Ledger.com/start is the official starting point for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet safely and correctly. Whether you’ve purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X, this page walks you through device initialization, security steps, and installing Ledger Live — the companion app used to manage your crypto.

Using the official setup page is critical. It helps you avoid counterfeit software, phishing sites, and fake wallet apps that attempt to steal recovery phrases. When it comes to crypto security, the setup stage is where protection begins.

Why Ledger.com/start Matters

Hardware wallets are designed to keep your private keys offline, away from hackers and malware. But this protection only works if your device is initialized securely. Ledger.com/start ensures:

• You install the official Ledger Live application
• Your device firmware is verified
• You generate your recovery phrase offline
• You avoid pre-configured or tampered devices

If a device ever arrives with a recovery phrase already written down, it is compromised — and the official setup guide specifically warns against this.

Step-by-Step Setup Overview

1️⃣ Download Ledger Live

The first step at Ledger.com/start is downloading Ledger Live, the official software for managing your hardware wallet. It is available for desktop and mobile, but initial device setup is best done on a desktop computer.

Ledger Live acts as the interface between you and the blockchain, while your private keys remain secured inside the hardware wallet.

2️⃣ Initialize Your Device

After connecting your Ledger device via USB, you’ll choose to:

• Set up as a new device
  or
• Restore from an existing recovery phrase

If you're new, the device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase on its screen.

3️⃣ Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

This is the most important step in the entire process.

Your 24-word recovery phrase:

• Is the backup to all your crypto
• Can restore funds if your device is lost or damaged
• Must never be stored digitally
• Must never be shared with anyone

Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase — not during setup, not for support, not ever.

4️⃣ Set a PIN Code

You’ll create a PIN directly on the device. This protects against unauthorized physical access. Even if someone steals your Ledger, they cannot access funds without the PIN.

5️⃣ Add Crypto Accounts

Once setup is complete, Ledger Live allows you to install apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) onto your device and create accounts. You can now:

• Send crypto
• Receive crypto
• Buy, swap, or stake supported assets

All transactions must be physically confirmed on your device screen.

Security Tips from Ledger.com/start

The official setup guide emphasizes several key rules:

🔒 Never share your recovery phrase
🔒 Never enter it on a website
🔒 Only download Ledger Live from the official source
🔒 Always verify addresses on the device screen

Phishing attacks often copy Ledger branding, so using Ledger.com/start ensures you're following the legitimate process.

What Ledger.com/start Does NOT Do

It does not:

• Store your crypto
• Hold your private keys
• Control your wallet

Ledger provides the tools — you remain in full control of your assets.