Official Site | Ledger.com/Start®

Welcome to Ledger.com/Start®

You’ve just taken your first step into self‑custody of your digital assets. Ledger.com/Start® is the **official onboarding portal** for Ledger hardware wallet users, offering a secure, verified, and guided setup experience. By beginning here, you ensure that you are using genuine firmware, safe software, and following best practices from day one.

Whether you have just unboxed a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or another Ledger device, this page will walk you through every step — from unboxing to transacting — with clarity and security at its core.

Why Start Here?

Verified Downloads Only: Get Ledger Live directly from the official site, never from third‑party or spoofed sources.
Step‑by‑Step Guidance: Clear instructions reduce mistakes, especially for new users.
Security First: Early checks and warnings help protect you from phishing and tampering.
Unified Ecosystem: After setup, you get access to firmware updates, staking, NFTs, DApps & more.
Support & Resources: Official FAQs, troubleshooting, and help channels are linked directly.

How to Get Started — Step‑by‑Step

Step 1: Unbox & Inspect Your Device

When your Ledger device arrives, check:

The box seal is intact and shows no signs of tampering.
All included items are present (device, USB cable, recovery sheets, documentation).
No pre‑configured setup or written recovery phrase is on the device — it should be blank at first boot.

If anything appears suspicious, pause. Reach out to official Ledger support before proceeding.

Step 2: Go to ledger.com/start

Type the URL carefully into your browser (or click through your verified bookmark). This page is your entry point to all verified setup content: downloads, instructions, security tips, and support.

🚨 Always double-check the browser’s address bar: you should see https://www.ledger.com/start (with the padlock icon). Any variation or suspicious domain may indicate phishing.

Step 3: Download & Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion application (desktop + mobile) that communicates with your device. From the Start page, select your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android) and download the installer.

Install Ledger Live and open it. Do **not** open any third‑party wallets or extensions until your device is fully set up and verified.

Step 4: Initialize Your Device

Connect your Ledger to your computer or mobile using the provided cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X). Follow on‑screen prompts to:

Select “Set up as new device” (unless you already have a recovery phrase to restore).
Choose a secure PIN (4–8 digits depending on device).
Write down the 24‑word recovery phrase (seed) exactly as shown — on the provided recovery sheet (or other secure offline medium).
Confirm the recovery phrase by selecting the correct words in Ledger Live.

NEVER take a photo, type, or store the recovery phrase digitally. Anyone with access to those 24 words controls your funds.

Step 5: Verify Authenticity

After initialization, Ledger Live will perform a device authenticity check. This confirms whether your hardware has the genuine secure element and has not been tampered with during transit.

If the authenticity check fails, do **not** proceed. Contact support immediately.

Step 6: Add Accounts & Install Apps

Inside Ledger Live, go to “Accounts” → “Add account.” Choose the cryptocurrency you want (e.g. BTC, ETH, SOL) and follow prompts to install the corresponding app on the device.

Once installed, you can see your accounts’ balances, send or receive crypto, stake (where supported), or explore connected Web3 features.

Step 7: Begin Using Your Ledger

You are now ready to:

Receive crypto: share your public address (never your seed phrase).
Send crypto: approve transactions directly on the device.
Explore features: staking, swapping, NFTs, and DeFi integrations — all accessible through Ledger Live or via supported DApps.

For each transaction, always verify details on your device before approving—never rely solely on what’s shown on your computer screen.

Ongoing Security & Best Practices

Even after setup, security remains paramount. Here are ongoing practices you should adopt:

Regularly update Ledger Live and your device firmware via the official interface.
Never install “apps” or “plugins” from unknown sources.
Use passphrase (25th word) protection if you want added privacy or multiple sub‑wallets.
Be cautious of phishing: do not click links from emails or messages claiming to be from Ledger unless verified.
Store your 24‑word phrase in a secure offline location, perhaps even in multiple physical backups or using metal backups.
Avoid interacting with malicious or unsolicited NFTs, especially those that request wallet access.

Troubleshooting & Common Issues

If you run into difficulties during setup or use, here are solutions to frequent problems:

“Device not recognized”: unplug and reconnect, try a different USB port or cable (original cable recommended).
“Authenticity check failed”: do not continue — contact official support.
Forgot PIN: You must reset the device and restore via your recovery phrase.
Missing coins in Account list: Be sure you installed the correct coin app and added the corresponding account.
Ledger Live not updating / crashing: reinstall from the official Start page, clear cache, or try another OS.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Ledger.com/Start?: It’s the official onboarding portal where you’ll find authentic software, setup guidance, and support resources — designed to guard against phishing and misuse.
Is Ledger Live safe to use?: Yes. Ledger Live never stores your private keys. All signing is done on your hardware device, which isolates your keys from your computer or phone.
What happens if I lose my hardware device?: As long as you have your 24‑word recovery phrase stored securely, you can restore your wallet on another Ledger device or compatible wallet. Without that phrase, funds are unrecoverable.
Can Ledger support staking, NFTs, or DeFi?: Yes. After setup, Ledger Live and supported integrations allow staking (for select coins), NFT viewing & management, and secure interactions with Web3 apps.
Does Ledger ever ask for my recovery phrase?: Never. Ledger support will never request your 24‑word seed or PIN. If anyone (website, email, phone) asks, it is a scam.
What if authenticity fails or I suspect tampering?: Immediately stop and contact official Ledger support. Do not continue using the device.

Glossary & Key Terms

Private Key / Seed Phrase: The secret words that allow full control over your funds. Must remain offline and private.
Ledger Live: The official app through which you manage wallets, transactions, and firmware updates.
Authenticity Check: A built-in test confirming whether your Ledger hardware is genuine.
Passphrase (25th word): An optional feature that adds an extra layer of security or branching sub‑wallets.
Firmware: The software running on your Ledger device; must be updated regularly for security.
Web3 / DApp: Decentralized applications (on blockchains) that you may interact with via Ledger once setup is complete.

Final Word: Starting your Ledger journey via ledger.com/start ensures you begin with the strongest possible security foundation. From unboxing to transacting, follow each step carefully, protect your recovery phrase, and stay vigilant against scams. Your crypto is yours — start securing it right.