Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started — Ledger Support

Jamie larson

— 3 min read

When you choose a Ledger hardware wallet, you aren't just buying a device; you are investing in the gold standard of digital asset security. Whether you have the Ledger Nano S Plus, the Ledger Nano X, or the revolutionary Ledger Stax, your journey begins at the official entry point:ledger.com/start.

In an era where digital threats are evolving, "cold storage" is the only way to ensure that your private keys—the digital signatures that prove you own your crypto—never touch an internet-connected device. This guide walks you through the essential steps to get your device running and your portfolio protected.

Why You Must Start atLedger.com/start

The security of your cryptocurrency depends entirely on the authenticity of your software and hardware. By visitingledger.com/start, you ensure that you are downloading the genuine Ledger Live application.

Ledger Live is the "command center" for your hardware wallet. It allows you to:

  • Verify the authenticity of your device.
  • Install applications for different blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
  • Manage, buy, sell, and swap assets directly from the safety of your hardware wallet.
  • Stake your crypto to earn rewards while keeping your keys offline.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Ledger

Setting up your device is a straightforward process, but it requires your full attention. Follow these steps to ensure a flawless onboarding experience.

1. Download and Install Ledger Live

Navigate toledger.com/startand download the version of Ledger Live compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Once installed, open the app and select "Set up a new device."

2. Connect Your Device

Use the provided USB cable to connect your Ledger Nano or Stax to your computer. The device will light up and present you with instructions on its built-in screen. Use the buttons (on Nano models) or the touch screen (on Stax) to navigate the menus.

3. Choose a PIN Code

Safety starts with a strong PIN. Your Ledger will ask you to choose a code between 4 and 8 digits.

  • Tip: Avoid simple sequences like 0000 or 1234.
  • This PIN is required every time you turn on the device or authorize a transaction.

4. The Critical Step: Your Recovery Phrase

This is the most important part of theledger.com/startprocess. Your device will generate a 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase. This phrase is the master key to your funds. If you lose your device, this phrase allows you to recover your assets on a new one.

  • Write it down on the physical recovery sheets provided in the box.
  • Never store it digitally (no photos, no cloud storage, no emails).
  • Double-check every word as the device asks you to confirm them.

Understanding the "Genuine Check"

One of the most powerful features of the Ledger ecosystem is the Genuine Check. When you connect your device to Ledger Live for the first time vialedger.com/start, the software performs a cryptographic attestation. This process verifies that your device has not been tampered with and contains the official Secure Element chip manufactured by Ledger.

If your device passes the Genuine Check, you can rest easy knowing your hardware is secure and ready for use.

Managing Your Assets with Ledger Live

Once your device is initialized, Ledger Live becomes your primary interface. You no longer need to navigate back toledger.com/startfor daily tasks; instead, you will use the desktop or mobile app.

Adding Accounts

To see your balance, you must add an "Account" for each specific cryptocurrency. For example, to hold Bitcoin, you will:

  1. Open Ledger Live.
  2. Select "Add Account."
  3. Install the Bitcoin app on your hardware device.
  4. The device will then generate a public address for you to receive funds.

Sending and Receiving

When you send crypto, the transaction is prepared in Ledger Live but signed inside the hardware wallet. You must physically press the buttons on your device to confirm the transaction. This ensures that even if your computer is hacked, the attacker cannot move your funds without physical access to your Ledger.

Essential Security Best Practices

As you complete your setup atledger.com/start, keep these "Golden Rules" of crypto safety in mind:

  • Ledger will never ask for your 24 words. If a website, app, or person asks for your recovery phrase, it is a scam.
  • Your 24 words are for your eyes only. Store your recovery sheet in a fireproof, waterproof, and hidden location.
  • Trust the device screen. Always verify that the address shown on your computer screen matches the address shown on your Ledger device’s screen before hitting confirm.

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