Ledger.com/Start | Setup Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

In the ever-expanding world of digital assets, securing your cryptocurrencies is not just important—it's essential. Ledger hardware wallets are among the most secure options for storing crypto offline, safeguarding them from hacks, malware, and phishing attacks. If you’ve just received your Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, or Nano S, this guide will walk you through the complete setup process using Ledger.com/start.

Table of Contents

1. What is Ledger?
2. Why Use a Ledger Hardware Wallet?
3. Ledger.com/Start – The Official Setup Portal
4. What You Need Before You Start
5. Step-by-Step Ledger Hardware Wallet Setup
6. Setting Up Ledger Live – The Companion App
7. Creating and Backing Up Your Recovery Phrase
8. Verifying Your Ledger Device Is Genuine
9. Installing Crypto Apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
10. Adding Accounts in Ledger Live
11. Sending and Receiving Crypto Safely
12. Updating Firmware on Your Ledger
13. Tips to Keep Your Assets Safe
14. Common Setup Issues & Troubleshooting
15. Conclusion

1. What is Ledger?

Ledger is a leading provider of hardware wallets—small USB-like devices that securely store the private keys to your cryptocurrency. Ledger offers military-grade security by keeping your keys offline, out of reach from hackers and malicious software.

Its flagship devices include:

• Ledger Nano S Plus: Entry-level with a small screen and button navigation.
• Ledger Nano X: Bluetooth-enabled, suitable for mobile users with more storage and features.

2. Why Use a Ledger Hardware Wallet?

Cryptocurrency exchanges are frequent targets for hackers. Unlike hot wallets (e.g., mobile or browser wallets), hardware wallets store your private keys offline, immune to malware and phishing attacks.

Key benefits:

• Cold storage: Keeps your crypto offline.
• Secure transactions: Signs transactions on-device.
• Backup and recovery: Comes with a secure recovery phrase.
• Multi-asset support: Manage 5,500+ coins and tokens.

3. Ledger.com/Start – The Official Setup Portal

The only safe place to begin your setup is the official Ledger onboarding portal:
👉 Ledger.com/start

This portal provides:

• Downloads for Ledger Live
• Step-by-step device setup instructions
• Tutorials for managing coins and NFTs
• Security reminders and best practices

Avoid counterfeit sites—always verify the URL is ledger.com/start.

4. What You Need Before You Start

✅ What’s in the Box

• Ledger Nano X / S Plus
• USB-C cable
• Recovery sheets
• Instructions and stickers

✅ Additional Requirements

• A computer or smartphone
• Internet connection
• Updated OS (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS)
• Pen (for recovery phrase)

5. Step-by-Step Ledger Hardware Wallet Setup

Step 1: Unbox & Inspect

Make sure the device packaging is intact and untampered. Ledger devices do not come with pre-installed software or a written recovery phrase.

Step 2: Connect to Your Computer

Plug the Ledger into your USB port. The screen will light up with “Welcome to Ledger.”

Step 3: Choose "Set up as new device"

Using the buttons on the device, select “Set up as new device.”

Step 4: Choose a PIN Code

Select a 4 to 8-digit PIN. You’ll use this each time you access the device.

Step 5: Write Down the 24-Word Recovery Phrase

The Ledger will display 24 words, one at a time. Write them down on the included recovery sheet.

• Never take a photo or screenshot.
• Never store it online.
• Keep it in a fireproof safe or secure physical location.

You’ll be asked to confirm a few of the words by selecting them in order.

6. Setting Up Ledger Live – The Companion App

Once your hardware wallet is initialized, it's time to install Ledger Live, the official desktop and mobile app to manage your crypto.

✅ Download Ledger Live

Visit: Ledger.com/start
Download for:

• Windows/macOS/Linux
• iOS/Android (Nano X only via Bluetooth)

✅ Install & Open the App

After launching, follow the on-screen prompts:

1. Select your device (e.g., Ledger Nano X)
2. Choose “Set up as new device”
3. Ledger Live will walk you through security tips

7. Creating and Backing Up Your Recovery Phrase

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the only backup of your crypto wallet. Losing it means losing access to your assets.

🔒 Storage Options

• Write it down on paper (included)
• Use a metal backup plate (fireproof)
• Never store digitally

⚠️ Never Share Your Phrase

Ledger will never ask for it—not via email, phone, or app.

8. Verifying Your Ledger Device Is Genuine

Before moving funds, you must ensure your device is not tampered with.

✅ Ledger Live Verification

During setup, Ledger Live checks the secure element to confirm authenticity. If it fails, do not use the device—contact Ledger support immediately.

9. Installing Crypto Apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)

To hold different cryptocurrencies, you need to install apps to your Ledger device.

🛠️ Steps to Install:

1. Open Ledger Live
2. Go to “My Ledger” (connect device and unlock)
3. Search for apps like:

• Bitcoin
• Ethereum
• Solana
• Polkadot

1. Click Install

Each app supports specific coins and tokens. You can install multiple apps depending on device memory.

10. Adding Accounts in Ledger Live

After installing apps, add wallets for each supported crypto.

➕ Add Accounts:

1. Go to Accounts > Add account
2. Select the currency (e.g., Bitcoin)
3. Connect and unlock device
4. Open the relevant app on your Ledger
5. Ledger Live will sync and show your wallet

You can now receive, send, or manage tokens directly via Ledger Live.

11. Sending and Receiving Crypto Safely

📥 Receiving Crypto:

1. Open Ledger Live > Receive
2. Select asset (e.g., Ethereum)
3. Verify address on your Ledger device
4. Copy address and share with sender

📤 Sending Crypto:

1. Go to Send tab
2. Enter recipient address and amount
3. Confirm transaction details on Ledger screen
4. Sign with the physical buttons

12. Updating Firmware on Your Ledger

Ledger periodically updates device firmware for bug fixes and new features.

🔄 Update Steps:

1. Connect and open Ledger Live
2. Navigate to My Ledger
3. Check for firmware updates
4. Follow the on-screen instructions

Ensure your recovery phrase is backed up before firmware updates.

13. Tips to Keep Your Assets Safe

• Never share your recovery phrase.
• Use a strong PIN code.
• Store the recovery sheet offline and in multiple secure locations.
• Enable auto-lock on your computer/smartphone.
• Always verify URLs before connecting your wallet.
• Buy Ledger wallets only from Ledger.com or certified resellers.

14. Common Setup Issues & Troubleshooting

IssueSolutionDevice not detectedTry a different USB cable or portLedger Live won’t installDisable antivirus/firewall temporarilyApp install failsUpdate Ledger firmwareLost recovery phraseNo recovery possible — reset and start a new wallet"Genuine check failed"Stop setup, contact Ledger support

If your device ever behaves unusually, reset it immediately and use your recovery phrase to restore.

15. Conclusion

Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet via Ledger.com/start is a crucial first step in securing your digital wealth. Ledger combines offline security, intuitive design, and multi-asset support to give you full control over your crypto.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crypto user, following the official Ledger setup process ensures you stay protected in an often-volatile digital space.

Ready to get started?
Visit 👉 Ledger.com/start