for confirmation.
For receiving funds, verify the receiving address carefully. When possible, use the address shown and verified through the Ledger device rather than relying solely on an address displayed on a computer or phone.
New users should be especially careful about phishing. Criminals may create websites that imitate Ledger's branding and ask visitors for their recovery phrase, PIN, or other confidential information.
A legitimate support representative should never need your secret recovery phrase. If a website, email, popup, or message asks you to enter your recovery phrase to “synchronize,” “verify,” “unlock,” or “restore” your wallet, stop immediately and verify the request through official Ledger resources.
Another common mistake is downloading wallet software from an unofficial source. Always verify that you are using Ledger's official website or an authorized application-store listing.
The value of Ledger.com/start is its role as an official starting point for the setup journey. A hardware wallet is only as secure as the practices used around it. Correct software installation, careful device initialization, secure recovery-phrase storage, and transaction verification all contribute to a safer self-custody experience.
Ledger's current ecosystem has also evolved beyond the original Ledger Live branding. Ledger's documentation states that Ledger Wallet is the newer name for the application previously known as Ledger Live.
Setting up a Ledger device should be approached slowly and carefully. Start with the official Ledger.com/start resources, install the genuine Ledger Wallet application, initialize the hardware device, create a strong PIN, securely record the recovery phrase, install the applications you need, and verify transaction details directly on the device.
The most important principle is simple: your recovery phrase is private and should remain offline and secret. Never give it to websites, support agents, friends, or anyone claiming they need it to fix your wallet.
For official setup information and current software downloads, use Ledger's own website rather than third-party guides. This helps reduce the risk of downloading counterfeit software or following outdated instructions while setting up your Ledger device.