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 dedicated hardware security device. If you have a new Ledger device, Ledger.com/start is the official starting point for learning how to initialize your hardware wallet and use Ledger's companion software.

Before beginning, make sure you are visiting the genuine Ledger website. Hardware-wallet users are frequently targeted by phishing attempts, so downloading software only from official Ledger sources is an important security practice.

What Is Ledger.com/start?

Ledger.com/start is Ledger's official onboarding destination for new users. It provides guidance for setting up compatible Ledger hardware wallets, installing the appropriate software, and completing the initial configuration process.

The setup process can vary depending on the Ledger model you own. Therefore, users should follow the instructions displayed for their particular device rather than relying on outdated third-party tutorials.

For the current software experience, Ledger provides the Ledger Wallet application, formerly known as Ledger Live. You can find the official software through the Ledger download page. (ledger.com)

Start Your Ledger Device

A new Ledger hardware wallet should be initialized carefully. The official Ledger Start page provides the appropriate onboarding information and helps users understand the steps involved in getting started.

1. Visit the Official Website

Open Ledger.com/start directly in your browser. Carefully inspect the website address before downloading anything or entering sensitive information.

Do not rely on links received through unsolicited emails, social-media messages, pop-ups, or unknown websites. Fake Ledger pages can look convincing and may attempt to obtain confidential wallet information.

2. Download Ledger's Official Software

After reaching the official Ledger website, download the current Ledger Wallet application for your supported operating system. Ledger provides desktop and mobile versions, including options for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. (ledger.com)

Ledger also provides information about verifying the authenticity of downloaded software. Checking the software's authenticity can provide an additional layer of confidence before installation. (ledger.com)

3. Connect Your Hardware Wallet

Connect your Ledger device using the recommended connection method. Depending on your model, this may involve USB or another supported connection.

Once connected, open the Ledger application and follow the instructions shown on screen. Your hardware wallet is designed to work together with the companion application while keeping sensitive wallet operations protected by the physical device.

4. Set Up Your Device

During the initial configuration, you may be asked to create a PIN and complete other device-security steps.

Your PIN should remain private. Never share it with another person or enter it into an unknown website.

The setup process may also guide you through creating a new wallet or restoring an existing wallet. Carefully follow the instructions provided by Ledger for your specific device.

Protect Your Secret Recovery Phrase

One of the most important parts of setting up a Ledger device is protecting your Secret Recovery Phrase.

Your recovery phrase can be used to restore access to the wallet associated with it. Because of this, it should be treated as highly confidential information.

Write the phrase down according to the instructions provided during setup and store it in a secure location. Do not photograph it, 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. Legitimate support personnel should not need your recovery phrase to troubleshoot a Ledger device.

If a website claiming to be Ledger Support asks for your recovery phrase, stop immediately and verify the request through official Ledger resources.

Install Supported Crypto Applications

After completing the basic device configuration, the Ledger application can help you install supported cryptocurrency applications.

Ledger's documentation explains that users can access device-management features such as My Ledger, connect and unlock the hardware wallet, and install applications required for supported crypto assets. (ledger.com)

Once the required application is installed, you can generally add the relevant account to your portfolio and use the Ledger interface to manage supported assets.

The exact options available depend on your Ledger model, software version, and the cryptocurrency you want to use.

Why Use Ledger.com/start?

Starting with the official Ledger onboarding page has several advantages. It helps you follow current instructions, download official software, and avoid outdated setup procedures.

The cryptocurrency ecosystem changes regularly, and older tutorials may contain instructions that no longer apply to current Ledger products. Going directly to Ledger.com/start helps you follow the current setup path for your device.

For additional assistance, Ledger provides an official Support Center with troubleshooting information and product documentation. (support.ledger.com)

Troubleshooting Your Ledger Setup

If your computer does not recognize your device, first check the physical connection. Make sure the hardware wallet is powered on and unlocked and that you are using a suitable data connection.

You can also restart the Ledger application and check whether a software update is available. If the issue continues, consult Ledger's official support documentation instead of downloading unofficial drivers or troubleshooting software.

Be particularly cautious of websites offering to “synchronize,” “unlock,” or “verify” your Ledger wallet by asking for your recovery phrase. These requests can be signs of phishing.

Ledger.com/start Security Checklist

Before completing setup, remember these basic security practices:

Start Your Ledger Device With Confidence

Ledger.com/start provides a convenient starting point for users setting up a Ledger hardware wallet. From downloading the official application to connecting your device and protecting your recovery information, following the official onboarding process can help you avoid common setup mistakes.

To begin, visit Ledger.com/start, follow the instructions for your specific Ledger device, and download the current Ledger Wallet application from Ledger's official website.

Remember that the safest setup is one where you control the hardware, protect your PIN and recovery information, and verify every important action before approving it. Taking these precautions from the beginning can help you establish safer habits for managing your digital assets.

Important: Ledger® and Ledger Wallet™ are trademarks associated with Ledger. This article is informational and is not an official Ledger publication.