Ledger.com/start — Easy setup for your Ledger hardware wallet

This page explains how to get started quickly and safely using Ledger.com/start. A Ledger hardware wallet keeps your cryptocurrency private keys offline, which makes them much harder to steal. Use this simple guide to set up your device, secure your recovery phrase, and start managing crypto.

What you need before you begin

Make sure you have the following ready:

• Your Ledger device (for example Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X).
• A USB cable or Bluetooth (depending on the model).
• A computer or mobile device with internet access.
• A private, quiet space to write down the recovery phrase safely.

Step 1 — Visit Ledger.com/start

Open a browser and go to Ledger.com/start. The Ledger website will guide you to download the official Ledger Live app or access the web setup experience. Always check that you are on the official Ledger site and avoid links from unknown emails or social media.

Step 2 — Install Ledger Live

Download and install Ledger Live for your computer or phone. Ledger Live is the official app used to set up your device, install apps for different cryptocurrencies, and manage accounts. Follow the simple install steps provided on the site.

Step 3 — Initialize the device

1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer or pair it with your phone if it supports Bluetooth.
2. Power it on and choose to set up as a new device (unless you are restoring from an existing recovery phrase).
3. Create a PIN code on the device — choose a PIN you can remember but that isn’t obvious to others.

Step 4 — Write down your recovery phrase

The device will show a recovery phrase (usually 24 words). This is the only backup of your private keys. Write the words down in order on the supplied recovery card or on paper. Keep the phrase offline and in a safe place.

Step 5 — Install crypto apps and add accounts

Open Ledger Live, go to the Manager section, and install the apps you need (for example Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other supported currencies). After installing an app, return to the Accounts section in Ledger Live to add an account for each cryptocurrency you want to manage.

Step 6 — Receive and send funds

To receive funds, choose the account in Ledger Live and click Receive. Verify the address on your Ledger device before sharing it. To send funds, use the Send flow in Ledger Live and confirm the transaction details on the device screen. Always check the address carefully and confirm on the hardware device — this prevents address-swapping attacks.

Security tips

• Keep your recovery phrase offline and in a secure place (consider a safe or other physical protection).
• Do not store the recovery phrase in cloud storage, email, or photos.
• Enable additional protections on your computer and use antivirus and browser security best practices.
• Only download Ledger Live and firmware updates from Ledger’s official website.
• If you lose your device, your funds remain recoverable with the recovery phrase on a new compatible wallet.

Restoring a wallet

If you already have a recovery phrase and need to restore your wallet, choose the Restore device option during setup and carefully enter your words in the exact order. After restoration, connect Ledger Live and add your accounts again to view balances and transactions.

When to contact support

If something does not look right — for example, unexpected firmware prompts, requests for your recovery phrase, or unusual app behavior — stop and contact official Ledger support via the help pages on Ledger.com. Do not respond to messages asking for your recovery phrase or asking you to move funds urgently.

Final thoughts

Ledger hardware wallets give you strong protection by keeping keys offline while still allowing easy management of crypto with Ledger Live. Follow the setup steps carefully, protect your recovery phrase, and verify all transaction details on the device itself. With these habits, you can use Ledger safely and confidently to control your digital assets.