Welcome to Ledger.com/Start® — the official starting point for anyone looking to set up their Ledger hardware wallet safely and confidently. Whether you’ve just unboxed your Ledger Nano X or Nano S Plus, this guide walks you through each essential step to ensure your crypto assets remain under your full control.
Key Takeaway: Your Ledger device gives you complete self-custody. It stores your private keys offline, away from hackers and phishing attempts.
1. What is Ledger and Why It Matters
Ledger is a world leader in hardware wallet technology, providing secure devices to manage cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of others. Unlike online wallets, Ledger stores your private keys in a secure element chip, ensuring they never leave the device.
- Private keys are stored offline, safe from malware.
- All transactions must be confirmed physically on your device.
- Ledger supports 5,500+ coins and tokens.
2. Visit the Official Setup Page
Go directly to Ledger.com/Start. Avoid using search engine ads or unverified links — fake sites exist that mimic the official page. Once there, select your device model to begin setup.
⚠️ Important: Never download Ledger Live or firmware updates from unofficial sources. Always verify the URL is exactly ledger.com.
3. What You’ll Need
- Your Ledger device (Nano X or Nano S Plus)
- USB cable
- A secure computer or smartphone
- Recovery sheet (included in the box)
- Internet connection for app download
4. Step-by-Step Setup
Step 1 — Unbox and Inspect
Ensure your device packaging is sealed and untampered. Genuine Ledger products arrive in minimal, secure packaging without any pre-written recovery phrase.
Step 2 — Install Ledger Live
Download Ledger Live, the official companion app, from Ledger.com/Start. Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Download Ledger Live
Step 3 — Initialize Your Device
- Connect your device via USB or Bluetooth.
- Choose “Set up as new device.”
- Follow on-screen steps to create a secure 4–8 digit PIN.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a PIN that’s hard to guess but easy to remember. Write it down and store it separately from your device.
Step 4 — Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
Your device will display 24 words — this is your recovery phrase. Write it carefully on the provided recovery sheet.
- Never take photos or store it online.
- Keep it safe in a fireproof or metal backup.
- If lost, you lose access to your crypto permanently.
Step 5 — Confirm Recovery Phrase
The device will ask you to re-enter your 24 words to verify you’ve written them correctly. This ensures no typos before continuing.
Step 6 — Install Apps
Open Ledger Live → “Manager” tab → install apps for coins you plan to use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Apps are like drivers allowing your wallet to manage each network securely.
Step 7 — Add Accounts
In Ledger Live, go to “Accounts” → “Add Account.” Choose the crypto type, connect your device, and allow access. Your wallet is now ready!
5. Sending and Receiving Crypto
Receive
- Open Ledger Live and click “Receive.”
- Select the account you want funds sent to.
- Verify the address displayed on your device — it must match the app.
- Share the verified address with the sender.
Send
- Click “Send” in Ledger Live.
- Enter recipient address and amount.
- Verify and confirm on your Ledger device screen.
- Approve transaction only if all details are accurate.
6. Keep Your Device Secure
Security is a continuous process. Follow these best practices:
- Keep your firmware and Ledger Live updated.
- Never share your recovery phrase or PIN.
- Always verify URLs before entering sensitive data.
- Enable password lock in Ledger Live for added safety.
Always remember: Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase. If anyone requests it, it’s a scam.
7. Advanced Tips for Power Users
- Use multiple accounts: Separate long-term holdings from daily spending.
- Connect to DeFi: Use Ledger with WalletConnect-compatible dApps for added security.
- Use a passphrase: Create an extra layer of protection by adding a secret word to your seed (only for advanced users).
- Backup with metal plates: Protect recovery words from fire or water damage.
8. Troubleshooting
Device Not Recognized
- Try another USB port or cable.
- Restart Ledger Live and reconnect the device.
- Update device firmware through the Manager tab.
Forgotten PIN
Reset your device and restore from your 24-word recovery phrase. This will recreate your wallet safely.
App Crashes or Sync Issues
Reinstall Ledger Live, clear cache, or update your OS. If the problem persists, contact Ledger Support (never share recovery words).
9. The Importance of Self-Custody
Self-custody means you alone control your crypto — not an exchange. With your Ledger wallet, you hold the keys, which means you hold the power. Your funds can’t be frozen, seized, or mismanaged by third parties.
🔒 Self-custody = Freedom + Responsibility. Your recovery phrase is the gateway to your assets — protect it at all costs.
10. Ongoing Maintenance & Firmware Updates
Ledger regularly releases updates to improve device performance and add security patches. Updating takes just a few minutes:
- Open Ledger Live → “Manager.”
- Connect your device and unlock it.
- Click “Update firmware.”
- Confirm the update on your device screen.
11. Getting Support
If you encounter any issues, visit support.ledger.com. Review FAQs, device troubleshooting, or contact official support. Never discuss your recovery phrase or share screenshots containing sensitive data.
✅ Tip: Bookmark Ledger.com/Start and support.ledger.com to avoid phishing traps.
12. Wrapping Up
Setting up your Ledger wallet is your first step toward digital financial independence. Once your device is ready, you can safely store, send, and manage your crypto with peace of mind. By keeping your recovery phrase safe, verifying all transactions, and updating your firmware regularly, you’ll maintain the highest level of security possible.