Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started — Ledger Support

Ledger.com/start: A Complete Guide to Getting Started with Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

In the world of cryptocurrency, security is everything. Unlike traditional banking, crypto places full responsibility for asset protection on the user. This is where hardware wallets come into play, and Ledger is one of the most widely recognized names in this space. The webpage ledger.com/start serves as the official onboarding point for users who have purchased a Ledger hardware wallet and want to set it up safely and correctly. Understanding what this page is, why it matters, and how to use it properly is essential for anyone serious about protecting their digital assets.

What Is Ledger.com/start?

Ledger.com/start is the official setup and initialization page for Ledger hardware wallets such as the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X. Rather than downloading software or following instructions from third-party websites, Ledger directs all new users to this page to ensure they are using authentic tools and verified instructions. This reduces the risk of phishing attacks, malware, or counterfeit software, which are common threats in the crypto ecosystem.

The page acts as a gateway to installing Ledger Live, verifying your device, setting up a PIN code, and securely generating a recovery phrase. Every step on ledger.com/start is designed to keep users in control of their private keys while minimizing exposure to online risks.

Why Ledger.com/start Is Important

One of the biggest mistakes new crypto users make is trusting unofficial sources for wallet setup. Fake websites and apps often mimic legitimate platforms to trick users into revealing their recovery phrases. Ledger.com/start exists to combat this problem by giving users a single, trusted entry point for setup.

By starting at ledger.com/start, users can:

  • Confirm they are using genuine Ledger software
  • Learn how to identify and avoid common scams
  • Ensure their private keys are generated securely on the device itself
  • Follow up-to-date instructions tailored to their specific Ledger model

In short, this page helps establish a secure foundation for long-term crypto storage.

Getting Started: What You Need

Before visiting ledger.com/start, it helps to have a few things ready:

  • A Ledger hardware wallet purchased from an official or trusted retailer
  • A computer or smartphone with an internet connection
  • A USB cable or Bluetooth capability (depending on the device model)
  • A quiet, private space to write down your recovery phrase

The recovery phrase is especially important. It is the only backup to your wallet, and anyone who gains access to it can control your assets. Ledger emphasizes this point repeatedly throughout the setup process.

Installing Ledger Live

One of the first steps on ledger.com/start is downloading Ledger Live, the official companion application for Ledger wallets. Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The page guides users to the correct download based on their operating system and provides clear instructions for installation.

Ledger Live serves several purposes:

  • Managing crypto accounts and balances
  • Installing and uninstalling apps on the Ledger device
  • Sending and receiving cryptocurrencies
  • Updating firmware securely

Importantly, Ledger Live does not store private keys. All sensitive cryptographic operations take place on the hardware wallet itself.

Setting Up Your Ledger Device

After installing Ledger Live, ledger.com/start walks users through the process of initializing their device. This includes:

  1. Choosing to set up a new device or restore an existing one
  2. Creating a PIN code directly on the hardware wallet
  3. Generating a 24-word recovery phrase

The recovery phrase is displayed only once, directly on the Ledger device’s screen. Users are instructed to write it down on paper and never store it digitally. Ledger makes it clear that it will never ask for this phrase, and neither should anyone else.

This step is critical because the recovery phrase is the ultimate key to the wallet. Losing it means losing access to funds if the device is damaged or lost. Sharing it means potentially losing funds to theft.

Verifying Device Authenticity

Another key feature of ledger.com/start is device verification. Ledger Live includes a built-in authenticity check that confirms whether the connected hardware wallet is genuine. This process ensures the device has not been tampered with and is running official Ledger firmware.

This verification step is especially important for users who may have purchased their device from a third-party retailer. It provides peace of mind that the wallet is safe to use before any assets are transferred.

Managing Cryptocurrencies After Setup

Once setup is complete, users can begin adding accounts for supported cryptocurrencies. Ledger supports thousands of coins and tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many ERC-20 tokens. Ledger Live allows users to install the necessary apps on their device and manage multiple assets from a single interface.

Ledger.com/start also introduces users to basic wallet operations such as receiving funds, sending transactions, and checking balances. The emphasis remains on keeping private keys offline and confirming transactions physically on the device.

Security Best Practices Highlighted on Ledger.com/start

Throughout the onboarding process, Ledger reinforces essential security habits:

  • Never share your recovery phrase
  • Bew