What is Ledger.com/start?

Ledger.com/start is the official starting point for setting up any Ledger hardware wallet, such as the Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X. It’s a secure onboarding page provided by Ledger SAS, the trusted manufacturer of hardware wallets used to store and protect your cryptocurrencies offline. Using Ledger.com/start ensures you’re downloading genuine software (Ledger Live) and following the correct steps to initialize your wallet safely. This helps protect your crypto from phishing scams, counterfeit apps, or compromised instructions.

Why Use Ledger Hardware Wallets?

A Ledger hardware wallet is a physical device that keeps your private keys offline (cold storage). This means even if your computer or smartphone is hacked, your crypto stays secure. Ledger devices support thousands of coins and tokens, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and NFTs.

Unlike software wallets or exchanges, you hold your private keys, so you’re in full control of your crypto. The setup process at Ledger.com/start ensures you understand this self-custody responsibility.

Getting Started: What You’ll Need

Before you visit Ledger.com/start, have your new, unopened Ledger device ready. Ensure you have:

  • A secure computer or smartphone with internet access.
  • A pen to write down your recovery phrase.
  • A safe place to store your 24-word recovery phrase offline.

How to Use Ledger.com/start

  1. Go to the Official Website
    Open your browser and type www.ledger.com/start. Verify the URL to avoid fake sites.
  2. Download Ledger Live
    Ledger Live is the official app to manage your device, install crypto apps, and send/receive crypto. Download it for Windows, Mac, Linux, or mobile (iOS/Android).
  3. Initialize Your Device
    Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the USB cable. Ledger Live will guide you step-by-step:
  • Choose “Set up as new device” if it’s brand new.
  • Pick a PIN code (4–8 digits). This secures your device.
  • Write down your 24-word recovery phrase in the exact order shown. This phrase is your only backup if your device is lost or damaged.
  1. Verify Your Recovery Phrase
    The device will ask you to confirm your recovery words. Never take a photo or store this phrase online.
  2. Install Crypto Apps
    Through Ledger Live, you can install apps for each blockchain you want to manage (like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
  3. Add Accounts and Receive Crypto
    Generate wallet addresses to receive crypto. Double-check addresses on your device screen — Ledger’s screen is tamper-proof.

Staying Safe

Ledger.com/start also shares crucial security tips:

  • Only buy Ledger devices from Ledger.com or trusted resellers.
  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone.
  • Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Ongoing Use

Once set up, use Ledger Live to monitor your portfolio, stake assets, swap tokens, or connect to DeFi apps via Ledger’s secure ecosystem. Always update your Ledger Live app and device firmware through official channels for the latest security enhancements.

Final Thoughts

Ledger.com/start is the safest way to initialize your Ledger hardware wallet. By following the official process, you reduce your exposure to hacks, phishing, or loss of funds. Taking these steps puts you in full control of your digital assets — true to the crypto principle: “Not your keys, not your coins.”

If you’d like, I can also create a step-by-step checklist or help you compare Ledger models — just let me know!