As cryptocurrency adoption expands, securing digital assets has become a critical responsibility for investors, traders, and long-term holders. A hardware wallet, especially one made by Ledger, provides highly reliable protection against online threats such as phishing, malware, and unauthorized access.
If you've just purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or another Ledger device, your official starting point is Ledger.com/start. This page serves as Ledger's verified onboarding portal, ensuring you follow accurate and safe setup steps.
The domain Ledger.com/start eliminates the risk of interacting with fake support websites, modified installers, or compromised firmware. By entering the URL manually, you ensure that:
Security begins with using verified sources—this alone protects many new users from costly mistakes.
Before you plug anything in, take a moment to inspect your packaging. A legitimate Ledger product includes:
Ledger devices NEVER come with a prewritten recovery phrase. If you find a sheet that already contains 24 words, your device has been tampered with.
Open a browser and manually enter the URL: Ledger.com/start. From this portal, select your device model and download Ledger Live, the official wallet management application used for:
Download Ledger Live only from this official URL—avoid any third-party mirrors or sites.
After downloading the installer for Windows, macOS, or Linux, run the setup file and open the app. Ledger Live will ask whether you are setting up a new device or restoring an existing one. Choose "Set up a new device."
In this stage, Ledger Live will also verify your device to ensure it is genuine. This automated check protects you from counterfeit hardware.
Using the provided USB cable, connect your Ledger wallet to your computer. The device will power on and guide you through the configuration using two buttons. Navigation is simple:
Your first task is to set a PIN. This PIN prevents others from accessing your device, even if they physically have it. Choose a number that is difficult to guess and avoid simple sequences.
Once your PIN is set, your Ledger will display your 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the foundation of your entire crypto security model. It is the ONLY way to recover your wallet if your device is lost, broken, or replaced.
Never photograph, scan, or store your recovery phrase online. Keep it offline and protected at all times.
Write each word on your recovery sheet exactly as it appears and in the correct order. The device will then prompt you to confirm the words to ensure accuracy.
Return to Ledger Live and navigate to the "My Ledger" section. Here, you can install individual blockchain apps onto your Ledger device. For example:
Each blockchain requires its own app. Once installed, go to Accounts in Ledger Live to add your addresses and begin managing your assets.
Ledger periodically releases firmware updates that improve security and add support for new features. If Ledger Live prompts you to upgrade your firmware, follow the on-screen steps carefully. Your funds remain safe during this process, as private keys never leave the device.
After completing setup, maintain strong security habits to protect your crypto long-term. Follow these essential guidelines:
If something doesn't work during setup, here are fast solutions:
Setting up your device through Ledger.com/start ensures a secure and authentic onboarding experience. By following the steps—downloading Ledger Live, initializing your wallet, safely storing your recovery phrase, installing apps, and applying updates—you create a safe environment for managing digital assets. A properly configured Ledger wallet gives you long-term control, privacy, and peace of mind in the world of cryptocurrency.