🔐 Ledger.com/start – The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up Your Ledger Wallet (2025 Edition)
If you’ve just purchased a Ledger hardware wallet — whether the Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or a future model — you’ve likely seen the official instruction to begin at Ledger.com/start. This page is the official onboarding hub where you download Ledger Live, initialize your device, and secure your crypto. But what exactly happens when you go there? And how can you make sure you’re doing everything securely?
This complete guide will walk you step-by-step through the Ledger.com/start process, explain the core concepts you need to understand, and give you best practices for keeping your cryptocurrency safe.
🧭 What Is Ledger.com/start?
Ledger.com/start is the official setup portal created by Ledger, a French company known globally for its hardware wallets. This page helps new users:
Download the Ledger Live desktop or mobile app
Initialize their Ledger hardware wallet
Write down and verify their 24-word recovery phrase
Install apps for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others
Understand the importance of self-custody
⚠️ Important: Always type the URL manually into your browser (https://www.ledger.com/start) or use a trusted bookmark. Do not trust links from emails or random search engine ads — phishing sites can look nearly identical.
💡 Why Do You Need a Hardware Wallet Like Ledger?
A Ledger device is a hardware wallet, meaning your private keys — the digital keys that allow you to access and move your crypto — are stored offline in a secure chip. This makes them immune to online hacks, keyloggers, and most malware.
Here are some core reasons to use a Ledger:
Security – Private keys never leave the device.
Self-Custody – You truly own your crypto. “Not your keys, not your coins.”
Multi-Asset Support – Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, ERC-20 tokens, Solana, and more.
Ledger Live Integration – A clean, official app to send, receive, and swap assets.
✅ What You Need Before Going to Ledger.com/start
Before you start, make sure you have:
📦 Your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax)
🔋 The included USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X mobile setup)
📝 A pen and paper (to write your 24-word recovery phrase)
💻 A computer (Windows, macOS, Linux) or a smartphone (iOS or Android)
🌐 A secure internet connection
🛠️ Step-by-Step Setup Guide via Ledger.com/start
Here’s a detailed walkthrough of what happens when you visit Ledger.com/start:
🔹 Step 1: Go to Ledger.com/start
Open your browser and type https://www.ledger.com/start. You’ll land on the official Ledger onboarding page. Select your device model from the list (e.g., Nano S Plus or Nano X).
🔹 Step 2: Download Ledger Live
You’ll be prompted to download Ledger Live, the official companion software. Choose the version for your operating system:
💻 Desktop: Windows, macOS, or Linux
📱 Mobile: iOS or Android (Nano X only supports mobile Bluetooth)
Once downloaded, install the app and open it.
🔹 Step 3: Choose “Set up as new device”
When you launch Ledger Live, it will ask what you want to do:
✅ Set up as a new device
♻️ Restore from recovery phrase
🔐 Use device already initialized
Select “Set up as new device.”
🔹 Step 4: Initialize the Device
Follow the instructions on both the Ledger Live app and your physical device. You’ll be prompted to:
Choose a PIN code (4 to 8 digits) on the device
Confirm the PIN by re-entering it
This PIN locks your device and prevents unauthorized use.
🔹 Step 5: Write Down the 24-Word Recovery Phrase
This is the most critical step.
Your Ledger will display 24 random English words — your recovery phrase or seed phrase. These words are the only backup to restore your wallet if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
📌 Important security tips:
Write the words down in order on the provided recovery sheet or your own paper.
Never take a photo, store them in cloud storage, or type them into your computer.
Never share them with anyone — not even Ledger staff.
Ledger Live will ask you to confirm the words by selecting them in the correct order.
🔹 Step 6: Device Is Ready
Once confirmed, your device is now initialized. Ledger Live will say “Your device is ready.”
At this point, your Ledger wallet has a private/public key pair stored in the secure element chip, and your seed phrase can regenerate it if necessary.
🔹 Step 7: Add Accounts (Cryptocurrencies)
Now you can install apps on your Ledger (like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) using Ledger Live.
To add a cryptocurrency:
In Ledger Live, go to “My Ledger” and connect your device.
Install the crypto app (e.g., Bitcoin).
Go to “Accounts” and add an account for that crypto.
You’ll now be able to receive crypto, send crypto, and track balances securely.
🔐 Understanding the Recovery Phrase (Seed Phrase)
Your 24-word seed phrase is generated using the BIP-39 standard, which allows deterministic wallets to recreate the same private keys every time.
If someone gets your seed phrase, they can restore your wallet on any BIP-39-compatible wallet and steal your funds. That’s why security is paramount.
