Ledger.com/Start — Complete Step-by-Step Setup & User Guide

What is Ledger.com/Start?

Ledger.com/Start is the official web landing page and guided setup URL provided by Ledger to help users connect their new Ledger hardware wallet (such as Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X), install Ledger Live, and securely configure their device. The page walks users through the essential steps: downloading Ledger Live from official sources, initializing the device, generating and securing the recovery phrase, and adding cryptocurrency accounts.

This guide expands on each step you’ll encounter at Ledger.com/Start, includes security best practices, and explains how to troubleshoot frequently seen issues so you can confidently manage your crypto assets.

Before you start: what you’ll need

• A Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X).
• A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or a smartphone for Ledger Live Mobile.
• A USB cable that fits your Ledger device (often included in the box).
• A safe, private place to write down and store your 24-word recovery phrase.
• An up-to-date web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari) if you visit Ledger.com/Start.

Step 1 — Visit Ledger.com/Start and download Ledger Live

Open your browser and go to Ledger.com/Start. The page is designed to detect your operating system and provides the correct Ledger Live installer for your device (desktop or mobile). Click the download button for your platform and verify the file comes from Ledger.

Verify your download

For added safety, check the digital signature or checksum if Ledger provides one for the release. On macOS and Windows, the installer will usually be signed by Ledger; on Linux, compare checksum values if available.

Step 2 — Install Ledger Live

Run the installer you downloaded and follow the on-screen steps. Ledger Live is the desktop/mobile companion app that lets you manage cryptocurrency accounts, update firmware, and install apps on your Ledger device.

Initial configuration in Ledger Live

1. Create or restore a Ledger device option — choose Create a new device if your Ledger is brand new.
2. Set a device name and choose whether to enable analytics (optional).
3. Follow the prompts that instruct you to connect your Ledger hardware to the computer and to continue with the physical device to initialize it.

Step 3 — Initializing your Ledger hardware wallet

After connecting the device, Ledger Live guides you through initializing the device. You’ll have two choices:

• Create a new wallet — the device will generate a brand new recovery phrase (recommended for new devices).
• Restore device — use this if you already have a recovery phrase from another wallet.

Choose a PIN code

The Ledger device prompts you to set a 4 to 8-digit PIN code. Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember but not guessable by others. Never store your PIN alongside your recovery phrase.

Write down your recovery phrase

When creating a new wallet, the device displays a 24-word recovery phrase. Write these words down in the exact order on a Ledger-branded recovery sheet or a similarly secure, offline medium. This recovery phrase is the only backup of your private keys — anyone with it can access your funds.

Ledger Live may ask you to confirm several words from the recovery phrase to ensure you recorded them correctly. Only proceed after confirming the phrase on the physical device and in the app.

Step 4 — Updating firmware and installing apps

Ledger regularly releases firmware updates. After initialization, check Ledger Live for firmware updates and install them if prompted. Firmware updates can include important security improvements — installing them promptly is recommended.

Install cryptocurrency apps

Ledger hardware uses small, app-specific modules to support different blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). In Ledger Live, open the Manager tab and install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you plan to manage. Each app stores the information necessary to operate transactions for that blockchain.

Step 5 — Adding accounts in Ledger Live

After installing the relevant apps, use the Accounts tab in Ledger Live to add accounts for each supported network. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain and display your balances if any funds are present.

Receive and send crypto

To receive funds, click Receive in Ledger Live, select the account, and verify the address on your device screen before sharing it. Always confirm the address shown on the hardware device — this prevents address replacement attacks.

To send funds, prepare the transaction in Ledger Live and confirm the details on your device. The private keys never leave the Ledger hardware; signing occurs on-device, providing strong security against malware on your computer.

Security best practices for Ledger.com/Start users

• Only use official Ledger resources. Bookmark Ledger.com/Start and Ledger.com to avoid phishing sites.
• Keep your recovery phrase offline in a safe place (a safety deposit box, home safe, or another secure physical location).
• Never share your recovery phrase with anyone, including people claiming to be from Ledger support.
• Enable a strong PIN and configure device passphrase protection if you need plausible deniability or additional segregation of accounts.
• Regularly check for Ledger Live and firmware updates using the official app only.

Troubleshooting common issues

Ledger Live won’t detect the device

• Try a different USB cable or port. Use the cable that came with the device when possible.
• Ensure the device is unlocked (enter your PIN) before opening Ledger Live.
• Restart Ledger Live and reconnect the device. On macOS, check System Settings for USB permissions.

Firmware update failed

If a firmware update fails, do not panic. Follow Ledger Live’s on-screen recovery instructions, keep the device connected, and, if necessary, contact Ledger Support through the official site for guided assistance. Never enter recovery words into a site unless explicitly instructed by the official Ledger recovery tool — and only when you are certain of the tool's authenticity.

Phishing and scams

Phishers often send emails, ads, or social media messages pretending to be Ledger. Common scams ask you to reveal your recovery phrase, click suspicious links, or install fake Ledger Live versions. Remember: Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase.

Advanced topics: passphrase, hidden wallets, and multisig

Some advanced Ledger users enable an optional passphrase in addition to the 24-word recovery phrase. This creates an additional layer of protection and can create multiple hidden wallets from the same seed. Use passphrases only if you understand the added complexity and have a secure method for storing the passphrase itself.

For very large holdings or organizational use, consider multi-signature (multisig) setups. Ledger devices can be used as one signer in multisig schemes, but multisig configuration requires additional software and careful planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Ledger.com/Start safe?

Yes — if you access the official site (pay attention to the domain: ledger.com) and follow on-site guidance. Avoid impersonator domains and be cautious with unsolicited communications claiming to be Ledger.

Can I restore a Ledger wallet on another device?

Yes. Using the 24-word recovery phrase, you can restore your Ledger wallet onto another Ledger device or compatible recovery tool that supports the same seed standard (BIP39/BIP44/BIP32, depending on the chain). Restoring should be done offline or using official recovery procedures only.

What if I lose my Ledger device?

If you lose your physical device but have a securely-stored recovery phrase, you can restore your wallets on a new Ledger hardware device or compatible wallet. If you lose both the device and recovery phrase, you will lose access to your funds.

Checklist: quick reference for Ledger.com/Start

• Download Ledger Live only from Ledger.com/Start or official app stores.
• Initialize device and write down the 24-word recovery phrase—keep it offline.
• Set a strong PIN and consider an additional passphrase if needed.
• Install only required crypto apps via Ledger Live’s Manager.
• Verify receive addresses on the device screen before accepting funds.

Closing thoughts

Ledger.com/Start is the first step to a safer crypto experience. The combination of a Ledger hardware device and Ledger Live gives a powerful security model: private keys remain offline on the device, and sensitive operations require physical confirmation. By following the steps outlined in this guide — downloading Ledger Live from official sources, initializing securely, safeguarding your recovery phrase, and staying alert against phishing — you’ll significantly reduce the risk of compromise.

If you want a printable version of this guide, copy the HTML into a file and print or save as PDF. For the most up-to-date official instructions and downloads, always check Ledger.com/Start and Ledger’s support resources.