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

Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started — Ledger Support Guide

Getting started with a Ledger® hardware wallet is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your digital assets. Ledger devices are designed to give users full control over their private keys while protecting cryptocurrencies from online threats such as hacking, phishing, and malware. This guide walks you through everything you need to know when setting up your Ledger wallet using Ledger.com/Start®, from unboxing your device to managing crypto safely over the long term.

Whether you are new to cryptocurrency or transitioning from a software wallet, this step-by-step guide ensures a smooth, secure, and confident onboarding experience.

Understanding Ledger Hardware Wallets

A Ledger hardware wallet is a physical security device that stores your private keys offline. Unlike online or mobile wallets, Ledger wallets keep sensitive information isolated from internet-connected devices. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

Ledger supports thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, NFTs, and many popular altcoins. All transactions must be physically confirmed on the device itself, giving users full transparency and control.

Ledger.com/Start® is the official setup portal that ensures you install genuine software and follow verified instructions.

What You Need Before Starting

Before beginning the setup process, make sure you have the following:

• A genuine Ledger device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax)
• A computer or smartphone with a stable internet connection
• A USB cable or Bluetooth capability (for supported models)
• A quiet, private environment to write down your recovery phrase

Never begin setup on a shared or public computer, and avoid using screen-recording or monitoring software during initialization.

Step 1: Unbox and Verify Your Ledger Device

When you receive your Ledger wallet, inspect the packaging carefully. Ledger devices are shipped without a pre-configured PIN or recovery phrase. If you see any pre-written recovery words or signs of tampering, do not use the device.

Inside the box, you should find:
• The Ledger device
• USB cable
• Recovery sheets
• Getting started instructions

Ledger devices use a Secure Element chip that cannot be altered without detection, so authenticity checks are built into the setup process.

Step 2: Visit Ledger.com/Start®

To begin safely, always navigate directly to Ledger.com/Start® by typing the address manually into your browser. Avoid clicking ads, emails, or third-party links.

On Ledger.com/Start®, you will:
• Choose your device model
• Download Ledger Live (official companion app)
• Access verified setup instructions

This ensures you are using legitimate software and not counterfeit applications.

Step 3: Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official application used to manage your Ledger wallet. It allows you to:
• Install crypto apps on your device
• Send and receive assets
• View portfolio balances
• Update firmware securely

Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS (model-dependent). During installation, your device will be checked for authenticity, adding an extra layer of security.

Once installed, open Ledger Live and select “Get Started.”

Step 4: Set Up Your Ledger Device

When you connect your Ledger wallet for the first time, you will be prompted to set it up as a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase.

For new users, select “Set up as new device.”

You will then:
• Choose a PIN code
• Confirm the PIN
• Generate your recovery phrase

Your PIN protects your device from physical access. Choose a number that is difficult to guess and never share it with anyone.

Step 5: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

The recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase) is the most important part of your wallet. It consists of 24 words generated by the device itself.

Key rules:
• Write the words down in the exact order
• Never take photos or screenshots
• Never store digitally (email, cloud, notes app)
• Never share with anyone

This phrase is the only way to restore your wallet if the device is lost, damaged, or stolen. Ledger Support will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Step 6: Confirm the Recovery Phrase

To ensure accuracy, your Ledger device will ask you to confirm several words from your recovery phrase. This step verifies that you wrote everything correctly.

Take your time during this process. A single incorrect word can prevent wallet recovery in the future.

Once confirmed, your Ledger device setup is complete.

Step 7: Add Accounts in Ledger Live

With your device initialized, return to Ledger Live and begin adding accounts.

Each cryptocurrency requires its own app installed on the Ledger device. Ledger Live will guide you through:
• Installing crypto apps
• Creating accounts
• Synchronizing balances

You can install and uninstall apps freely without losing funds. Your assets remain secured by the recovery phrase, not the app itself.

Step 8: Receiving Cryptocurrency

To receive funds:

1. Open Ledger Live
2. Select the desired account
3. Click “Receive”
4. Verify the address on your Ledger device

Always confirm addresses directly on the hardware wallet screen. This prevents malware from altering addresses on your computer or phone.

Once confirmed, share the address with the sender and wait for network confirmation.

Step 9: Sending Cryptocurrency

Sending crypto requires physical approval on the Ledger device.

The process includes:
• Entering recipient address
• Choosing transaction fees
• Verifying details on device
• Approving transaction

Ledger ensures no transaction can be completed without your explicit confirmation, even if your computer is compromised.

Keeping Your Ledger Secure

Security does not end after setup. Follow these best practices:

• Store your recovery phrase offline in multiple secure locations
• Never enter recovery words into websites or apps
• Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated
• Verify every transaction on the device screen
• Beware of phishing emails and fake support messages

Ledger will never contact you asking for sensitive information.

Firmware Updates and Maintenance

Ledger regularly releases firmware updates to improve performance and security. Updates are performed through Ledger Live and require device confirmation.

Before updating:
• Ensure you have your recovery phrase
• Use a trusted computer
• Follow on-screen instructions carefully

Updates do not affect your assets when done correctly.

Restoring a Ledger Wallet

If your device is lost or damaged, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger device by selecting “Restore from recovery phrase” during setup.

Enter the 24 words in the correct order using the device buttons. Once restored, all accounts and balances reappear automatically.

This is why protecting your recovery phrase is critical.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying Ledger devices from unofficial sellers
• Sharing recovery phrase with anyone
• Using fake Ledger Live apps
• Storing recovery phrase digitally
• Ignoring device verification steps

Avoiding these mistakes significantly reduces the risk of asset loss.

Ledger Support and Help Resources

If you encounter issues, Ledger Support offers:
• Official help articles
• Step-by-step tutorials
• Device troubleshooting
• Security alerts

Always access support through the official Ledger website. Community forums and social media should never be trusted for sensitive guidance.

Why Ledger.com/Start® Matters

Ledger.com/Start® exists to protect users from scams and misinformation. It centralizes official resources, verified downloads, and accurate setup instructions.

By starting at the correct entry point, users ensure:
• Genuine software installation
• Secure onboarding
• Device authenticity verification

This is essential in a space where phishing attacks are common.

Final Thoughts

Getting started with Ledger through Ledger.com/Start® is a straightforward yet powerful step toward full financial sovereignty. By securing your private keys offline and confirming transactions physically, you dramatically reduce exposure to online threats.