🛡️ Best Practices for Ledger Security
To maximize your security, follow these best practices:
✅ Buy only from Ledger.com or authorized resellers
✅ Always verify the URL: https://www.ledger.com/start
✅ Use a strong PIN
✅ Keep your seed phrase offline and hidden
✅ Enable passphrase (advanced users only)
✅ Use Ledger Live only — avoid third-party websites
✅ Update firmware regularly
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Entering your seed phrase online – never do this. Ledger will never ask.
Using a pre-filled recovery sheet – scam devices sometimes come with pre-written words. If you didn’t generate the seed phrase yourself, do not use the device.
Losing your recovery phrase – if it’s lost, you can’t recover your wallet if the device fails.
📱 What Is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the official software interface to:
Send and receive crypto
Buy, sell, and swap assets (via integrated partners)
View balances and transaction history
Stake coins (e.g., Ethereum, Polkadot, Tezos)
Manage NFTs (on Ethereum and Polygon)
Update firmware and apps
It uses end-to-end encryption and communicates with your Ledger device to sign transactions.
🔄 Restoring a Ledger from Recovery Phrase
If you lose or reset your device, you can restore it by:
Getting a new Ledger device
Choosing “Restore from recovery phrase”
Entering the same 24 words
Choosing a new PIN
Your accounts and balances will reappear automatically in Ledger Live once synced.
🧭 Quick Summary Checklist
StepWhat You DoGo to Ledger.com/startSelect device & download Ledger LiveInitialize deviceChoose PIN & generate seed phraseConfirm recovery phraseVerify 24 words on the deviceInstall crypto appsAdd Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.Add accountsView balances in Ledger LiveKeep phrase safeStore offline in secure place
🏁 Final Thoughts
Setting up your Ledger via Ledger.com/start is one of the most important steps in taking full control of your cryptocurrency. By storing your private keys offline and managing your crypto through Ledger Live, you are drastically reducing the risk of hacks, phishing attacks, and custodial failures.
Just remember:
Your device secures your keys
Your 24-word phrase is your ultimate backup
You are responsible for your security
With great power comes great responsibility — and also great peace of mind.
If you follow the steps in this guide and treat your recovery phrase like digital gold, your Ledger wallet will serve as a fortress for your crypto holdings for years to come.🔐 Ledger.com/start – The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up Your Ledger Wallet (2025 Edition)
If you’ve just purchased a Ledger hardware wallet — whether the Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or a future model — you’ve likely seen the official instruction to begin at Ledger.com/start. This page is the official onboarding hub where you download Ledger Live, initialize your device, and secure your crypto. But what exactly happens when you go there? And how can you make sure you’re doing everything securely?
This complete guide will walk you step-by-step through the Ledger.com/start process, explain the core concepts you need to understand, and give you best practices for keeping your cryptocurrency safe.
🧭 What Is Ledger.com/start?
Ledger.com/start is the official setup portal created by Ledger, a French company known globally for its hardware wallets. This page helps new users:
Download the Ledger Live desktop or mobile app
Initialize their Ledger hardware wallet
Write down and verify their 24-word recovery phrase
Install apps for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others
Understand the importance of self-custody
⚠️ Important: Always type the URL manually into your browser (https://www.ledger.com/start) or use a trusted bookmark. Do not trust links from emails or random search engine ads — phishing sites can look nearly identical.
💡 Why Do You Need a Hardware Wallet Like Ledger?
A Ledger device is a hardware wallet, meaning your private keys — the digital keys that allow you to access and move your crypto — are stored offline in a secure chip. This makes them immune to online hacks, keyloggers, and most malware.
Here are some core reasons to use a Ledger:
Security – Private keys never leave the device.
Self-Custody – You truly own your crypto. “Not your keys, not your coins.”
Multi-Asset Support – Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, ERC-20 tokens, Solana, and more.
Ledger Live Integration – A clean, official app to send, receive, and swap assets.
✅ What You Need Before Going to Ledger.com/start
Before you start, make sure you have:
📦 Your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax)
🔋 The included USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X mobile setup)
📝 A pen and paper (to write your 24-word recovery phrase)
💻 A computer (Windows, macOS, Linux) or a smartphone (iOS or Android)
🌐 A secure internet connection
🛠️ Step-by-Step Setup Guide via Ledger.com/start
Here’s a detailed walkthrough of what happens when you visit Ledger.com/start:
🔹 Step 1: Go to Ledger.com/start
Open your browser and type https://www.ledger.com/start. You’ll land on the official Ledger onboarding page. Select your device model from the list (e.g., Nano S Plus or Nano X).
