Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started Guide

Welcome to Ledger.com/Start®, the official onboarding platform for your Ledger® hardware wallet. Whether you’re brand new to cryptocurrency or an experienced investor looking to secure your digital assets, you’re in the right place.

Ledger empowers you with ownership, control, and security through our best-in-class hardware wallets like Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and the newest Ledger Stax™. With Ledger, you hold the private keys, not a third party. That means your crypto belongs to you—and only you.

In this comprehensive 1000-word guide, we’ll walk you through everything from unboxing to sending your first transaction.

✅ Why Start at Ledger.com/Start®?

Before we dive in, remember this: Ledger.com/Start® is the only official starting point for setting up your Ledger device. Here’s what you get when starting here:

  • Official firmware and Ledger Live® download links
  • Step-by-step secure device setup
  • Guidance on protecting your recovery phrase
  • Real-time support and video tutorials
  • Peace of mind

⚠️ Important: Never use third-party websites to set up your device. Always start at https://www.ledger.com/start

📦 Step 1: Unbox Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

Once your Ledger arrives, check that it is factory sealed. Inside the box, you should find:

  • Your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax)
  • USB-C cable
  • Instruction sheet
  • Key ring or accessories
  • Recovery sheets (do not lose these!)

🔍 Safety Check:

  • There should be no pre-installed software
  • You should be the first and only person to initialize it
  • The package should be sealed and untampered

If anything seems off, contact Ledger Support immediately at support.ledger.com.

💻 Step 2: Download Ledger Live® from Ledger.com/Start®

Ledger Live® is your official app for managing cryptocurrencies with your Ledger device. You can:

  • Add crypto accounts (BTC, ETH, ADA, etc.)
  • Send and receive crypto securely
  • Buy, sell, and stake coins
  • View your portfolio balance in real-time

✅ To install Ledger Live:

  1. Go to Ledger.com/Start
  2. Click “Download Ledger Live”
  3. Choose your operating system:
  • Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android
  1. Install the application
  2. Launch the app and select “Get Started”

Never download Ledger Live from unofficial sources or app stores outside Ledger’s links.

🔐 Step 3: Set Up Your Ledger Device

Follow the on-screen instructions in Ledger Live to begin setting up your device. You'll be asked to:

1. Choose:

  • Set up as a new device
  • OR Restore using a recovery phrase (if you're importing an existing wallet)

2. Create a PIN Code

This is the code used to unlock your Ledger device. Choose a 4–8 digit PIN and never share it.

3. Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

This is the most important step. Your device will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase, which acts as the backup for your entire wallet.

  • Write it on the provided recovery sheet
  • Store it in a safe, offline location
  • Never take photos, share it, or store it digitally

⚠️ Whoever has your 24 words can control your crypto. Keep it secret, keep it safe.

✅ Step 4: Verify and Secure

After setup:

  • Your Ledger device will perform a genuine check
  • Ledger Live will verify it’s an authentic device
  • You’ll be prompted to install “apps” for each crypto you want to manage

Each crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) requires a small “app” to be installed on your Ledger device. You can manage this from the “Manager” tab in Ledger Live.

💰 Step 5: Add Crypto Accounts

Once apps are installed, you can add accounts in Ledger Live to receive, send, or store cryptocurrencies.

Supported Coins:

Ledger supports over 5,500 digital assets, including:

  • Bitcoin (BTC)
  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • Solana (SOL)
  • Cardano (ADA)
  • Polkadot (DOT)
  • Binance Coin (BNB)
  • Litecoin (LTC)
  • NFTs on Ethereum & Solana

To add an account:

  1. Go to Ledger Live > Accounts
  2. Click “+ Add Account”
  3. Choose your crypto
  4. Connect and unlock your device
  5. Ledger Live will sync your account and display balances

💸 Step 6: Receive and Send Crypto

With your Ledger device set up and accounts added, you can now safely:

🔹 Receive crypto:

  1. Click “Receive” in Ledger Live
  2. Choose the account/coin
  3. Connect your Ledger and verify the receiving address on your device
  4. Share your verified address with the sender

🔹 Send crypto:

  1. Click “Send” in Ledger Live
  2. Paste recipient’s address and amount
  3. Connect your Ledger device
  4. Confirm the transaction physically on the device

No transaction leaves your wallet without your manual approval.

🧠 Step 7: Learn and Stay Safe

Owning a Ledger wallet puts you in control—but with that comes responsibility.

⚠️ Key Security Rules:

  • Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase
  • Never store your recovery phrase online or digitally
  • Always double-check URLs (only use https://www.ledger.com/start)
  • Bookmark the official site
  • Avoid browser extensions unless verified by Ledger

💎 Bonus Features: Unlock the Full Potential of Ledger Live

Beyond basic transactions, Ledger Live lets you explore the world of DeFi, NFTs, and staking, all in one place.

🔹 Buy crypto:

Buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other coins with credit card, bank transfer, or Apple Pay using trusted partners like MoonPay, Ramp, or Ledger Market.

🔹 Stake crypto:

Earn passive income by staking supported coins directly in Ledger Live (ETH, DOT, ATOM, ADA, etc.).

🔹 Explore Web3:

Connect to dApps like Uniswap, OpenSea, and Compound using Ledger Extension for Chrome or Brave, or use your Ledger with MetaMask for advanced DeFi interactions.

🛡️ Troubleshooting and Support

Need help? You’re never alone. Ledger offers:

  • 24/7 Help Center: support.ledger.com
  • Live chat support (Mon–Fri)
  • Step-by-step video tutorials on the Ledger YouTube Channel
  • Weekly security tips via the Ledger Blog and Twitter @Ledger

Never seek support on unofficial social media groups — scammers impersonate support agents.

📌 Final Thoughts

Setting up your Ledger is more than just protecting your crypto — it’s about taking control of your digital future. With Ledger, your crypto stays in your hands, offline and out of reach from hackers.

Start your secure crypto journey today at:
👉 https://www.ledger.com/start

Your crypto. Your keys. Your Ledger.