Ledger.com/start — The Complete, Hands-On Guide to Safely Setting Up a Ledger Wallet
A practical, beginner → intermediate walkthrough that explains cold storage, Ledger Live, recovery phrases, and the best security habits so you can hold crypto with real confidence.
Why start at Ledger.com/start?
Ledger.com/start is the verified onboarding portal from Ledger. It’s the one place Ledger recommends for downloading Ledger Live, verifying device authenticity, and following the official setup flow. Using it reduces the risk of phishing, fake apps, and costly mistakes.
Quick security essentials
- Private keys never leave your device.
- Write your 24-word recovery phrase on paper/metal — never digital.
- Confirm addresses on the device screen before sending.
A brief story (why this matters)
Imagine you bought your first Bitcoin. You keep it on an exchange "for convenience" — then the exchange freezes withdrawals. Or worse: it gets hacked. That friction is why millions move to hardware wallets. Ledger puts the private key in a tamper-resistant chip: you sign transactions locally, not online. Ledger.com/start is your secure front door to that protection.
Step-by-step: Setup using Ledger.com/start
1 — Go to the official page
Type Ledger.com/start into your browser. Avoid clicking links from social media, email, or search results that might be poisoned by attackers.
2 — Download Ledger Live
Choose the correct OS (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS) and install Ledger Live. This app is your dashboard for installing coin apps, adding accounts, and performing transactions.
3 — Connect and initialize
Plug in your Ledger device (USB or Bluetooth for supported models). Choose “Set up as a new device” unless you’re restoring.
4 — Choose a PIN
Set a 4–8 digit PIN on the device itself. Do not store the PIN with your recovery sheet.
5 — Record the recovery phrase
Ledger shows a 24-word phrase. Write it in order on the supplied sheet or use a metal backup. Treat it like a physical bearer instrument — keep it in separate secure locations if possible.
6 — Verify and install apps
Ledger Live will check authenticity and let you install cryptocurrency apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Add accounts and you’re ready to receive funds.
7 — Test with a small transfer
Send a tiny amount first to confirm the flow: that you control the address and the device displays the correct receiving address.
The tech explained — short glossary
Keys kept offline to resist remote hacks.
The secret that signs transactions — never share it.
24 words that reconstruct your wallet (backup).
Ledger’s app: install apps, manage accounts, sign TXs.
Comparison: Popular Ledger devices (at a glance)
| Feature | Nano S Plus | Nano X | Ledger Stax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB-C | USB-C + Bluetooth | USB-C + Wireless UI |
| Battery | No | Yes | Yes |
| Screen | Large OLED | Medium OLED | Curved E-Ink touch |
| Best for | Budget-conscious long-term holders | Mobile users & active traders | Collectors & UX-first users |
Practical risk scenarios & how Ledger reduces them
• Exchange insolvency: funds in your Ledger remain under your control, not the exchange’s ledger.
• Phishing links: you must confirm transactions on-device, so a malicious site cannot silently withdraw funds.
• Malware on PC: the private key never touches the computer — malware can’t sign transactions without your device.
Quote
“A hardware wallet is the difference between trusting someone with custody and holding custody yourself. That small shift is the core of crypto freedom.”
Frequently Asked Questions (concise)
It’s the official Ledger onboarding page and the safest entry for downloads and verified setup instructions. Always check the domain and SSL lock.
Q — What if I lose my Ledger device?Restore using your 24-word recovery phrase on a new device. Without the phrase, funds are irrecoverable.
Q — Can someone trick me if they know my recovery words?Yes. Whoever has the phrase can recreate your wallet and move funds — protect it like cash or keys to a safe.
Final — next steps (practical)
1) Visit Ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live.
2) Initialize your device, write the recovery phrase on paper/metal, and test with a small deposit.
3) Keep at least one offline backup of your recovery phrase, distribute risk across secure locations, and update firmware when available.
Take control of your crypto the right way — start at Ledger.com/start and make security a habit.