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

Setting up a Ledger hardware wallet is an important first step toward managing digital assets with a hardware-based security system. Ledger.com/start is the starting point for users who want to initialize a Ledger device, install the companion software, and begin managing supported crypto assets.

Ledger's current ecosystem uses Ledger Wallet, with some official documentation still referring to the application by its former name, Ledger Live. Ledger explains that the companion application is used to manage accounts, exchange assets, and interact with supported services while actions remain secured by a Ledger device.

What Is Ledger.com/start?

Ledger.com/start is designed to help new Ledger users begin the device setup process. Rather than downloading wallet software from an unknown third-party website, users should start with official Ledger resources and follow the instructions provided for their specific device.

The setup process generally involves installing the official companion application, connecting the Ledger device, creating a PIN, recording the Secret Recovery Phrase, installing the necessary crypto applications, and adding accounts. Ledger's own onboarding material describes these as key stages in initializing a new device.

Using official software is especially important for a hardware wallet because fraudulent applications or websites can attempt to obtain sensitive wallet information.

Step 1: Install the Ledger Wallet App

The first step is to install Ledger's official companion application on your supported computer or mobile device. Ledger's current download page provides versions for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

After installation, open the application and select the option to set up a new Ledger device. The software provides guided instructions as you progress through the onboarding process.

For additional information about the application and its capabilities, visit our Ledger Wallet guide to learn about installation, supported platforms, and wallet-management features.

Step 2: Connect and Initialize Your Device

Connect your Ledger hardware device using the supported connection method. The application will guide you through the initial configuration.

During setup, you will typically be asked to create a PIN. This PIN is used to unlock the physical device and should be kept private. Choose a PIN that you can remember but that other people cannot easily guess.

Never share your PIN with another person, even if they claim to be providing Ledger support.

Ledger's onboarding documentation explains that the PIN and other security features are configured before the device is ready for normal use.

Step 3: Secure Your Secret Recovery Phrase

Your Secret Recovery Phrase is one of the most important parts of your Ledger security setup. During initialization, the device generates a recovery phrase that can be used to restore access to the associated wallet if the hardware device becomes unavailable.

Write the words down carefully and keep the physical backup in a secure location. Do not store the phrase in an email, cloud document, screenshot, messaging application, or other internet-connected location.

Never share your Secret Recovery Phrase with anyone.

Ledger's official onboarding information emphasizes that the recovery phrase is essential for recovering access and should be stored securely and separately from the device.

If a website or person claiming to help with Ledger.com/start asks you to type your recovery phrase into a computer or website, stop immediately and verify the request through official Ledger resources.

Step 4: Install Crypto Applications

Once the initial device configuration is complete, you can use the Ledger application to install the relevant blockchain applications on your device.

For example, users managing Bitcoin can install the Bitcoin application before adding a corresponding account. Ledger's developer documentation describes the process of connecting the device, unlocking it, installing a coin application, and creating an account.

The available applications depend on your Ledger device and the assets you want to manage.

For a broader overview of supported features, explore our Ledger crypto guide for educational information about cryptocurrency, blockchain networks, and self-custody.

Step 5: Add Your Crypto Accounts

After installing the appropriate application, you can add supported cryptocurrency accounts through the Ledger companion application.

Accounts provide an interface for viewing balances and transaction history and for managing supported assets. Your Ledger device remains important when approving transactions because sensitive signing operations are performed with the hardware.

When receiving cryptocurrency, carefully verify the address shown on your Ledger device before using it. When sending assets, check the recipient address and transaction details on the hardware device before confirming.

Ledger's documentation describes transaction confirmation as a process in which important details are displayed for review and approval on the Ledger device.

Keep Your Ledger Secure

Completing the setup is only the beginning of good hardware-wallet security. Keep your device, PIN, and recovery information protected.

Be especially careful with fake support websites, fraudulent applications, unsolicited messages, and social-media accounts impersonating Ledger. A legitimate-looking website can still be malicious, so verify that you are using official Ledger resources before downloading software or entering any information.

You should also avoid approving transactions that you do not recognize. Always review important details directly on the Ledger device.

For troubleshooting and security information, use our Ledger Support guide to find official resources for device setup, account management, recovery, and other common issues.

What Happens After Setup?

Once your Ledger device has been initialized and your accounts have been added, you can use the companion application to manage supported assets. Depending on your device, account, and region, available features can include sending and receiving crypto, exchanging assets, accessing supported Web3 services, and managing other digital assets.

Ledger describes its companion application as a gateway to a wider crypto ecosystem, with features for managing accounts and interacting with third-party services while transactions remain secured by the Ledger device.

Remember that cryptocurrency transactions are generally irreversible. Take time to verify addresses, amounts, network information, and transaction details before confirming.

Start Safely With Ledger.com/start

Ledger.com/start provides a convenient starting point for setting up your Ledger device and learning the basic steps required for secure self-custody. Begin with official Ledger software, configure your device, create a strong private PIN, carefully record your Secret Recovery Phrase, install the applications you need, and add your supported accounts.

Most importantly, keep your recovery phrase private. Ledger will not need you to disclose it through a website, email, or support conversation.

By following the official onboarding process and checking every important transaction on your physical device, you can establish a strong foundation for managing your digital assets securely.

Recommended Internal Interlinking

Use the exact-match anchor “Ledger.com/start” four times across your website. Link each occurrence naturally to four relevant internal pages, such as the official setup page, Ledger Wallet download page, recovery/security guide, and support page. Place the links in different sections rather than grouping all four together so the navigation remains useful and natural for readers.