Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started — Ledger Support

In today’s digital ecosystem, more people than ever before are turning toward cryptocurrencies not only as investment vehicles but also as instruments of financial independence. As digital assets gain prominence, the question of how to store them securely becomes unavoidable. This is where Ledger devices—such as the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X—take center stage. The official onboarding portal for these devices, Ledger.com/Start, exists to make the process simple, structured, and secure for crypto beginners and experienced users alike. This guide explores that entire journey in a detailed, presentation-style blog format, offering clarity and confidence to anyone setting up a Ledger wallet for the first time.

1. Introduction: The Rising Need for Crypto Security
The last decade has ushered in a remarkable transformation in the financial world. Cryptocurrency has evolved from an experimental idea into a complex and rapidly expanding market. With major institutions participating and millions of individuals holding digital assets, the necessity of secure self-custody solutions has intensified dramatically. Unlike traditional banking where institutions protect your funds, crypto assets require users to take direct responsibility for their private keys and wallet management.
Unfortunately, centralized exchanges and online wallets are constant targets of cyberattacks. Numerous high-profile hacks have led to irreversible losses because once digital assets are stolen, they cannot be retrieved. Hardware wallets present a robust solution to this problem by giving users complete control over their private keys offline. Ledger, a globally recognized leader in hardware wallet technology, provides these secure devices—and Ledger.com/Start serves as the gateway to properly initializing them.

2. Why Ledger? Understanding the Benefits of a Hardware Wallet
Before diving into the setup process, it is important to understand why Ledger stands out. Ledger devices are built around a Secure Element chip—a specialized, tamper-resistant component used in passports, credit cards, and banking systems. This chip isolates private keys from the internet, safeguarding them from malware and phishing attacks that commonly affect software wallets.
In addition to high-grade hardware security, Ledger’s software ecosystem—anchored by the Ledger Live desktop and mobile application—delivers a convenient, intuitive management interface. Users can buy, swap, send, and receive cryptocurrencies while benefiting from real-time price tracking and portfolio visualization. This combination of iron-clad security and seamless usability makes Ledger one of the most trusted names in the crypto world.

3. Ledger.com/Start®: Your Trusted Starting Point
When you unbox your Ledger device, it’s essential to set it up through the official website: Ledger.com/Start. This page ensures that you are following authentic instructions and not falling victim to fraudulent sources or phishing sites impersonating Ledger’s onboarding process. The website guides you step-by-step with verified videos, downloadable resources, and security reminders.
At Ledger.com/Start, users can choose their specific device—Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X—and then begin the installation process. The portal ensures consistent instructions across devices while also addressing important safety guidelines, such as never entering your recovery phrase online, not photographing it, and avoiding sharing it with anyone.

4. Unboxing: What You Receive With a Ledger Hardware Wallet
A standard Ledger box contains several essential components:
The Ledger device itself
A USB cable
Recovery phrase sheets
Keychain accessories (depending on the model)
A quick-start guide
Regulatory and warranty documents
The most critical elements among these are the Ledger device and the recovery sheets. The recovery phrase sheet is where you will manually write down your secret 24-word phrase during setup. This phrase is the ultimate backup to your entire wallet—anyone who possesses it can control your crypto, so its protection is paramount.