🔹 Step 2: Download Ledger Live
You’ll be prompted to download Ledger Live, the official companion software. Choose the version for your operating system:
💻 Desktop: Windows, macOS, or Linux
📱 Mobile: iOS or Android (Nano X only supports mobile Bluetooth)
Once downloaded, install the app and open it.
🔹 Step 3: Choose “Set up as new device”
When you launch Ledger Live, it will ask what you want to do:
✅ Set up as a new device
♻️ Restore from recovery phrase
🔐 Use device already initialized
Select “Set up as new device.”
🔹 Step 4: Initialize the Device
Follow the instructions on both the Ledger Live app and your physical device. You’ll be prompted to:
Choose a PIN code (4 to 8 digits) on the device
Confirm the PIN by re-entering it
This PIN locks your device and prevents unauthorized use.
🔹 Step 5: Write Down the 24-Word Recovery Phrase
This is the most critical step.
Your Ledger will display 24 random English words — your recovery phrase or seed phrase. These words are the only backup to restore your wallet if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
📌 Important security tips:
Write the words down in order on the provided recovery sheet or your own paper.
Never take a photo, store them in cloud storage, or type them into your computer.
Never share them with anyone — not even Ledger staff.
Ledger Live will ask you to confirm the words by selecting them in the correct order.
🔹 Step 6: Device Is Ready
Once confirmed, your device is now initialized. Ledger Live will say “Your device is ready.”
At this point, your Ledger wallet has a private/public key pair stored in the secure element chip, and your seed phrase can regenerate it if necessary.
🔹 Step 7: Add Accounts (Cryptocurrencies)
Now you can install apps on your Ledger (like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) using Ledger Live.
To add a cryptocurrency:
In Ledger Live, go to “My Ledger” and connect your device.
Install the crypto app (e.g., Bitcoin).
Go to “Accounts” and add an account for that crypto.
You’ll now be able to receive crypto, send crypto, and track balances securely.
🔐 Understanding the Recovery Phrase (Seed Phrase)
Your 24-word seed phrase is generated using the BIP-39 standard, which allows deterministic wallets to recreate the same private keys every time.
If someone gets your seed phrase, they can restore your wallet on any BIP-39-compatible wallet and steal your funds. That’s why security is paramount.
🛡️ Best Practices for Ledger Security
To maximize your security, follow these best practices:
✅ Buy only from Ledger.com or authorized resellers
✅ Always verify the URL: https://www.ledger.com/start
✅ Use a strong PIN
✅ Keep your seed phrase offline and hidden
✅ Enable passphrase (advanced users only)
✅ Use Ledger Live only — avoid third-party websites
✅ Update firmware regularly
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Entering your seed phrase online – never do this. Ledger will never ask.
Using a pre-filled recovery sheet – scam devices sometimes come with pre-written words. If you didn’t generate the seed phrase yourself, do not use the device.
Losing your recovery phrase – if it’s lost, you can’t recover your wallet if the device fails.
📱 What Is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the official software interface to:
Send and receive crypto
Buy, sell, and swap assets (via integrated partners)
View balances and transaction history
Stake coins (e.g., Ethereum, Polkadot, Tezos)
Manage NFTs (on Ethereum and Polygon)
Update firmware and apps
It uses end-to-end encryption and communicates with your Ledger device to sign transactions.
🔄 Restoring a Ledger from Recovery Phrase
If you lose or reset your device, you can restore it by:
Getting a new Ledger device
Choosing “Restore from recovery phrase”
Entering the same 24 words
Choosing a new PIN
Your accounts and balances will reappear automatically in Ledger Live once synced.
🧭 Quick Summary Checklist
StepWhat You DoGo to Ledger.com/startSelect device & download Ledger LiveInitialize deviceChoose PIN & generate seed phraseConfirm recovery phraseVerify 24 words on the deviceInstall crypto appsAdd Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.Add accountsView balances in Ledger LiveKeep phrase safeStore offline in secure place
🏁 Final Thoughts
Setting up your Ledger via Ledger.com/start is one of the most important steps in taking full control of your cryptocurrency. By storing your private keys offline and managing your crypto through Ledger Live, you are drastically reducing the risk of hacks, phishing attacks, and custodial failures.
Just remember:
Your device secures your keys
Your 24-word phrase is your ultimate backup
You are responsible for your security
With great power comes great responsibility — and also great peace of mind.
If you follow the steps in this guide and treat your recovery phrase like digital gold, your Ledger wallet will serve as a fortress for your crypto holdings for years to come.
