What is Ledger.com/Start and why should I use it?

Ledger.com/Start is the official onboarding portal for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. It provides step-by-step instructions to initialize your device, install Ledger Live, and secure your crypto assets. Using the official setup ensures you're following best security practices and avoiding phishing attempts.

How do I set up my Ledger Nano S, Nano X, or Nano S Plus?

Setting up your Ledger device involves: (1) Unboxing and connecting your device, (2) Installing Ledger Live on your computer or mobile, (3) Initializing your device as a new wallet, (4) Writing down your 24-word recovery phrase securely, (5) Verifying your recovery phrase, and (6) Installing apps for your chosen cryptocurrencies. The entire process takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

What is a recovery phrase and why is it important?

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your crypto assets. It's generated during setup and allows you to recover your funds if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Never share this phrase with anyone, never store it digitally, and always write it on the provided recovery sheets. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Is Ledger.com/Start safe to use?

Yes, Ledger.com/Start is the official and only legitimate source for setting up your Ledger device. Always verify you're on the authentic Ledger website by checking the URL carefully. Ledger uses industry-leading security standards, and your private keys never leave your device. Be cautious of phishing sites that mimic the official setup page.

Which cryptocurrencies does Ledger support?

Ledger hardware wallets support over 5,500 cryptocurrencies and tokens including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Solana (SOL), and many more. You can manage all your crypto assets through Ledger Live, which provides a unified interface for buying, selling, staking, and securing your portfolio.

What should I do if I lose my Ledger device?

If you lose your Ledger device but have your 24-word recovery phrase, your funds are safe. Simply purchase a new Ledger device, select 'Restore from recovery phrase' during setup, and enter your 24 words. Your accounts and balances will be fully restored. This is why securing your recovery phrase is absolutely critical—it's the only way to recover your assets.

Ledger.com/Start | Official Ledger Wallet Initialization Guide

Why Choose Ledger Hardware Wallet?

Bank-Grade Security

Certified secure chip (CC EAL5+) protects your private keys from sophisticated attacks

Full Control

You own your private keys—not exchanges, not third parties. Complete sovereignty over your assets

Easy to Use

Intuitive setup process and user-friendly Ledger Live interface for beginners and experts

What is Ledger.com/Start?

Ledger.com/Start is the official onboarding platform designed to guide new users through the complete setup process of their Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you've purchased a Ledger Nano S, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Nano S Plus, this portal provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions to ensure your cryptocurrency holdings are secured from day one.

In today's digital landscape, securing your crypto assets is paramount. Unlike software wallets or exchange custody, Ledger hardware wallets keep your private keys offline in a certified secure chip, protecting you from hacking, phishing, and malware attacks. The setup process at Ledger.com/Start ensures you follow industry best practices for maximum security.

The platform walks you through downloading Ledger Live—the companion application that manages your crypto portfolio—initializing your device, creating and backing up your recovery phrase, and installing blockchain apps. With support for over 5,500 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Solana, and thousands more, Ledger provides a unified solution for all your digital asset management needs.

Complete Setup Guide

Follow these six simple steps to secure your cryptocurrency in under 20 minutes

01

Unbox Your Ledger Device

Carefully unbox your Ledger hardware wallet and ensure all components are present: the device, USB cable, recovery sheets, and getting started leaflet. Verify the packaging is sealed and hasn't been tampered with.

02

Download Ledger Live

Visit the official Ledger website to download Ledger Live for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android. This is your gateway to managing all crypto assets securely from one application.

03

Initialize Your Device

Connect your Ledger to your computer, power it on, and follow the on-screen instructions. Choose 'Set up as new device' to create a new wallet and generate your unique 24-word recovery phrase.

04

Secure Your Recovery Phrase

Write down all 24 words on the provided recovery sheets in the exact order displayed. Store these sheets in a secure location—never digitally. This phrase is the only backup to access your funds.

05

Verify and Confirm

Your Ledger will ask you to confirm your recovery phrase by selecting specific words. This verification ensures you've correctly recorded your backup before proceeding.

06

Install Crypto Apps

Through Ledger Live, install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. Each blockchain requires its specific app. You can add or remove apps anytime without affecting your holdings.

Understanding Ledger Hardware Wallet Security

Ledger's security architecture is built on three pillars: the secure element chip, custom operating system (BOLOS), and offline key storage. The secure element is the same technology used in credit cards and passports, certified to the highest security standards (CC EAL5+). This chip ensures your private keys never leave the device and cannot be extracted even through physical attacks.

When you initialize your device via Ledger.com/Start, you'll generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This mnemonic seed is the mathematical representation of your private keys. It's critically important because it's the only backup—if you lose your device, you can restore all your accounts on a new Ledger using this phrase. Never share it with anyone, never store it digitally, and never enter it on any website. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.

The beauty of hardware wallet security is that even when connected to a compromised computer, your funds remain safe. All transaction signing happens within the secure chip, and you physically verify and approve each transaction on the device screen before it's broadcast to the blockchain. This eliminates the risk of malware stealing your crypto.

Start Your Crypto Journey with Ledger