Ledger.com/Start — Official Setup Guide for Your Ledger Device

Welcome to the official Ledger.com/start guide. This comprehensive tutorial will walk you through every step to set up, secure, and use your Ledger hardware wallet — whether you own a Ledger Nano S Plus or a Ledger Nano X. By following this guide, you’ll ensure your crypto assets are protected by industry-leading hardware security.

1. Understanding What Ledger Does

Your Ledger device is a hardware wallet — a small, secure device that stores your private keys offline, away from hackers and malware. Unlike exchange accounts or software wallets, a Ledger keeps your keys inside a secure chip (CC EAL5+ certified) that never exposes them to your computer or internet.

Ledger devices work with the Ledger Live app, which allows you to manage accounts, send and receive crypto, install apps, and track your portfolio — all while your private keys remain safely on your device.

Tip: Think of Ledger as a safe for your digital money. Even if your computer gets hacked, your crypto cannot be stolen without physical access to your Ledger and your PIN or recovery phrase.

2. Before You Begin

Before setting up your Ledger wallet, make sure you have the following:

  • Your Ledger Nano X or Ledger Nano S Plus device.
  • A secure and quiet environment to complete setup without interruptions.
  • A computer or smartphone with internet access and a USB or Bluetooth connection.
  • The official Ledger.com/start link — always typed manually into your browser.
Warning: Never use a Ledger that comes pre-configured with a PIN or recovery phrase. If your device arrives with information already filled in, contact Ledger support immediately and do not use it.

3. Unboxing and Device Check

When you open your new Ledger box, you should find:

  • The Ledger hardware wallet.
  • A USB cable (for Nano S Plus or Nano X).
  • A keychain or lanyard (optional accessory).
  • Three recovery sheets.
  • A quick start guide and regulatory leaflet.

Inspect the packaging carefully. Ledger devices come sealed but not with tamper stickers. The device’s security lies within the internal secure chip, not the packaging itself.

4. Initialize Your Ledger Device

Now it’s time to turn on and initialize your device:

  1. Connect your Ledger to your computer via the USB cable (or power on via button if Bluetooth).
  2. Follow on-screen prompts to select your language.
  3. Choose “Set up as new device.”
  4. Set your PIN code — this protects your device from unauthorized access.

Use both buttons to confirm each step. The PIN should be something memorable but not easily guessed.

Pro tip: You can change your PIN anytime in settings if you suspect it’s been seen or compromised.

5. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

Your Ledger will now display 24 words — this is your recovery phrase (also known as a seed phrase). It’s the only backup to your wallet and funds. If your device is lost, damaged, or stolen, this phrase lets you restore access.

Do the following:

  • Write each word down in order on the provided recovery sheet.
  • Double-check the spelling of every word.
  • Never store it digitally (no photos, screenshots, or online documents).
Critical: Anyone with access to your 24 words can control your crypto. Keep the phrase secret and store it in a secure, offline location.

After writing them down, your Ledger will ask you to confirm several of the words to ensure accuracy. Follow the prompts carefully.

6. Install Ledger Live

Once your device is initialized, you’ll need the Ledger Live application to manage your assets. Follow these steps:

  1. Go to Ledger.com/start.
  2. Download Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android).
  3. Install and open the application.
  4. Choose “Get Started” and follow on-screen prompts to connect your device.

Ledger Live will automatically detect your device and verify its authenticity using Ledger’s secure attestation mechanism.

Remember: Always download Ledger Live from the official website. Never trust third-party download sites or browser extensions claiming to be Ledger.

7. Install Apps for Cryptocurrencies

Ledger devices require dedicated apps to manage specific cryptocurrencies. Here’s how to install them:

  1. In Ledger Live, navigate to “My Ledger.”
  2. Allow Ledger Live to access your device by confirming on-screen prompts.
  3. Search for the crypto app (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP) and click Install.
  4. Once installed, return to Accounts and add a new account for each currency you want to manage.

Each app allows you to manage accounts for its respective blockchain while keeping your keys safely stored inside the Ledger device.

8. Sending and Receiving Crypto

Receiving Funds

To receive crypto:

  1. In Ledger Live, click Receive.
  2. Select the account and open the corresponding app on your device.
  3. Verify the receiving address shown on the Ledger device’s screen matches the one on your computer.
  4. Copy and share the address only after verifying it.

Sending Funds

  1. Click Send in Ledger Live.
  2. Enter the recipient’s address and amount.
  3. Confirm transaction details on your Ledger device screen.
  4. Approve the transaction using the device buttons.
Security tip: Always double-check the address on your device display before confirming. This ensures that malware hasn’t replaced it with a fraudulent address.

9. Keeping Your Device Secure

  • Keep your recovery phrase offline and in multiple secure locations.
  • Regularly update Ledger Live and your device firmware.
  • Always verify URLs and email senders before clicking links.
  • Enable passphrase protection for advanced security (optional).
  • Use your Ledger only on trusted computers or mobile devices.
  • Never share your screen or device during a support call.
Ledger support reminder: Ledger will never contact you asking for your 24-word recovery phrase or PIN. Be cautious of phishing attempts.

10. Restoring from Recovery Phrase

If your Ledger device is lost or damaged, you can restore your wallet using your recovery phrase:

  1. Get a new Ledger device (or compatible wallet).
  2. Select “Restore from recovery phrase.”
  3. Enter each of your 24 words carefully using the device buttons.
  4. Set a new PIN once the wallet is restored.

Once done, reconnect your device to Ledger Live — all your crypto accounts will reappear automatically after synchronization with the blockchain.

11. Troubleshooting & FAQs

My Ledger isn’t recognized by Ledger Live

Try another USB port or cable. Make sure your device is unlocked and the correct app is open. Restart both the computer and device if necessary.

Firmware update failed

Disconnect and reconnect your device, reopen Ledger Live, and retry the update. Follow on-screen instructions carefully and ensure your recovery phrase is backed up first.

Can I use Ledger with DeFi apps?

Yes, you can connect your Ledger wallet to decentralized apps (like Uniswap or Aave) via browser wallets such as MetaMask. Always confirm transactions on your Ledger device before approving them.

What if I forget my PIN?

Reset your Ledger device and restore it using your 24-word recovery phrase.

12. Final Thoughts

By completing this setup through Ledger.com/start, you’ve taken one of the most important steps toward safeguarding your digital wealth. Remember — true crypto ownership means controlling your private keys, and Ledger gives you exactly that power in a secure, user-friendly form.

Maintain good security hygiene: keep backups offline, verify transactions on-device, and stay vigilant against scams. With these habits, you can confidently manage your crypto for years to come.

This page provides educational information for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. For official resources, firmware downloads, and technical support, visit Ledger.com/start — the only official setup portal.