Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started with Ledger | Ledger Start Guide

Cryptocurrency gives you the power to own and control your money—but with that power comes responsibility. To truly secure your digital assets, using a hardware wallet like Ledger is a smart choice. Ledger hardware wallets (such as the Nano S Plus or Nano X) keep your private keys offline and safe from online threats.

The official setup begins at Ledger.com/Start—the trusted, secure gateway to set up your Ledger device and access all features through the Ledger Live app.

This article walks you through getting started with Ledger, what to expect from the process, and how to use Ledger Live to manage your crypto confidently.

1. What Is Ledger.com/Start?

Ledger.com/Start is the official onboarding portal created by Ledger for new device users. It ensures you:

  • Set up your Ledger device securely
  • Install Ledger Live, the companion app
  • Verify your device’s authenticity
  • Learn how to send, receive, and stake crypto
  • Avoid fake or phishing sites
🔐 Security Reminder: Only download Ledger software from the official website. Never enter your recovery phrase online or share it with anyone.

2. What You Need to Get Started

Before beginning, make sure you have:

  • A Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X
  • A desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) or smartphone (iOS/Android)
  • A secure internet connection
  • A pen to write your 24-word recovery phrase
  • 20–30 minutes of uninterrupted time

3. Unboxing and Initial Setup

Your Ledger box should contain:

  • The Ledger device
  • USB-C cable
  • Recovery sheets
  • A quick start guide

Check that the box is sealed and untampered. If you suspect it has been opened or modified, do not use the device—contact Ledger Support immediately.

4. Visit Ledger.com/Start

Go to https://www.ledger.com/start and:

  • Choose your device model (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
  • Click through the guided setup instructions
  • Download Ledger Live for desktop or mobile

Ledger.com/Start provides official video and text walkthroughs, ensuring you never rely on third-party sources that could be malicious.

5. Setting Up Your Ledger Device

Once Ledger Live is installed, open the app and follow these steps:

a. Set Up as a New Device

  • Choose “Set up as new device” on the hardware wallet.
  • Create a PIN code (4–8 digits).
  • Confirm your PIN.

b. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

  • Your device will show a unique 24-word recovery phrase.
  • Write it down exactly, in order, using the provided recovery sheet.
  • Ledger will ask you to confirm the words to verify accuracy.
🚨 Never take a photo or store this digitally. Your recovery phrase is the key to your crypto.

6. Verify Device Authenticity

Ledger Live will perform a genuine check to ensure your device is authentic. This is a critical security step to detect if the device has been tampered with.

Once verified, you’re ready to start managing your assets.

7. Install Crypto Apps on Your Device

To use specific cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum), you need to install their corresponding apps:

  1. In Ledger Live, go to “My Ledger.”
  2. Connect and unlock your Ledger device.
  3. Install the desired apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).

Each app enables support for that blockchain, allowing you to manage, send, and receive crypto securely.

8. Add Crypto Accounts

Now that the apps are installed:

  1. Go to “Accounts > Add Account.”
  2. Select the asset (e.g., Ethereum).
  3. Open the relevant app on your Ledger device.
  4. Ledger Live will create and confirm your account.

This step generates a wallet address you’ll use for receiving funds.

9. Sending and Receiving Crypto

📥 To Receive:

  • Click Receive
  • Select the account
  • Open the app on your device
  • Confirm the address matches on both your computer and device

📤 To Send:

  • Click Send
  • Enter recipient address and amount
  • Verify the transaction details on your device
  • Confirm the transaction securely

10. Ledger Live Features

Ledger Live offers a robust suite of features:

✅ Portfolio Dashboard

Track your crypto’s value and performance over time.

✅ Buy/Sell Crypto

Purchase crypto with fiat via Ledger Live partners like MoonPay or Transak.

✅ Staking (Earn Rewards)

Stake coins like Ethereum, Tezos, Polkadot, and earn passive income while keeping control.

✅ Swap Tokens

Swap supported assets through integrations with Changelly or 1inch.

✅ NFT Management

View, send, and receive Ethereum or Polygon NFTs directly in Ledger Live.

11. Using Ledger with DeFi and Web3

To interact with decentralized apps (dApps), connect your Ledger via:

  • Ledger Extension (browser plugin)
  • WalletConnect (inside Ledger Live)

This allows you to use apps like Uniswap, Aave, or OpenSea securely—your keys never leave the device.

12. Security Best Practices

  • Always use Ledger.com/Start to begin
  • Never share your recovery phrase
  • Enable a strong PIN and auto-lock
  • Keep your Ledger device firmware and apps up to date
  • Store your recovery phrase offline in a fireproof, waterproof location

13. Troubleshooting and Support

Common issues and quick fixes:

ProblemSolutionDevice not detectedTry a different USB cable/port, restart appRecovery phrase lostUnfortunately, assets are unrecoverableTransaction errorCheck network fees or congestionNeed help?Visit support.ledger.com


Conclusion: Your Journey Begins Here

Getting started with Ledger through Ledger.com/Start is the safest way to begin your self-custody crypto journey. Whether you're new to blockchain or an experienced investor, Ledger empowers you to protect your assets, stake securely, and engage with the Web3 world—all from a trusted hardware device.

Take control. Stay secure. Start now at Ledger.com/Start.