Ledger.com/Start — Official Setup Guide for Ledger Hardware Wallets

Welcome to Ledger.com/Start, your trusted doorway to setting up your Ledger hardware wallet safely and correctly. Whether you are a complete beginner entering the world of crypto or an experienced user securing your digital portfolio, this guide walks you through every step required to install Ledger Live, initialize your device, protect your recovery phrase, and begin managing your crypto with maximum security.

Ledger devices are built to secure your private keys offline, keeping them away from hackers, malware, and unauthorized access. This guide will ensure you understand every step of the onboarding process so you can manage your digital assets with confidence.

1. What You Need Before Starting

Before setting up your device, make sure you have:

• Your Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or other Ledger device.
• A computer or smartphone compatible with Ledger Live.
• A secure space to write down your 24-word recovery phrase.
• A USB cable (for computer setup) or Bluetooth-enabled device (Nano X).

Ensure that your Ledger box is sealed and untampered. Ledger devices NEVER come with a preset PIN or pre-written recovery phrase. If you find any such items, stop immediately and contact official support.

2. Download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/Start

Ledger Live is the official companion app that allows you to manage your Ledger device, update its firmware, install crypto apps, view your portfolio, and send or receive crypto assets.

To download safely, go to: Ledger.com/Start. Avoid searching online for the download link, as fake websites may appear in search results.

Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Once installed, launch the app and select "Get Started" to begin.

3. Choose Your Ledger Device & Begin Setup

Inside Ledger Live, choose the Ledger model you're using. Follow the prompts to begin the configuration process. Connect your device using the supplied USB cable or Bluetooth (if supported).

Your Ledger device will guide you through creating a PIN code. Choose a PIN that is secure and memorable. Do not store it digitally or share it with anyone.

4. Write Down Your 24‑Word Recovery Phrase

This is the most important part of the entire setup. Your Ledger device will generate a unique 24‑word recovery phrase, also known as your Secret Recovery Phrase.

You must write this phrase down and store it safely offline.

• Never take a photo of it.
• Never store it on your computer, cloud, or phone.
• Never type it on a website — not even Ledger's.
• Keep it in a secure and private location.

Your recovery phrase is the only way to restore access to your crypto if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Anyone who has this phrase controls your assets completely.

5. Ledger Live Device Verification

Ledger Live will now verify your device to ensure it is genuine. This step helps protect you from unauthorized or tampered hardware. Once verified, Ledger Live will allow you to proceed with installing apps and managing accounts.

6. Install Crypto Apps on Your Device

Each blockchain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) requires a corresponding app on your Ledger device. To install apps:

• Open Ledger Live.
• Navigate to My Ledger.
• Install the app for the asset you want to manage.

Your Ledger device may prompt you to confirm each installation. Always check the screen on the device to ensure accuracy.

7. Add Crypto Accounts in Ledger Live

Once apps are installed, you can add crypto accounts. Accounts allow Ledger Live to track your crypto balances and display your transaction history.

• Select Add Account.
• Choose the cryptocurrency.
• Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device.
• Let Ledger Live synchronize with the blockchain.

After syncing, your account will appear in your dashboard.

8. Receiving Crypto

To receive crypto safely:

• Open Ledger Live and select Receive.
• Choose the account where funds should arrive.
• Ledger Live will display a receiving address.
• Verify the address on your Ledger device screen.

If the address on your computer or phone does not match the one on your Ledger device, do NOT continue. This step protects you from malware that may attempt to alter wallet addresses.

9. Sending Crypto

When sending crypto, enter the recipient's address and amount inside Ledger Live. You must then approve the transaction physically on your Ledger device.

This ensures that no transaction can occur without your explicit confirmation, keeping your assets secure even if your computer or smartphone is compromised.

10. Keep Your Ledger Firmware Updated

Ledger regularly releases firmware updates to improve device security, performance, and compatibility with new assets. Ledger Live will notify you when an update is available.

Before updating, always confirm you have your 24‑word recovery phrase written down. While updates are generally safe, having your phrase ensures you can recover your wallet under any circumstance.

11. Best Security Practices for Ledger Users

• Bookmark Ledger.com/Start and avoid links from emails or social media.
• Use your Ledger device for all crypto approvals — never trust on‑screen addresses alone.
• Enable a password lock on Ledger Live.
• Store your recovery phrase in a secure offline location.
• Never share your recovery phrase with anyone — including "support agents."

12. Troubleshooting & Support

If you encounter issues, try the following:

• Restart both Ledger Live and your Ledger device.
• Try a different USB cable or port.
• Reinstall the crypto app inside Ledger Live.
• Ensure your device firmware is up to date.
• Visit Ledger's official support section for validated help.

Final Thoughts

By completing these steps, your Ledger hardware wallet is now fully set up and ready to secure your crypto assets. Ledger provides one of the safest environments for managing digital currencies, but your vigilance is essential. Always follow best practices, safeguard your recovery phrase, and interact only with official Ledger resources.

For all downloads, updates, and verified instructions, always return to:
Ledger.com/Start