When it comes to protecting your cryptocurrency, using a trusted hardware wallet is essential. The official setup page at Ledger.com/Start® is the only recommended place to begin configuring your Ledger device. Whether you own a Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X, following the official onboarding process ensures your crypto assets remain secure from phishing attacks and malware.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to safely begin your journey using the official Ledger platform, how to download Ledger Live, and how to properly secure your recovery phrase.
What Is Ledger.com/Start®?
Ledger.com/Start® is the official onboarding portal created by Ledger. It provides verified instructions, secure software downloads, and device setup guidance for Ledger hardware wallets.
The page ensures that users:
Download authentic Ledger Live software
Verify device authenticity
Initialize their hardware wallet securely
Protect their 24-word recovery phrase
Avoid counterfeit or phishing websites
Always double-check the URL before proceeding. Bookmark the official website and avoid clicking random sponsored links.
Why Choose a Ledger Hardware Wallet?
Unlike software wallets that store private keys on internet-connected devices, Ledger hardware wallets keep your private keys offline. This significantly reduces exposure to online threats such as malware, phishing, and hacking.
Key Benefits:
Offline private key storage
Secure chip technology (CC EAL5+ certified)
Protection against malware
PIN code security
Recovery phrase backup
Multi-asset support (5,000+ cryptocurrencies)
With Ledger, your crypto remains secure even if your computer is compromised.
Step 1: Visit the Official Ledger.com/Start® Website
The first and most important step is visiting the official onboarding page.
At Ledger.com/Start®, you will:
Select your device model
Download Ledger Live
Follow guided setup instructions
Learn how to write down your recovery phrase
Never download Ledger Live from third-party websites.
Step 2: Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official companion application developed by Ledger. It allows you to manage crypto assets, install apps, send and receive coins, and monitor your portfolio.
Supported Platforms:
Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
iOS
After downloading:
Install the application
Open Ledger Live
Choose “Set up a new device”
Ledger Live will guide you through the entire process.
Step 3: Initialize Your Ledger Device
Once you connect your Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X, you will be prompted to:
Choose “Set up as new device”
Create a secure PIN code
Generate a 24-word recovery phrase
Important Security Tip:
Your 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your crypto. Anyone with access to it can restore your wallet.
Never share it
Never take a photo
Never store it online
Write it on paper only
Store it in a secure, offline location.
Step 4: Verify Your Device Is Genuine
During setup, Ledger Live performs a genuine check to confirm that your hardware wallet is authentic.
This ensures:
The device has not been tampered with
The secure element chip is genuine
Firmware is legitimate
If verification fails, do not proceed and contact official support immediately.
Step 5: Install Cryptocurrency Apps
After initialization, you can install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage.
Popular options include:
Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
Solana (SOL)
XRP
Polygon
Each app allows your device to interact securely with its respective blockchain.
Step 6: Add Accounts in Ledger Live
Once apps are installed:
Open Ledger Live
Click “Add Account”
Select the crypto asset
Confirm on your device
Ledger Live will create accounts securely linked to your hardware wallet.
Sending and Receiving Crypto To Receive Crypto:
Open Ledger Live
Select your account
Click “Receive”
Confirm address on device screen
Share the verified address
Always confirm addresses directly on your Ledger device screen to avoid malware manipulation.
To Send Crypto:
Click “Send”
Enter recipient address
Confirm transaction on device
Transactions must be physically confirmed on your hardware wallet, ensuring full control.
Security Best Practices
When using Ledger.com/Start®, always follow these best practices:
Only use the official website
Ignore emails asking for your recovery phrase
Never enter recovery words on any website
Keep firmware updated
Enable passphrase (advanced users)
Store backup in a fireproof location
Remember: Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Firmware Updates
Ledger periodically releases firmware updates to improve security and functionality.
To update:
Open Ledger Live
Connect device
Follow on-screen firmware update instructions
Ensure your recovery phrase is safely stored before updating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying from unauthorized sellers
Using pre-written recovery sheets
Sharing recovery phrase
Ignoring firmware updates
Downloading Ledger Live from unofficial sites
Avoiding these mistakes keeps your funds safe.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Ledger supports thousands of assets, including:
Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
Cardano (ADA)
Binance Coin (BNB)
Avalanche (AVAX)
Polkadot (DOT)
Chainlink (LINK)
New assets are regularly added via Ledger Live updates.
Advanced Features Staking
Ledger Live allows you to stake supported assets such as Ethereum and Solana to earn rewards securely.
NFT Management
You can securely manage NFTs through Ethereum and Polygon accounts.
Third-Party Wallet Integration
Ledger devices integrate with wallets like:
MetaMask
MyEtherWallet
Phantom
This allows secure Web3 interaction while keeping private keys offline.
If You Lose Your Ledger Device
Do not panic.
If you still have your 24-word recovery phrase, you can:
Purchase a new Ledger device
Choose “Restore from recovery phrase”
Enter your 24 words
Your crypto assets will be restored.
If you lose both device and recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.
Why Ledger.com/Start® Is Important
Crypto scams are increasing daily. Fake setup guides and phishing websites attempt to steal recovery phrases.
Using only Ledger.com/Start® guarantees:
Authentic software
Verified firmware
Official security instructions
Reduced phishing risk
Always verify the domain spelling carefully.
Customer Support
If you encounter issues, use official support channels through the Ledger website. Avoid social media “support agents” asking for sensitive information.
Ledger provides:
Help center articles
Device troubleshooting guides
Firmware update assistance
Security education resources
Final Thoughts
Getting started with Ledger through Ledger.com/Start® is the safest way to secure your cryptocurrency investments. By following official instructions, protecting your recovery phrase, and verifying your device, you gain complete ownership and control of your digital assets.
In the crypto world, security is your responsibility. A Ledger hardware wallet provides institutional-grade protection for individual investors.
Remember:
Use only official links
Keep your recovery phrase offline
Never share private information
Verify everything on your device screen
With proper setup and secure practices, your Ledger device becomes your personal digital vault.
Start safely. Stay secure. Protect your crypto with Ledger.