If you’ve just purchased a Ledger® hardware wallet—whether it’s a Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X—the first thing you need to do is head to the official site: Ledger.com/Start. This page is your gateway to setting up your device properly and securely. This guide will walk you through the complete setup process, best practices, and tips to make sure your crypto stays safe from day one.
What Is a Ledger® Hardware Wallet?
Ledger® is a market leader in cryptocurrency security. A Ledger® device is a hardware wallet—a small physical device that stores your private keys offline, making them immune to online threats. Even if your computer is infected with malware, your crypto assets are protected when you use Ledger®.
The two most popular models are:
- Ledger Nano S Plus: Affordable, secure, and supports hundreds of coins.
- Ledger Nano X: Bluetooth-enabled for mobile use with more storage capacity.
Before You Start: Important Safety Checks
Before connecting your Ledger® device, take the following precautions:
- Verify the box and packaging: It should be sealed and untampered.
- Buy from official sources only: Use shop.ledger.com or authorized resellers.
- Do not trust pre-set PINs or recovery phrases: If your device arrives initialized, do not use it. Start fresh from Ledger.com/Start.
Visit the Official Setup Page: Ledger.com/Start®
Open your browser and visit https://ledger.com/start. This page ensures you're setting up your wallet securely and with the latest firmware and tools. From here, you’ll be guided to download Ledger Live—Ledger’s official management app.
Installing Ledger Live
- On Ledger.com/Start, click “Download Ledger Live”.
- Choose the version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Install the application and open it.
- Connect your Ledger® device via USB or Bluetooth (Nano X).
Ledger Live is your control panel for sending/receiving crypto, managing accounts, updating firmware, and installing apps for different blockchains.
Setting Up Your Ledger® Wallet
- Open Ledger Live and select “Set up a new device”.
- Follow the on-screen steps to initialize your device.
- Create a PIN code: This will lock your device. Choose something secure and memorable.
- Write down your 24-word recovery phrase: This is your backup. Do not store it online. Ledger will never ask for it.
- Confirm the recovery phrase by selecting the correct words in the proper order.
- Once complete, your Ledger® device is ready to use securely.
Understanding Your Recovery Phrase
The 24-word recovery phrase is your ultimate backup. If your device is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can use this phrase to restore access on another Ledger® device or compatible wallet. Here are key rules:
- Never share it with anyone.
- Never enter it on any website or app (except for device recovery).
- Keep multiple physical copies if possible, in secure locations.
Managing Your Crypto in Ledger Live
After setup, Ledger Live becomes your crypto control hub:
- Add accounts: For Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and hundreds of other assets.
- Install apps: Each blockchain requires a corresponding app on your Ledger® device.
- Receive funds: Generate wallet addresses and receive crypto securely.
- Send crypto: Confirm every transaction on your physical device before approval.
- Buy/swap/stake: Use third-party integrations directly inside Ledger Live.
Advanced Security Features
- Custom Passphrase: Add an extra word to your recovery phrase for an additional layer of protection.
- Hidden wallets: With a passphrase, create multiple wallets hidden under the same device.
- Firmware Updates: Always keep your device firmware updated through Ledger Live.
- Clear Signing: Preview what you're signing in DeFi apps before approving.
Troubleshooting & Common Issues
If you encounter problems during setup or use:
- Ledger Not Detected: Use a different cable or USB port, and ensure Ledger Live is up to date.
- App Install Fails: Check if your device has available storage. Uninstall unused blockchain apps.
- Device Stuck: Restart both Ledger Live and the device. Try reconnecting after reboot.
- Lost PIN: You will need to reset your device and recover using your 24-word phrase.
Contact official Ledger support only via: support.ledger.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Ledger® safe from online threats?
Yes. Since your private keys never leave the device, online malware or hackers cannot access your funds unless they have physical access and your PIN + recovery phrase.
Can I use Ledger® on mobile?
Yes. The Ledger Nano X supports Bluetooth and works with the Ledger Live mobile app on iOS and Android.
What cryptocurrencies are supported?
Ledger® supports over 5,000 cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, SOL, ADA, XRP, DOT, and most ERC-20 tokens.
Can I have multiple wallets on one device?
Yes. You can create multiple accounts and even use custom passphrases for separate wallets.
What if I lose my Ledger® device?
As long as you have your 24-word recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet on a new device.
Conclusion
Getting started with your Ledger® hardware wallet is a critical step in securing your cryptocurrency journey. With proper setup through the official Ledger.com/Start page, you ensure that your device is genuine, your recovery phrase is safe, and your funds are protected.
Take your time, follow each step carefully, and always be cautious of phishing scams or unofficial resources. Ledger® provides one of the most secure and user-friendly solutions in the crypto world. Your keys, your crypto—protected by Ledger®.