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

ian

— 4 min read

Cryptocurrencies offer exciting opportunities — from Bitcoin and Ethereum to NFTs and DeFi — but along with that opportunity comes a responsibility: security. Whether you're new to blockchain or a seasoned investor, protecting your crypto is paramount. Ledger hardware wallets combined with the official onboarding portal at Ledger.com/Start® make that security accessible, intuitive, and trustworthy. In this guide, we’ll walk you step by step through getting started with a Ledger device, how to download and use Ledger Live securely, and tips for managing and safeguarding your digital assets.

What Is Ledger.com/Start®?

Ledger.com/Start® is the official setup and support portal provided by Ledger — a leading provider of hardware wallets for cryptocurrency. This page is the centralized hub designed to guide users through the entire setup process: from unboxing your Ledger device to installing Ledger Live, configuring your wallet, and finally managing your crypto securely.

Starting here ensures every step is legitimate, preventing phishing attacks and fake software installations designed to compromise your crypto. Always navigate to the URL by typing it directly into your browser instead of clicking links or ads you’re unsure about.

Why Choose a Ledger Hardware Wallet?

Before diving into the setup, it’s worth understanding why so many crypto holders trust Ledger:

🔒 Unmatched Security

Ledger wallets store your private keys offline in a secure chip. This “cold storage” approach drastically reduces the risk of theft due to malware, phishing, hacking, and many other online threats.

💼 Control Over Your Keys

Only you hold the recovery phrase that restores access to your crypto. Ledger does not store or have access to your private keys or recovery phrases — ever.

🌐 Multi‑Asset Support

Ledger supports thousands of cryptocurrencies — over 5,500 coins and tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and ERC‑20 tokens.

📱 User‑Friendly Software

Ledger Live — a companion app for desktop and mobile — lets you manage accounts, send/receive crypto, stake assets, and explore DeFi, all while keeping your keys on your Ledger device.

Preparing Before You Begin

Before you open the box, make sure you have:

  • A genuine Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or similar) bought from Ledger or an authorized reseller.
  • A computer or mobile device compatible with Ledger Live.
  • A good USB cable (often included), or Bluetooth capability for Ledger Nano X models.
  • A private, secure space to focus on setup.
  • Pen and recovery card (provided) or a metal backup solution for long‑term seed storage.

⏱️ Tip: Give yourself 30–45 minutes without interruptions — setup is not something to rush.

Step 1 — Unbox and Inspect Your Ledger Device

Once your Ledger arrives, carefully inspect the packaging:

  • The box should be sealed and untampered.
  • Nothing should be pre‑configured — Ledger devices do not ship with a PIN or recovery phrase already set.

If anything looks suspicious — such as a pre‑written recovery phrase or opened box — stop and contact Ledger Support immediately. A compromised device can expose your crypto to theft.

Step 2 — Visit Ledger.com/Start®

Now it’s time to visit the official onboarding site:

➡️ https://www.ledger.com/start

This site serves as the trusted beginning of your Ledger journey. Nothing else should come between you and this page — no email links, no search engine redirects, no ads.

Bookmark it for future access, especially when downloading Ledger Live or checking support links.

Step 3 — Download and Install Ledger Live

Once on Ledger.com/Start®, you’ll be guided to download Ledger Live, the official software to manage your crypto:

  1. Choose your platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android.
  2. Download the Ledger Live installer directly from the official site.
  3. Follow the installation instructions for your system.
  4. Open Ledger Live after installation completes.

⚠️ Important: Do not download Ledger Live from third‑party software sites or links — fake apps can steal your recovery phrase and crypto. This risk is real and has affected users through malicious clones.

Step 4 — Initialize Your Ledger Device

Connect your Ledger to your computer or mobile device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X) and follow on‑screen instructions in Ledger Live:

🔐 Choose a PIN Code

You’ll be prompted to set a 4–8 digit PIN directly on your Ledger device. This protects the wallet if someone physically tries to access your device.

🧠 Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

Your device will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase — this is the master backup for all your crypto accounts. Write it down in exact order on the recovery sheet and store it securely offline. Never take a photo or store it digitally.

🛑 Warning: Anyone who knows your recovery phrase can access all your crypto. Ledger will never ask for it.

After writing it down, the device will ask you to confirm some words — this ensures you have copied it correctly.

Step 5 — Install Cryptocurrency Apps

To manage different assets (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum), Ledger Live requires specific apps installed on your device:

  1. Go to Manager in Ledger Live.
  2. Scroll through available coin apps and install the ones you need.
  3. Confirm each installation on your Ledger device.

Each blockchain has its own app — you must install them to access and transact with specific assets.

Step 6 — Add Accounts and Start Using Crypto

Once apps are installed:

  1. Go to the Accounts tab in Ledger Live.
  2. Click Add account.
  3. Choose the cryptocurrency you want to manage.
  4. Connect and unlock your Ledger device.
  5. Ledger Live will sync and create your account.

Now you can safely send, receive, stake, swap, or buy crypto directly through Ledger Live while keeping your private keys offline.

Ongoing Security Best Practices

Even after setup, security never stops:

🔹 Keep your recovery phrase offline and in a safe place.
🔹 Regularly update Ledger Live and firmware.
🔹 Be cautious of phishing emails, fake sites, or anyone asking for your phrase.
🔹 Consider a metal backup solution for long‑term protection.

Final Thoughts

Starting your crypto journey with Ledger.com/Start® is the safest, most secure way to configure a hardware wallet and protect your digital assets. Following the official steps — from unboxing and setup to using Ledger Live — ensures you’re not exposed to unnecessary risks that come with unofficial tools or tutorials.

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