Ledger.com/Start® | Get Support

What is Ledger.com/start?

Ledger.com/start is the official and secure onboarding portal for anyone setting up a new Ledger hardware wallet, including models like the Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, Ledger Stax, or Ledger Nano S. It is designed by Ledger to be the single source of truth for safely guiding users through the entire initial setup process, from downloading the correct software to initializing the device and managing crypto assets.

The purpose of this page is simple but critical: it provides verified and secure instructions and downloads so you don't fall victim to phishing sites, fake apps, or scam download links that try to masquerade as Ledger resources. Always ensure the URL in your browser’s address bar is https://www.ledger.com/start —never trust links from unsolicited emails, direct social media messages, or search ads.

Why Ledger.com/start Matters

1. Security First Crypto security starts with how you set up your wallet. Ledger hardware wallets keep your private keys offline in a secure element (a specialized chip designed to withstand physical attacks). However, that hardware security is only effective if you install the official software and follow recommended procedures. Ledger.com/start ensures you:

Download Ledger Live (the official companion app) safely from a trusted source.
Verify your device is genuine to ensure it hasn't been tampered with during shipping.
Initialize it correctly by setting a strong PIN.
Generate and securely back up your 24-word recovery phrase without exposing it to the internet. Following this process dramatically reduces your risk of falling for scams or accidentally installing compromised software.

2. Centralized Onboarding Hub Instead of relying on scattered guides, outdated videos, or random blog posts, Ledger.com/start aggregates everything you need in one place:

Official Ledger Live downloads for all major platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android).
A clear, step-by-step setup flow.
Current security best practices.
Direct links to official support and help resources. This gives both beginners and experienced users a single, trusted starting point, eliminating the guesswork.

3. Phishing Prevention One of the most common ways people lose cryptocurrency is by downloading fake versions of wallet software from malicious ads or lookalike websites. By making Ledger.com/start the dedicated setup portal, Ledger provides an easy-to-remember and trustworthy URL that bypasses these online traps.

Step-by-Step: What Happens at Ledger.com/start

Here’s a comprehensive walkthrough of the onboarding process once you visit the site:

1. Prepare Your Ledger Device

Unbox Carefully: Open your Ledger hardware wallet packaging.
Inspect for Tampering: Ensure the packaging holographic seals are intact and the device itself shows no signs of previous use. If anything looks suspicious, contact Ledger Support immediately.
Gather Your Supplies: Have the included recovery phrase sheet (the cardboard sheet that comes in the box) and a pen ready. Never use a digital method to store your phrase.

2. Download and Install Ledger Live

Navigate to the Page: Go to https://www.ledger.com/start on your computer or smartphone.
Select Your Version: Click the button for your specific operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile app store (iOS or Android).
Install the App: Run the installer and open Ledger Live once it's finished. This app is the control center for your hardware wallet.

3. Initialize the Ledger Device

Connect Your Device: Use the original USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X) to connect your Ledger to your computer or phone.
Welcome Screen: Your Ledger device will power on. Follow the on-device prompts.
Choose Setup: Select "Set up as new device" (or "Restore from recovery phrase" only if you are restoring an existing wallet).
Choose a PIN: Create a PIN code (4-8 digits). This code secures physical access to your device. Memorize this PIN; if lost or forgotten, you can only recover your funds with your 24-word recovery phrase.

4. The Most Critical Step: The 24-Word Recovery Phrase

Phrase Generation: The device will generate a unique, 24-word recovery phrase (seed). This is the master backup for ALL your cryptocurrency accounts. It is a mathematical representation of your private keys.
Write It Down:
- USE THE PROVIDED SHEET: Write the words down exclusively on the provided recovery sheet or a durable, non-digital medium like metal (for fire/water protection).
- NEVER DIGITIZE IT: Do not take a photo, type it into a note app, save it in a cloud drive, or enter it into any website—ever.
- Verify Order: Double-check each word for correct spelling and number them in the correct order.
Confirm the Phrase: After writing it down, the device will ask you to confirm some of the words. This ensures you recorded them accurately.

5. Finish and Install Apps

Device Ready: Once confirmed, your hardware wallet is fully initialized and ready.
Install "Apps" on Device: In Ledger Live, navigate to the "Manager" tab. Here, you can install the specific blockchain apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL)). Each app allows your device to interact with that specific blockchain.

What You Can Do After Setup

Once the setup via Ledger.com/start is complete and Ledger Live is running, you can:

Add Accounts: Create accounts for the apps you installed (e.g., a Bitcoin account, an Ethereum account).
Receive Crypto: Generate receive addresses on your hardware device to securely receive funds. Always verify the address shown in Ledger Live matches the one on your device's screen.
Send Crypto: Approve transactions by physically pressing the buttons on your device, ensuring no malware on your computer can alter transaction details.
Manage Your Portfolio: Track the total value of your crypto holdings in real-time.
Stake or Swap Assets: Access services like staking (e.g., for Tezos, Cosmos) or exchange features (through integrated partners like Changelly or ParaSwap) directly within Ledger Live. Your private keys always remain protected by the hardware.

Essential Security Tips for Lifelong Protection

Always Start Manually: Make it a habit to type ledger.com/start into your browser manually. Do not click links from ads, Telegram groups, Discord DMs, or emails.
Never Enter Your 24-Word Phrase Online: This is the golden rule of crypto self-custody. Ledger will never ask for it. If a website, app, or person asks for your phrase, it is a scam.
Keep Firmware & Ledger Live Updated: Regular updates patch security vulnerabilities and add support for new cryptocurrencies and features. Only update through the prompts in the official Ledger Live app.
Store Your Recovery Phrase Securely: Treat your recovery sheet like a million dollars in cash. Consider using a safe, a safety deposit box, or a fireproof/waterproof metal backup solution. For larger holdings, consider a more advanced "seed plate" or multi-location backup strategy.
Use the "Genuine Check": Ledger Live will automatically check that your device is genuine, but you can also perform a manual check in the "Manager" tab for extra peace of mind.

In Summary

Ledger.com/start is the secure, official launchpad for anyone using a Ledger hardware wallet. It keeps your onboarding safe, helps you install the correct software, and walks you through initializing your device correctly. By starting here, you significantly reduce your risk of scams or setup errors and can protect your digital assets with confidence, knowing you've built your security foundation on the official source.