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Welcome to Ledger.com/Start®, the official and secure onboarding hub for setting up your new Ledger hardware wallet and beginning your journey into securely managing cryptocurrency assets. Whether this is your first encounter with crypto, or you’re transitioning to a more secure wallet solution, this guide walks you through every step — from unboxing your device to sending your first transaction.
Before you begin, it’s important to understand what makes Ledger hardware wallets trusted by millions of users worldwide:
• Industry‑Leading Security: Ledger devices use specialized secure chips and custom operating systems designed to keep private keys isolated from internet exposure.
• Private Key Ownership: With Ledger, only you control your keys — Ledger never has access to your backup recovery phrase or assets.
• Multi‑Asset Support: Through the companion app Ledger Live, you can manage thousands of coins and tokens — including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many others.
• Supported Across Platforms: Ledger Live works on desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android), empowering you to securely manage your crypto anywhere.
Your journey begins at https://www.ledger.com/start — the only official setup location that provides verified downloads and secure instructions.
To complete your Ledger setup smoothly, make sure you have:
A genuine Ledger hardware wallet (such as Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax).
A computer or mobile device with internet access.
The USB cable included with your Ledger device.
A secure offline place to store your 24‑word recovery phrase (pen and the included recovery sheet).
⚠️ Security Tip: Only ever download Ledger Live directly from Ledger.com/Start. Avoid links from emails, ads, or social media posts to protect against phishing and fake installers.
The setup process is straightforward and guided. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 3.1 — Visit Ledger.com/Start
Open your web browser and enter:
This is the official Ledger onboarding page — the safest place to begin your setup.
Once there, you’ll be prompted to choose your specific Ledger model, confirm your operating system, and proceed with downloading Ledger Live securely.
Step 3.2 — Unbox and Connect Your Device
Open your Ledger device box and verify that:
The packaging is sealed and untampered.
Nothing appears pre‑configured or previously used.
Inside you should find:
The Ledger hardware device.
A USB cable.
Recovery cards and instructions.
Connect your Ledger wallet to your computer’s USB port (or via Bluetooth for supported models, such as Nano X) and power it on.
Step 3.3 — Download Ledger Live
From the Ledger.com/Start page, download the Ledger Live app for your system:
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS or Android
Ledger Live is the secure, official interface you’ll use to manage your crypto — including installing crypto apps, viewing balances, and sending/receiving funds.
Install the app and launch it once the download completes.
Step 3.4 — Choose “Set Up as New Device”
Inside Ledger Live:
Select “Set up as new device.”
The device will guide you to choose a PIN.
💡 PIN Tips: Choose a strong 4–8 digit code that’s memorable to you but hard to guess. Do not store your PIN with your recovery phrase.
Step 3.5 — Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
After setting your PIN, the device will display a 24‑word recovery phrase — this is the only backup of your crypto wallet.
Do this carefully:
Write the words in order on the provided recovery cards.
Store these cards in a secure, offline location.
Never take photos, screenshots, or enter the phrase into any device or app.
📌 If someone obtains your recovery phrase, they gain full access to your crypto — treat it like a vault key.
Step 3.6 — Confirm Your Recovery Phrase
Ledger will prompt you to confirm a few words from your written recovery phrase on the device itself. This ensures you recorded it correctly. Confirming the phrase finalizes your device setup.
Once the device is set up and Ledger Live is installed:
Install Crypto Apps
Inside Ledger Live:
Go to the Manager section.
Install apps for each cryptocurrency you want to hold (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.)
Each blockchain has its own app that enables you to add and manage that asset securely.
Add Accounts
After installing an app, return to Accounts in Ledger Live:
Click “Add account” and choose which assets you want to manage.
Your Ledger will sync with Ledger Live to display balances and enable transactions.
Send & Receive Crypto
Using Ledger Live with your connected ledger device:
Generate receiving addresses securely.
Confirm outgoing transactions by physically confirming them on the Ledger device.
Always verify the address shown on your device’s screen — this guards against malware that might alter addresses on your computer.
Ledger Live also offers additional features:
Buy crypto via integrated partners directly in Ledger Live.
Swap assets right inside the app.
Stake supported tokens to earn rewards.
Explore Web3 dApps and NFTs while keeping keys secure on your device.
These features expand your crypto experience beyond basic storage and transfers.
Security doesn’t end after setup — it’s an ongoing process:
• Always use Ledger.com/Start — never trust third‑party sites with downloads. • Store your recovery phrase offline and securely. • Ledger Support will never ask for your recovery phrase. • Be cautious of phishing emails, fake apps, and unsolicited links.
Scammers often target Ledger users by trying to trick them into entering their recovery phrase into fake apps or sites. These are scams — no genuine service ever needs those 24 words.
Losing your Ledger hardware wallet isn’t the end of the road if you have your recovery phrase. You can:
Purchase a new Ledger device and use the recovery phrase to restore your wallet.
Recover your accounts with Ledger Live by choosing “Restore device from recovery phrase.”
If you lose both the device and the recovery phrase, there’s no way to regain access to your crypto — the keys are irreplaceable and not stored by Ledger.
Stuck during setup? Ledger.com/Start includes a help section with detailed articles, FAQs, and access to official support channels.
Never turn to unofficial forums claiming to represent Ledger Support — scammers sometimes pose as support agents to steal recovery phrases or install fake software.
Conclusion
Starting with Ledger.com/Start gives you the safest, most reliable path to secure your crypto assets. With official downloads, step‑by‑step setup guidance, and industry best practices woven throughout the experience, you’re empowered to take full control of your digital wealth — securely and confidently.