Ledger.com/start: | Securing℗ Your Digital Assets©
The rise of digital assets demands secure solutions.
Ledger® hardware wallets are trusted by millions for protecting crypto holdings offline.
This guide will walk you through the process of setting up your Ledger device via Ledger.com/start, from unboxing to securing your assets — with best practices along the way.
💼 What Is a Ledger Hardware Wallet?
Ledger wallets (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X) are hardware-based cold storage devices.
They store your private keys completely offline, protecting them from malware, phishing, and remote attacks.
- 🔐 Cold Storage: Your private keys never leave the device
- 📲 Ledger Live App: Manage over 5,500+ coins and tokens
- 🔒 Secure Element Chip: Certified to keep secrets safe
🚚 Step 1: Unbox and Verify
When you receive your Ledger wallet:
- Ensure packaging is intact (no tampering)
- Inside: Ledger device, USB cable, recovery sheet, instructions
- Check serial number at ledger.com/verify
⚠️ Warning: Never use a Ledger device that came pre-set with a recovery phrase.
🌐 Step 2: Go to Ledger.com/start
Using a secure browser, visit https://ledger.com/start.
Select your device model and follow the interactive setup guide.
You will be prompted to download the Ledger Live app — the official interface for your Ledger device.
💾 Step 3: Install Ledger Live
🪟 Windows
- Download the `.exe` file
- Double-click and follow installation prompts
- Launch Ledger Live from your Start Menu
🍏 macOS
- Download the `.dmg` file
- Drag Ledger Live into Applications
- Open and grant permissions if prompted
🐧 Linux
- Download `.AppImage` or install via terminal
- Grant execution permission:
chmod +x ledger-live.AppImage
- Run from terminal or GUI
🔧 Step 4: Initialize Your Device
Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the USB cable.
On the device screen, choose:
- Set up as new device (if this is your first time)
- Restore from recovery phrase (if you’re recovering an existing wallet)
Choose a secure 4 to 8 digit PIN. This PIN protects your wallet from unauthorized access.
📝 Step 5: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
Your Ledger device will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the only way to recover your wallet if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Use the recovery sheet provided
- Do not store it digitally (no screenshots, cloud, or photos)
- Keep it in a secure, offline location
⚠️ Anyone with access to your recovery phrase can access your assets.
💼 Step 6: Open Ledger Live & Add Accounts
Once your device is set up and connected, open Ledger Live:
- Click “Accounts” → “Add account”
- Select the crypto asset (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)
- Ledger Live will prompt the device to confirm
- After syncing, you’ll see your wallet dashboard
📤 Step 7: Receive and Send Crypto
To receive funds:
- Click “Receive”
- Select your account
- Verify the address on your Ledger device
- Share the address with the sender
To send funds:
- Click “Send”
- Enter the recipient address and amount
- Confirm transaction details on your device
- Approve the transaction physically
🔐 Security Tips for Long-Term Safety
- ✅ Never share or store your recovery phrase online
- ✅ Enable password lock on your Ledger Live app
- ✅ Use a strong, unique PIN code
- ✅ Keep firmware up to date via Ledger Live
- ✅ Avoid connecting your wallet on public or untrusted computers