Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®

1. Introduction & Why Ledger.com/Start®

Welcome to your trusted launch point: ledger.com/start. This is the official setup portal created by Ledger® so you begin your cryptocurrency journey safely, securely, and with confidence. Avoid imitation sites, phishing links, or shortcuts — follow the verified instructions here.

Ledger hardware wallets (e.g. Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, etc.) store your private keys offline inside secure elements, away from internet threats. The setup portal walks you step‑by‑step through initialization, firmware, app installation, and usage.

Tip: Bookmark https://ledger.com/start now and always navigate there manually — never via random link or email.

By starting here, you gain:

Verified, official software and instructions
Protection against fake clones and phishing domains
Access to the latest Ledger Live app downloads and updates
Clear guidance on security, usage, and recovery

2. Setup Steps

The following steps guide you from opening the box to managing your first crypto assets.

Step 1: Unbox & Verify
- Check that the box is sealed, the holographic sticker is intact, and no signs of tampering.
- Inside should be: your Ledger device, a USB cable, recovery sheets, and starter documentation.
- Ledger devices are never pre‑initialized. If your device shows a setup screen already, stop and verify authenticity.

If anything about the packaging or contents looks off, do not proceed. Contact Ledger Support through official channels.

Step 2: Visit Ledger.com/Start & Download Ledger Live
- In your browser, go to ledger.com/start.
- Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android).
- Download the Ledger Live installer or app package from this page only.

Step 3: Install Ledger Live
- Run the installer or install the app.
- On mobile devices, grant necessary permissions (USB, Bluetooth) as prompted.
- Open Ledger Live and let it set up its basic environment.

Step 4: Connect Your Device & Begin Setup
- Connect your Ledger device using the USB cable (or via Bluetooth for compatible models).
- In Ledger Live, select “Set up as new device” (or optionally “Restore from recovery phrase” if you are migrating).
- Follow on‑screen instructions to set your device PIN.

Choose a PIN you’ll remember but that’s not easy to guess (avoid birthdays, repeated digits, etc.).

Step 5: Recovery Phrase Generation
- The device will generate a **24‑word recovery phrase**.
- Write these words clearly on the recovery sheets provided — **never** digitally record or photograph them.
- Confirm the phrase by selecting words on the device in the correct order.
- Store the backup in offline, secure locations (e.g. a safe, safe deposit box, metal backup).

Anyone with your 24‑word recovery phrase has full access to your funds. Ledger will never ask for it. Beware of websites, messages, or software requesting it.

Step 6: Verify Device Authenticity
- Ledger Live will instruct your device to run a built‑in authenticity check.
- It verifies signatures stored in the secure element.
- Do not skip this; it helps detect tampered or fake units.

Step 7: Firmware Updates (if available)
- If a firmware update is available, apply it now via Ledger Live.
- The update is signed by Ledger and ensures the device is running the latest secure code.
- During update, do not unplug or power off the device.

Step 8: Install Apps & Add Accounts
- In Ledger Live’s **Manager**, find and install the cryptocurrency apps you want (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
- In the **Accounts** tab, click “Add Account” → select the coin → follow prompts.
- Your Ledger device and Ledger Live will coordinate to generate and register the account(s).

You can install multiple apps and manage many assets simultaneously — Ledger supports thousands of coins and tokens.

Step 9: Send/Receive & Use Your Wallet
- To receive crypto: in Ledger Live, select the account → “Receive” → confirm the address on device.
- To send: select “Send”, enter the destination, amount, and fees, then verify all details on your Ledger device screen before confirming.
- Use the “Portfolio” screen to view balances and performance across accounts.

3. Usage & Key Features

Once your device is set up, here’s what you can do and how Ledger integrates with the wider crypto ecosystem.

3.1 Ledger Live Dashboard

View your complete portfolio at a glance.
Monitor real‑time balances, transaction history, and market data.
Buy, swap, and sell crypto (via integrated partners) within a secure framework.
Stake supported assets to earn rewards directly from Ledger Live.
Access NFT galleries (for supported networks) and decentralized app (DApp) integrations.

