Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started — Ledger Support

Welcome to this comprehensive guide designed to help both beginners and experienced crypto users set up their Ledger hardware wallet through the official onboarding portal Ledger.com/Start. Whether you're using Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or future Ledger devices, this guide walks you through the entire process step-by-step. Security is the foundation of crypto ownership, and Ledger provides world-class protection for digital assets. This article will help ensure your setup is smooth, safe, and optimized for long-term use.

What Is Ledger.com/Start?

Ledger.com/Start is the official portal where users begin setting up their Ledger hardware wallet. It contains verified instructions, essential software downloads, and security checklists. Never download Ledger Live or wallet software from unofficial sources. Always use the REAL link: https://www.ledger.com/start.

Why Use a Ledger Hardware Wallet?

Hardware wallets provide cold-storage security by keeping your private keys offline. This makes them immune to most hacks that affect software wallets and exchanges. With Ledger, your crypto keys stay inside a Secure Element chip protected against digital and physical attacks.

Primary Benefits

Maximum Security – Your private keys never leave your Ledger device.
Full Ownership – Not your keys, not your crypto. Ledger ensures self-custody.
Multi-Asset Support – Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, and thousands of assets.
Easy Ledger Live Integration – Manage assets effortlessly on desktop & mobile.
Long-term Safety – Perfect for holders, traders, and Web3 explorers.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Started Using Ledger.com/Start

Step 1: Unbox Your Ledger

Inside the box, you'll find your Ledger device, a USB cable, recovery phrase cards, user documents, and accessories. Before doing anything, confirm:

The box was sealed properly
The device is not pre-configured
No recovery sheet was pre-filled—this is a SCAM warning sign

Once verified, visit Ledger.com/Start to begin the official setup process.

Step 2: Download Ledger Live From the Official Page

The only legitimate place to download Ledger Live is Ledger.com/Start. This protects you from malware-infected fake downloads circulating online.

Ledger Live is available on:

Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android

Follow the instructions to install the application securely on your device.

Step 3: Initialize Your Ledger Device

Turn on the Ledger device and follow the on-screen steps to configure it. You will:

Select a PIN code (recommended: 6–8 digits)
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase
Confirm every word to ensure accuracy

Remember: Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase online. Only you should have access to it.

Step 4: Securely Save Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

This is the most important part of your setup. Your 24-word seed phrase is your master key to your crypto. If you lose it or someone else gets it, your funds are not recoverable.

Store your recovery phrase:

In a hidden, offline location
Across multiple secure places
Preferably in metal seed storage

Do NOT store it:

In the cloud
On a phone or computer
In screenshots or photos

For official precautions, refer again to Ledger.com/Start.

Step 5: Connect Ledger to Ledger Live

Once Ledger Live is installed, connect your hardware wallet using the USB cable or Bluetooth (for Ledger Nano X). Ledger Live will automatically detect your device and ask you to set up:

Device verification
Firmware update
App installations (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)

Step 6: Add Your Crypto Accounts

Inside Ledger Live, click "Accounts" → "Add Account". Select the coin you want to manage. This installs the required app on your Ledger device and adds a secure account in Ledger Live.

Supported assets include:

Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
BNB Chain
Solana (SOL)
Polygon (MATIC)
Cardano (ADA)
NFTs (ERC721 & ERC1155)

Step 7: Make Your First Transaction

Once everything is set up, you can easily send or receive crypto. Every transaction requires approval on the Ledger device itself. This means that even if your computer is infected, your crypto stays safe.

For official transaction guidance, always check Ledger.com/Start.

Advanced Features You Can Use with Ledger

1. Ledger Staking

Earn rewards by staking major cryptocurrencies like Tezos, Polkadot, Ethereum, and more. Your assets remain securely stored on your Ledger device while earning passive income.

2. NFT Management

Ledger Live supports Ethereum and Polygon NFTs. You can display, receive, and transfer NFTs while maintaining fully offline security.

3. Web3 and DeFi Access

Connect your Ledger to platforms like:

MetaMask
Uniswap
Aave
Curve
Compound

This adds a powerful security layer to your DeFi interactions. Always verify you are using the real Ledger setup guideline at Ledger.com/Start.

Security Best Practices

Never Share Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

No support agent, website, or software will ever legitimately ask for your recovery phrase. If anyone requests it, it is 100% a scam.

Avoid Fake Ledger Websites

Cybercriminals often create fake clones of the Ledger website. Only trust: https://www.ledger.com/start.

Beware of Fake Apps and Extensions

Ledger does not use browser extensions. Always download Ledger Live only from the official site: Ledger.com/Start.

Use PIN and Passphrase Options

Ledger offers optional advanced security features such as passphrases that add another layer of protection, especially against physical theft.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Device Not Connecting?

Try a different USB cable
Make sure Ledger Live is updated
Restart your computer
Use a different USB port

PIN Forgotten?

If you forget your PIN, you can reset your device and recover it using the 24-word phrase. Instructions available at Ledger.com/Start.

Ledger Live Crashing?

Ensure compatibility and update your OS. Ledger Live updates frequently resolve bugs and improve performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ledger Safe?

Yes. Ledger is one of the safest methods of storing crypto due to its Secure Element hardware and offline key protection.

Is Ledger.com/Start the Only Real Setup Link?

Yes. Always, always use Ledger.com/Start. This guide includes the verified link 10 times for clarity and user safety.

Can I Use Ledger with MetaMask?

Absolutely. You can import your Ledger wallets into MetaMask for safer Web3 usage.

Conclusion

Setting up your Ledger wallet properly is the first step toward secure digital asset management. With growing security threats in the crypto space, using a hardware wallet is no longer optional—it’s essential. By following this comprehensive guide and always referring to the official onboarding portal Ledger.com/Start, you ensure your setup is safe, correct, and fully optimized.

Ledger gives you full control over your assets—securely, easily, and confidently. Take your time, follow every security step, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with true self-custody.