Ledger.com/start — Quick Guide to Set Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Why start with Ledger.com/start?
Ledger.com/start is the official starting point to initialize your Ledger hardware wallet, link it to Ledger Live, and secure your crypto assets. Whether you have a Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X, this page walks you through the essential first steps: device setup, firmware update, and creating a recovery backup. Using the official start page reduces risk, avoids phishing websites, and helps you install the trusted Ledger Live companion app for desktop or mobile.
What you’ll need
Essentials
To complete the setup you’ll need your Ledger device, a USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X), a computer or smartphone, and a private, quiet space to write down your recovery phrase. Do not share the recovery phrase — Ledger support will never ask for it.
Step-by-step setup
Unbox and power on
Unbox your Ledger and power it on. Follow on-screen prompts to choose a PIN code. A strong PIN helps protect your device from unauthorized access if it’s lost or stolen.
Install Ledger Live
Go to Ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live for your operating system. Ledger Live is the app used to manage accounts, install apps for different cryptocurrencies, and check portfolio balances. After installing, open Ledger Live and follow the initial onboarding flow.
Firmware and apps
Ledger Live will check your device firmware and prompt updates if needed. Keeping firmware current ensures the latest security patches are applied. Next, install apps within Ledger Live for the coins you want to manage — for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana.
Save your recovery phrase
Your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet and store it somewhere safe and offline. This phrase is the only backup of your private keys: losing it may mean permanent loss of funds; sharing it risks theft.
Best practices for security
Avoid phishing
Always type Ledger.com/start directly into your browser or use a saved bookmark. Beware of misleading search results and emails directing you to copycat sites. Confirm the site has a valid HTTPS connection.
Store backups safely
Consider using a fireproof safe or secure deposit box for your recovery sheet. Do not store the recovery phrase digitally unless you use a highly secure, encrypted method under your full control.
Keep firmware and apps updated
Regularly update Ledger Live and your device firmware. Updates often include important security improvements and support for new tokens.
Managing accounts and transactions
After setup, add accounts in Ledger Live, receive funds to the addresses shown on your device, and verify every transaction on the device screen before approving. Ledger’s architecture keeps private keys offline; transactions are signed securely on the device and broadcast from the app.
Common troubleshooting
Device not recognized
Try a different USB cable or port, ensure Ledger Live is updated, and confirm your OS allows external devices. For Nano X, verify Bluetooth permissions on mobile.
Recovering a wallet
If you need to restore an existing wallet, choose “Restore device” during onboarding and carefully enter your 24-word recovery phrase in the exact order.
Final tips
Use Ledger.com/start as your trusted first step to secure crypto. Treat your recovery phrase like a vault key: keep it private, physical, and redundant in the face of disasters. Pair Ledger’s hardware safeguards with responsible operational security — unique passwords, two-factor authentication on exchanges, and phishing awareness — to protect your digital assets for the long term.
FAQ
Can Ledger Live manage multiple blockchains?
Yes. Ledger Live supports many blockchains via individual apps installed on your Ledger device. Check Ledger Live for the latest supported tokens.
What if I forget my PIN?
If you forget your PIN, you can reset the device and restore it using your recovery phrase. This will erase the device but allow you to recover accounts using the backup phrase.
Is Ledger compatible with third-party wallets?
Yes — Ledger integrates with many third-party wallets and platforms (for example MetaMask) to broaden decentralised app access while keeping private keys on your Ledger device. Always verify integration settings and confirm addresses on the device screen before sending funds.
Can I use Ledger offline?
Ledger signs transactions offline; prepare unsigned transactions and sign them on the device without exposing private keys.