Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started with Ledger Wallet

Ledger.com/Start® – A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started With Your Ledger Wallet

As the world of digital assets continues to expand at a rapid pace, the importance of securing your cryptocurrency has become impossible to ignore. Every year, countless users lose funds because they leave their crypto on exchanges, fall victim to phishing schemes, or rely on unsecured software wallets. This is why hardware wallets—and especially Ledger devices—have become the gold standard for protection. If you’ve just purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or any other Ledger device, your next step is to go to Ledger.com/Start®, the official onboarding portal designed to help new users set up their wallets safely and confidently.

This guide provides a comprehensive, detailed, and easy-to-follow overview of how to start using a Ledger device. Whether you’re a new crypto investor or an experienced trader switching to better security, this 1,600-word guide will walk you through everything—from device setup and PIN creation to installing Ledger Live and managing your crypto portfolio.

Why Ledger.com/Start® Is the Official Setup Destination

Before diving into the setup steps, it’s important to understand why exactly Ledger directs all new users to Ledger.com/Start®. This portal ensures that every device owner learns how to properly configure their wallet without relying on third-party instructions, which may be inaccurate or even malicious. The site is designed as a secure onboarding environment where you can:

Download the official Ledger Live application
Verify that your device is genuine
Learn about your recovery phrase
Follow step-by-step activation instructions
Access educational content about crypto security

By beginning at Ledger.com/Start®, users dramatically reduce the risk of falling for scams or counterfeit software downloads—an essential first step in safeguarding your digital assets.

Unboxing Your Ledger Wallet: What to Expect

Once you open the box containing your Ledger device, you’ll find several key components. Understanding each piece will help you follow the instructions at Ledger.com/Start® accurately.

Inside the package, you should typically see:

Your Ledger device (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
A USB cable for connecting the wallet to your computer
1–3 recovery phrase cards
Instructional sheets
Keychain lanyard or accessory (depending on model)

One important detail: Ledger devices always come without a pre-set recovery phrase. If you ever receive a device that already includes a filled-in phrase, it is unsafe to use. Ledger.com/Start® includes guidelines on verifying authenticity, which you should follow before proceeding.

Step 1: Downloading Ledger Live From Ledger.com/Start®

The first and most crucial step is installing Ledger Live, the official companion application for managing your hardware wallet. When you visit Ledger.com/Start®, the website will automatically detect your operating system and recommend the correct version of Ledger Live.

Ledger Live is available for:

Windows
macOS
Linux
Android (via mobile app)

Once installed, Ledger Live will serve as your control center for:

Managing crypto accounts
Checking balances
Sending and receiving funds
Viewing your portfolio
Updating firmware
Installing apps for different cryptocurrencies

It’s important to download Ledger Live only from the link provided at Ledger.com/Start®, as unofficial versions can compromise your wallet’s security.

Step 2: Starting Device Setup and Creating Your PIN

After launching Ledger Live, select “Set up a new device”. You’ll then be guided through connecting your Ledger wallet using the provided USB cable (or Bluetooth, if using the Nano X).

On the device screen, you will be prompted to create a PIN code, typically 4–8 digits long. This PIN acts as your first layer of protection. Even if someone gets physical access to your wallet, the PIN prevents them from controlling your crypto.

A few guidelines for choosing a strong PIN:

Avoid repeating numbers like 1111 or 0000
Do not use birth dates or obvious sequences
Choose a number that only you can remember

Once the PIN is confirmed, the device will prompt you to proceed to the next, and most important, step—your recovery phrase.

Step 3: Understanding and Recording Your Recovery Phrase

During setup, the Ledger wallet generates a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the only way to restore access to your crypto if your device is ever lost, stolen, or damaged. Ledger never stores your phrase, and no one—not even Ledger’s staff—can help you recover it if it’s lost.

At Ledger.com/Start®, you’ll find in-depth education on how the recovery phrase works and how to secure it. Some key guidelines include:

Write the 24 words exactly as displayed, in order
Use the recovery sheets provided in the box
Never take a photo or screenshot
Never share your words with anyone
Avoid storing the words digitally (email, cloud storage, notes app)

Many users choose to secure their recovery phrase using metal backup plates to protect against fire and water damage. Regardless of the method, your recovery phrase must stay private and offline at all times.

Step 4: Confirming Your Recovery Phrase on the Device

To ensure that you’ve written the phrase correctly, your Ledger device will ask you to confirm a selection of the words. This verification step is crucial because even a single incorrect word could prevent you from restoring your wallet later.

Once confirmed, your Ledger wallet’s basic setup is complete. Ledger.com/Start® will then instruct you to return to the Ledger Live app to finish the process.

Step 5: Installing Crypto Apps and Adding Accounts

Because each cryptocurrency operates on its own blockchain, Ledger devices use individual apps to manage them. For example:

Bitcoin requires the Bitcoin app
Ethereum requires the Ethereum app
XRP requires the XRP app

In Ledger Live, navigate to the “My Ledger” section and install the apps for the currencies you plan to use. The installation process is secure because it happens directly through Ledger Live’s official interface.

After installing the necessary apps, go to the “Accounts” tab and add accounts for each crypto. This step creates a clear dashboard for tracking balances and transactions.

Step 6: Receiving Crypto to Your Ledger Wallet

Now that your Ledger wallet is fully set up, you can begin transferring funds from an exchange or software wallet. To receive crypto:

Open Ledger Live
Navigate to “Receive”
Select the correct account
Connect and unlock your Ledger device
Confirm that the address displayed in Ledger Live matches the address on your Ledger device screen

This verification step protects you from malware that could alter your receiving address. Once confirmed, you can safely transfer crypto to your hardware wallet.

Ongoing Management: Updating Firmware and Staying Secure

Crypto evolves constantly, and Ledger regularly pushes firmware updates to enhance security. Through Ledger Live, you’ll receive notifications whenever a new update is available. Always ensure you:

Have your recovery phrase nearby (though you won’t be asked to enter it)
Keep your device connected
Follow on-screen instructions carefully

Ledger.com/Start® also highlights common security best practices:

Only use the official Ledger Live app
Verify addresses on the device screen before sending funds
Ignore emails or messages claiming to be from “Ledger Support” asking for your recovery phrase
Keep your device physically secure

By adopting these habits, your Ledger wallet will remain a fortress for your digital wealth.