Ledger.com/start — Starting Up™ Your Device | Ledger®

Setting up a Ledger hardware wallet is an important first step toward managing cryptocurrency through self-custody. Ledger.com/start serves as a starting point for users who want to initialize a Ledger device, install the official companion software, secure their recovery information, and begin managing supported digital assets.

A hardware wallet is designed to keep the private keys used to control crypto assets protected by a dedicated device. Ledger's software provides the interface for managing accounts and transactions, while the hardware device is used to authorize important operations.

What Is Ledger.com/start?

Ledger.com/start is associated with Ledger's device onboarding experience. If you have purchased a new Ledger hardware wallet, starting with official Ledger resources is important because fraudulent websites and applications can imitate wallet setup pages.

Before downloading software, carefully check that you are using an official Ledger website. Avoid advertisements, unofficial downloads, or links sent through unsolicited messages.

For users who need the current application, the Ledger Wallet download page provides official information about supported desktop and mobile platforms.

Step 1: Download the Official Ledger Software

The first stage of setting up a Ledger device is installing the official companion application. Ledger provides versions for supported desktop and mobile operating systems.

Once the software is installed, open it and select the option to set up a new Ledger device. The application provides guided instructions based on your hardware model.

The software can be used to manage accounts, view balances, review transactions, and access supported crypto features. Your Ledger device remains an essential part of approving sensitive operations.

If you are unsure which software version you need, consult the official Ledger setup resources before proceeding.

Step 2: Connect Your Ledger Device

Connect your Ledger hardware wallet using the appropriate supported connection. Depending on your device, connection options can include USB or other supported methods.

Follow the instructions shown by the official software. Your device may prompt you to create a PIN before continuing.

The PIN protects access to the physical device. Choose a PIN that you can remember while avoiding predictable combinations. Keep the PIN private and never send it to another person.

A legitimate support representative should never need your device PIN.

Step 3: Create Your Secret Recovery Phrase

One of the most important parts of setting up a Ledger wallet is recording your Secret Recovery Phrase. This recovery information can be used to restore access to your cryptocurrency accounts if your physical device is lost, damaged, or replaced.

Write the words down carefully and store the backup somewhere secure and offline. Avoid taking screenshots or storing the phrase in email, cloud storage, messaging applications, or other internet-connected services.

Never share your Secret Recovery Phrase.

If someone asks you to provide your recovery phrase to “verify” your Ledger device, unlock an account, receive a refund, or fix a transaction, stop immediately. Treat the request as a potential scam.

For additional security education, visit the official Ledger Academy resources covering cryptocurrency security, self-custody, and wallet management.

Step 4: Install the Required Crypto Applications

After initializing your device, you can install the blockchain applications required for the assets you want to manage.

For example, if you plan to manage Bitcoin, you may need to install the relevant Bitcoin application before adding a Bitcoin account. The available applications and features depend on your Ledger model and supported assets.

Installing an application does not transfer cryptocurrency to your device. Your crypto remains recorded on its respective blockchain. The Ledger device protects the private keys required to authorize transactions.

Step 5: Add Your Accounts

After installing the appropriate application, use the Ledger software to add the corresponding cryptocurrency account.

Once an account is added, you can generally view its balance and transaction history through the application. When sending cryptocurrency, your Ledger device is used to review and approve the transaction.

Before confirming any transaction, carefully check the destination address, amount, network, and other available details directly on the hardware device.

Do not approve a transaction simply because the information displayed on your computer looks correct.

Why Device Verification Matters

A hardware wallet is only useful when you can trust the device and software you are using. During setup, pay attention to any authenticity or security checks presented by the official Ledger software.

If the packaging, device, or setup process appears unusual, do not attempt to bypass security warnings. Instead, stop and consult official Ledger documentation.

Using genuine software from the official Ledger website is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of downloading a malicious wallet application.

Avoid Fake Ledger Websites

Crypto users are frequently targeted by phishing attacks. Fraudsters may create websites that look almost identical to legitimate wallet pages and use phrases such as “Ledger login,” “Ledger activation,” or “Ledger support.”

Always check the website address before downloading software or entering information.

Never enter your Secret Recovery Phrase into a website. Your recovery information should remain private and offline.

You should also be cautious about unsolicited emails, social-media messages, advertisements, and support accounts requesting sensitive information.

For help with genuine Ledger products, use the official Ledger Support resources.

Managing Crypto After Setup

After your Ledger device is successfully initialized, you can begin managing supported cryptocurrency accounts through the Ledger software.

Depending on your device, region, and supported assets, available features may include sending and receiving cryptocurrency, exchanging assets, accessing Web3 applications, and interacting with supported services.

Remember that cryptocurrency transactions can be irreversible. Always review transaction details carefully before confirming them on your Ledger device.

Start Safely With Ledger.com/start

Ledger.com/start provides a useful starting point for users preparing a new Ledger hardware wallet. The basic process involves obtaining official software, connecting and initializing the device, creating a PIN, recording the Secret Recovery Phrase, installing required blockchain applications, and adding cryptocurrency accounts.

Security should remain a priority throughout the entire process. Keep your PIN and recovery phrase private, download software only from official Ledger sources, and verify transaction details directly on your hardware device.

Whether you are completely new to hardware wallets or upgrading to a newer Ledger model, following the official setup process can help you establish a secure foundation for digital-asset self-custody.

Recommended Internal Interlinking

For SEO and navigation, use the exact-match anchor “Ledger.com/start” four times throughout the article. Link each occurrence to a different relevant internal destination, such as the Ledger setup page, software download page, security/Academy page, and support page. Keep each link within a naturally relevant paragraph rather than placing all four links together.