Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®® – Getting Started Guide

Setting up a Ledger® hardware wallet is one of the smartest steps you can take to protect your cryptocurrency. Whether you're new to crypto or just new to Ledger, this guide will walk you through everything you need to do to get started safely and securely using the official site: Ledger.com/Start®®.

🔐 What Is a Ledger® Wallet?

A Ledger wallet is a hardware wallet—a physical device that stores your private keys offline. That means your crypto assets stay safe, even if your computer is hacked or infected with malware. Ledger wallets come in different models such as:

  • Ledger Nano S Plus
  • Ledger Nano X

All models are managed using Ledger Live, a secure app that connects your wallet to the blockchain without ever exposing your private keys.

✅ Step-by-Step: Getting Started with Ledger® via Official Site

Step 1: Go to the Official Website

Start your journey by visiting Ledger.com/Start. This is the only official site for setup instructions, firmware downloads, and Ledger Live app links.

Why this matters:
 There are many fake websites that mimic Ledger’s setup pages. These sites are scams designed to steal your recovery phrase. Always type the URL directly into your browser.

Step 2: Download Ledger Live

On the Ledger.com/Start® page, download the Ledger Live app for your operating system:

  • Windows
  • MacOS
  • Linux
  • Android / iOS (for Nano X)

Ledger Live is your central dashboard for sending, receiving, buying, and managing crypto assets securely.

Step 3: Unbox and Connect Your Device

After downloading Ledger Live:

  1. Unbox your Ledger device and check that the tamper-proof seal is intact.
  2. Connect your Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X to your computer or phone using the included USB cable or Bluetooth (Nano X only).
  3. Launch Ledger Live and click “Set up a new device”.

Step 4: Set Up Your PIN Code

The device will prompt you to choose a PIN code (4 to 8 digits). This PIN is required every time you use your Ledger wallet.

⚠️ Choose a PIN that is hard to guess but easy for you to remember. Don’t write it down next to your wallet.

Step 5: Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

This is the most important step in the entire setup process.

  • Your Ledger device will show you 24 words, one by one.
  • Write them down on the recovery sheet provided in the box.
  • Double-check the spelling and order.
  • Store the sheet offline in a safe place (not digitally, not online).
🚫 Never share your 24-word phrase with anyone. Ledger will never ask for it—not during setup, not during support chats, never.

Step 6: Verify Your Recovery Phrase

After writing the 24 words, your Ledger device will ask you to confirm them in the correct order. This ensures you wrote them down correctly.

Only after this step is complete will your wallet be fully initialized.

Step 7: Install Apps for Your Coins

Use Ledger Live to install the specific apps for the cryptocurrencies you plan to use:

  • Bitcoin (BTC)
  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • Solana (SOL)
  • XRP, ADA, DOT, and many others

Each coin requires its own app, which can be installed directly through Ledger Live's “Manager” tab.

Step 8: Add Accounts

Now that you’ve installed your coin apps, go to Accounts > Add Account in Ledger Live to:

  • Create wallet addresses
  • View balances
  • Send and receive crypto

🛠 Optional: Enable Advanced Features

Once you’re comfortable, you can explore additional features in Ledger Live:

  • Passphrase security (adds an extra layer on top of your 24 words)
  • Coin control (manual selection of UTXOs for Bitcoin)
  • Custom transaction fees
  • Staking options for certain coins

🚨 Security Tips

  • Always use Ledger Live from the official site only: Ledger.com/Start®®
  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
  • Keep your Ledger device in a safe place
  • Use a strong PIN
  • Don’t fall for fake support scams or phishing emails
  • Verify addresses on the Ledger device screen before sending funds

🧠 Common Questions

Q: Can Ledger see my coins or balances?

A: No. Ledger has no access to your private keys, coins, or recovery phrase.

Q: What happens if I lose my device?

A: You can restore your wallet on a new Ledger (or other compatible wallet) using your 24-word recovery phrase.

Q: Is Ledger Live safe to use?

A: Yes, as long as you download it from the official site. Ledger Live is designed to interact with your wallet without ever accessing your private keys.