Ledger.com/start — Official Setup & Beginner Guide

Welcome to Ledger.com/start, your complete step-by-step guide to setting up, securing, and using your Ledger hardware wallet.
This page walks you through everything—from unboxing your device to managing your crypto assets securely with Ledger Live. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crypto user, this guide ensures you start safely and confidently.

What Is Ledger?

Ledger is a hardware-based security solution designed to protect your cryptocurrency and digital assets. Unlike software wallets, which store private keys on your computer or phone, a Ledger device keeps your private keys isolated inside a certified secure chip. This dramatically reduces exposure to malware, phishing, and network-based attacks.

Start Here: How to Set Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

1. Unbox Your Device

Inside the package, you should find:

  • Ledger hardware wallet device
  • USB cable
  • Recovery phrase cards
  • Instructions & safety leaflets

Make sure the box is sealed and untouched when you receive it.

2. Go to the Official Setup Page

On your computer or mobile device, visit the official Ledger setup page:
Ledger.com/start
This ensures you are downloading Ledger’s authentic software and not a third-party link.

3. Download & Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion app that lets you:

  • Initialize and secure your device
  • Install crypto apps
  • Buy, send, and receive digital assets
  • Monitor your portfolio
  • Access NFT and Web3 features

Choose your platform:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • iOS / Android (mobile users)

After downloading, follow on-screen steps to complete installation.

4. Set Up Your Ledger Device

Once Ledger Live is installed:

  1. Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth, depending on model).
  2. Select “Set up as new device.”
  3. Choose a secure PIN code on the device screen.
  4. Confirm your PIN and proceed.

5. Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

Your Ledger will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This is the only backup to your wallet.

Important rules:

  • Write the words down in the correct order
  • Store them offline and privately
  • Never take photos or digital copies
  • Never share them with anyone
  • Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase

If your device is ever lost, damaged, or stolen, the recovery phrase allows you to restore access to your crypto.

6. Verify and Confirm Your Recovery Phrase

The device will ask you to confirm several words to ensure that you wrote them down correctly. This step cannot be skipped—it is essential to securing your wallet.

7. Install Crypto Apps

Different cryptocurrencies require different apps.
Inside Ledger Live, navigate to:

My Ledger → App Catalog

Then install:

  • Bitcoin app
  • Ethereum app
  • Solana app
  • XRP app
  • Polygon app
  • And many others

Ledger devices support thousands of coins and tokens.

8. Add Accounts in Ledger Live

Once apps are installed:

  1. Go to Accounts
  2. Click Add Account
  3. Choose your cryptocurrency
  4. Let Ledger Live synchronize with the blockchain

You are now ready to send, receive, and manage your assets.

How to Send Crypto with Ledger Live

  1. Open Ledger Live
  2. Select Send
  3. Choose an account
  4. Enter the recipient’s address
  5. Verify the address on your Ledger screen
  6. Approve the transaction on your device

Always double-check addresses carefully.

How to Receive Crypto

  1. Click Receive in Ledger Live
  2. Select your account
  3. Connect and unlock your device
  4. Verify the receiving address on your Ledger screen
  5. Copy the address and share it with the sender

Your device ensures the displayed address is authentic.

Why Use a Ledger Hardware Wallet?

1. Maximum Security

  • Private keys stored in a Secure Element hardware chip
  • Protection against malware and remote attacks
  • Physical confirmation required for every transaction

2. Full Ownership of Your Crypto

You—not an app, exchange, or platform—control your keys and your funds.

3. Access to Thousands of Crypto Assets

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, NFTs, DeFi tokens, and much more.

4. Seamless Ledger Live Interface

Spend less time worrying about safety and more time managing your portfolio.

Ledger Live Features Overview

✔ Portfolio Tracker

Track your entire crypto portfolio in real time.

✔ Buy, Sell, Swap, & Stake

Use Ledger Live’s partners to:

  • Buy crypto using debit/credit
  • Swap one coin for another
  • Stake coins like ETH, SOL, ADA, and ATOM

✔ NFT Management

View and manage your NFTs directly within Ledger Live.

✔ Access Web3 dApps Securely

Connect to Web3 apps using Ledger Connect or WalletConnect while maintaining hardware-level safety.

Security Best Practices

To maximize your protection:

  • Always download software from Ledger.com/start
  • Never share your recovery phrase
  • Beware of phishing emails or fake websites
  • Do not buy devices second-hand
  • Keep firmware updated
  • Use a secure, private internet connection

If a website or person asks for your recovery phrase, it is a scam.

Troubleshooting & Support

Device won’t turn on?

Charge or connect via USB and try another cable.

Ledger Live not detecting device?

  • Change USB port
  • Try another cable
  • Ensure Ledger Live is updated
  • Disable VPN or security software temporarily

Forgot PIN?

Reset the device and restore using your recovery phrase.

Need help?

Access official resources via the Help section in Ledger Live or the Ledger Support website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is my Ledger wallet safe from hackers?

Yes—your private keys never leave the device. Even if your computer is compromised, your crypto remains secure.

What happens if I lose my Ledger wallet?

Your crypto can be restored to a new device using your 24-word recovery phrase.

Can Ledger be used with DeFi applications?

Absolutely. Ledger integrates with popular DeFi platforms through WalletConnect or browser extensions.

Do I need Ledger Live to use the wallet?

Ledger Live is the easiest option, but advanced users can connect their wallet to external apps as well.

Conclusion

Ledger.com/start is your trusted guide to safely beginning your crypto journey. With Ledger’s secure hardware and the intuitive Ledger Live app, you can protect, manage, and grow your digital assets with complete peace of mind.