Ledger
Ledger.com/start — Complete Guide to Getting Started with Ledger
A clear, friendly walkthrough for beginners and intermediate users: how to set up your Ledger device via ledger.com/start, secure your seed, connect Ledger Live, troubleshoot common issues, and maintain best practices for self-custody.
What "Ledger.com/start" really is
Ledger.com/start is the official onboarding page many users are directed to when they first power up a Ledger hardware wallet (Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, etc.). It centralizes the setup flow: download Ledger Live, initialize the device, create a PIN, write down your recovery phrase (seed), and learn how to use the hardware to sign transactions. Think of it as the secure front door to self-custody — follow it carefully and you'll minimize risk from the very first moment.
Why using the official start page is crucial
A lot of the crypto security problems start before you ever buy a coin — with wrong downloads, fake sites, or mishandled seed phrases. By using ledger.com/start you reduce phishing risk: Ledger publishes verified installers, step-by-step security prompts, and reminders about never sharing your recovery phrase. When starting, treat ledger.com/start as the single trusted source of truth.
Quick security bullets
- Download Ledger Live only from Ledger’s site
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
- Confirm addresses on-device before sending
Step-by-step: Using ledger.com/start to set up Ledger Live
1 — Visit ledger.com/start
Open the official page in your browser (type it yourself; avoid clicking ads). Choose Desktop or Mobile instructions depending on your device.
2 — Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official app that pairs with your Ledger. Download the correct installer for Windows/macOS/Linux or the mobile app from your app store.
3 — Initialize your device
Power on your Ledger, choose "Set up as new device" or "Restore", then create a PIN directly on the device. The PIN prevents local theft.
4 — Write down your recovery phrase
Ledger will show a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down exactly and store it offline in two separate, secure places. This is your master backup.
5 — Pair with Ledger Live
Open Ledger Live, connect your device (USB/Bluetooth), allow the connection, then add accounts for each cryptocurrency you want to manage.
6 — Verify everything on the device
When sending or signing, always confirm addresses and transaction details on the Ledger screen — never on the computer alone.
Related terms to know
Hardware wallet — a physical device storing private keys offline.
Recovery phrase / Seed phrase — usually 24 words that restore your wallet.
Private key — cryptographic key that signs transactions.
PIN — device unlock code.
Ledger Live — desktop/mobile app that interfaces with the device.
"Treat your 24-word recovery phrase like the blueprint to your safe — if someone gets it, they can rebuild your vault. Ledger.com/start teaches the right first steps; follow them exactly."
Common issues when following ledger.com/start (and how to fix them)
Device not detected
Try a different USB cable/port, enable WebUSB (if using browser), or use the desktop Ledger Live app. Restarting the computer often helps.
I lost my recovery phrase
If you lose the recovery phrase and still have the device, create a new wallet and transfer funds. If you lose both the device and phrase, funds are irrecoverable.
Software mismatch or update failed
Re-download Ledger Live and ensure OS compatibility. If firmware update fails, follow recovery instructions provided on the official support pages in the app.
Phishing attempts
Always type ledger.com/start manually or use a bookmarked link you created yourself after verifying the URL. Never install "helper" software from unknown sources.
Comparison: ledger.com/start vs Random Online Guides
Authenticity
Official — maintained by Ledger
Varies — risk of outdated or malicious content
Security warnings
Clear, stepwise warnings and checks
Inconsistent; may omit critical steps
Installer links
Direct to verified Ledger Live downloads
May link to third-party or mirror downloads
A simple analogy to remember
Setting up via ledger.com/start is like assembling and hiding the key to a safety deposit box. The device (Ledger) is the physical box, Ledger Live is your lobby desk that talks to the box, and the recovery phrase is the set of instructions someone could use to recreate the box if the original is lost. Place those instructions in a secure, offline spot — and never hand them to strangers.
FAQ — Quick answers
Do I need to use ledger.com/start if I bought the device pre-configured?
Yes. Always follow ledger.com/start to confirm firmware, initialize properly, and set up your recovery phrase. Pre-configured devices are rare and should be treated with suspicion.
Can Ledger Live be used without the device?
You can open Ledger Live in demo mode, but to manage real funds you must connect a Ledger device — private keys never leave the hardware.
Is it safe to store seed phrases in a password manager?
No. Storing your recovery phrase digitally creates a single point of failure. Prefer physical backups stored offline in secure locations.
Conclusion — Start smart with ledger.com/start
Ledger.com/start is more than an onboarding page — it's the designed safety net to keep you out of common traps. By following its guidance: download Ledger Live from the official source, initialize your device securely, write down and protect your 24-word recovery phrase, and always verify transactions on the device, you dramatically reduce the risk of loss. Remember the core rule of self-custody: your keys, your responsibility. ledger.com/start gives you the checklist to take that responsibility confidently.
Need a quick checklist?
- Type ledger.com/start into your browser — don’t click ads.
- Download Ledger Live from the official prompts.
- Initialize device, create PIN, write your 24-word recovery phrase on paper.
- Pair with Ledger Live and verify each transaction on-device.