3.2 Multi‑Device & Cross‑Platform

Ledger supports desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android). Syncing between devices is seamless — your wallet accounts persist as long as you use the same recovery phrase.

3.3 Web3 & DApp Integration

Want to use DeFi, NFTs, or web3 apps? You can connect Ledger with wallet bridges (such as via MetaMask, WalletConnect, or direct Ledger compatibility) so that all signing happens on the hardware device — never in the browser.

Always verify the domain and SSL certificate before connecting your wallet to any website.

3.4 Security & Modern Protocols

Ledger devices run on the BOLOS operating system and incorporate a CC EAL5+ certified secure element. These tools ensure that private keys never leave the device, and firmware updates are cryptographically verified.

3.5 Recovery & Migration

If you ever lose or damage your device, you can restore your wallet on any compatible hardware wallet by inputting the 24‑word recovery phrase. Your funds always live on the blockchain, not inside your device.

4. Security & Best Practices

Ledger is built to be secure, but your practices matter. Below are ongoing recommendations to maintain maximum security.

4.1 Store Recovery Phrase Offline

Never type the phrase into a computer or phone.
Never photograph or scan it.
Store it in multiple secure physical backups if possible (metal plates, safe boxes, offsite backups).
Consider splitting or using a secret sharing scheme for advanced users.

4.2 Protect Your PIN

Do not reuse old PINs or use obvious ones like “1234”.
Memorize your PIN — do not write it down near your recovery phrase.
If you enter an incorrect PIN 3 times, the device resets (you need your recovery phrase to restore).

4.3 Keep Firmware & Software Updated

Ledger regularly issues firmware and app updates that patch vulnerabilities, add new features, or support new assets. Always apply updates as soon as they are available.

Never skip updates for extended periods. Though risky updates are rare, outdated firmware could have undiscovered vulnerabilities.

4.4 Beware of Phishing & Fake Wallet Apps

Always download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start or official sources, never from third‑party app stores or unverified links.
Ledger or support will never ask you for your 24‑word phrase via email, chat, or forms.
Do not trust popups or alerts asking to update immediately from unknown sources.
Check URLs and SSL/TLS padlocks before entering any site that requests connections to your wallet.

4.5 Use Passphrase (Optional Advanced Security)

Ledger supports an optional extra word (passphrase) that acts like a 25th (or more) word. It adds a hidden layer of security, but also increases the complexity of recovery. Use only if you know what you're doing.

4.6 Safe Usage & Transaction Verification

Always review the transaction details shown on your device screen (address, amount, fees). Only approve if they match exactly what you expect.
Start with small test transactions when sending funds to new addresses.
Avoid connecting to unknown or suspicious DApps.
Regularly back up and verify your recovery phrase (e.g. test restore on a spare device) to ensure it's correct.

5. FAQ & Troubleshooting

Q: What is ledger.com/start?

It’s the official onboarding portal for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides verified downloads, setup steps, firmware updates, account management guidance, and security information.

Q: Can I skip the authenticity check?

No — the authenticity check is a crucial step that confirms your device hasn’t been tampered with. Skipping it can expose you to risk.

Q: What if my device is not detected by Ledger Live?

Common fixes:

Use a different USB cable or port (avoid hubs).
Restart your computer or mobile device.
Ensure Ledger Live has proper permissions (USB, driver, etc.).
Reinstall Ledger Live from official site.
On mobile, try swapping OTG adapter or Bluetooth (for Nano X).

Q: What if I lose my Ledger device?

If you have your 24‑word recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet on another compatible device and regain access to your assets. If you lose the recovery phrase too — funds are lost forever.

Q: Can I switch between Ledger devices easily?

Yes. Your accounts and balances are derived solely from your recovery phrase. You can restore onto any compatible Ledger hardware or supporting wallet using the same phrase.

Q: Is Ledger Live safe?

Ledger Live does not store private keys — they remain inside your device. Ledger Live acts as a manager and interface, with cryptographic protections in place.

Q: How often should I check for updates?

Ledger updates may come periodically. As a best practice, check or enable update notifications weekly or monthly.