Ledger.com/Start Overview: A Complete Introduction to Setting Up a Ledger Wallet

Cryptocurrency ownership comes with full control—and full responsibility. Unlike traditional financial systems, there is no central authority that can reset passwords or reverse transactions. Because of this, secure storage is essential. Hardware wallets were created to solve this problem by keeping sensitive information offline, and Ledger is one of the most established hardware wallet providers available today.

If you are visiting ledger.com/start, you are about to begin the official setup process for a Ledger hardware wallet. This guide explains what the page is for, how the setup process works, and which security practices are necessary to protect your digital assets over time.

Introduction to Ledger Hardware Wallets

A Ledger wallet is a physical device designed to protect cryptocurrency private keys. These keys are created and stored inside a secure element chip and never leave the device. Even when the wallet is connected to a computer or smartphone, the private keys remain isolated.

Ledger wallets are commonly used for:

  • Secure long-term storage of crypto assets

  • Manual approval of transactions

  • Managing multiple blockchain networks

  • Safe interaction with decentralized platforms

This design greatly reduces exposure to online threats such as malware, phishing, and remote attacks.

What Ledger.com/Start Is Used For

ledger.com/start is Ledger’s official setup and onboarding portal. It exists to guide users through a safe and verified initialization process.

Through this page, users can:

  • Download the official Ledger Live application

  • Confirm that their device is authentic

  • Create a new wallet securely

  • Learn important security principles

Using the official start page helps prevent mistakes and protects users from fraudulent websites that attempt to steal recovery phrases.

Supported Ledger Wallet Models

The ledger.com/start process applies to all current Ledger hardware wallets, including:

Ledger Nano S Plus

  • USB connection

  • Simple interface

  • Designed for secure storage

Ledger Nano X

  • USB and Bluetooth connectivity

  • Mobile compatibility

  • Larger internal storage

While the hardware features differ, the setup steps follow the same security standards.

Step 1: Inspect the Ledger Device and Packaging

Before connecting your Ledger wallet, carefully examine the packaging and contents.

A New Ledger Box Includes:

  • Ledger hardware wallet

  • USB cable

  • Blank recovery phrase cards

  • Setup documentation

Ledger devices are never shipped with a pre-written recovery phrase or preset PIN. If you notice anything already configured, the device should not be used.

Step 2: Open Ledger.com/Start Securely

Using a trusted browser, manually enter:

ledger.com/start

Avoid links from emails, messages, or online ads. Fake setup pages are a common tactic used by scammers.

Once on the website, select your device model and operating system to continue.

Step 3: Install the Ledger Live Application

Ledger Live is the official software used to manage Ledger wallets.

Ledger Live Allows You To:

  • Install and manage blockchain apps

  • Create and organize accounts

  • View balances and transaction history

  • Send and receive cryptocurrency

  • Update device firmware

Only install Ledger Live from the official Ledger website.

Step 4: Initialize a New Wallet

After opening Ledger Live:

  1. Connect the Ledger device

  2. Turn it on

  3. Select “Set up as new device”

  4. Choose a PIN code

The PIN protects the device from unauthorized physical access. Multiple incorrect PIN attempts will automatically reset the device for safety.

Step 5: Back Up the Recovery Phrase

During setup, the Ledger device generates a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the master backup for the wallet.

Recovery Phrase Rules

  • Write the words down in the correct order

  • Store them offline

  • Keep them private and secure

  • Never share them

  • Never enter them on websites or apps

Ledger will ask you to verify the phrase to ensure it was recorded accurately.

Anyone with access to this phrase can control your funds.

Step 6: Device Authenticity Verification

Ledger Live performs an automatic verification to confirm:

  • The secure element chip is genuine

  • The firmware is official

  • The device has not been modified

If the verification fails, stop the setup process and contact Ledger through official support channels.

Step 7: Install Cryptocurrency Applications

Each blockchain requires its own app installed on the Ledger device.

Examples include:

  • Bitcoin

  • Ethereum

  • Litecoin

  • Solana

Apps can be installed, removed, and reinstalled without affecting stored funds.

Step 8: Add Accounts in Ledger Live

Accounts allow Ledger Live to track assets on the blockchain.

After installing an app:

  • Add an account

  • Sync with the blockchain

  • View balances and transactions

You can create multiple accounts for the same cryptocurrency if needed.

Receiving Cryptocurrency

To receive crypto:

  1. Open Ledger Live

  2. Select the appropriate account

  3. Click “Receive”

  4. Verify the address on the Ledger screen

  5. Share the address

Always confirm the address directly on the device.

Sending Cryptocurrency

To send crypto:

  1. Enter the recipient details in Ledger Live

  2. Review transaction information

  3. Approve the transaction on the Ledger device

No transaction can be completed without physical confirmation.

Using Ledger With Decentralized Applications

Ledger wallets can connect to decentralized applications through:

  • Browser wallet integrations

  • WalletConnect

  • Web3-enabled platforms

Private keys remain securely stored on the Ledger device during all interactions.

Firmware Updates and Maintenance

Ledger regularly releases firmware updates to improve security and compatibility.

Before Updating:

  • Confirm your recovery phrase is backed up

  • Use Ledger Live only

  • Keep the device connected until the update finishes

Correct updates do not affect stored assets.

Common Security Mistakes

Avoid the following:

  • Sharing recovery phrases

  • Saving recovery words digitally

  • Installing unofficial software

  • Trusting unsolicited support messages

  • Skipping address verification

Ledger will never request your recovery phrase.

If the Ledger Device Is Lost

If the device is lost but the recovery phrase is safe:

  • Purchase a new Ledger wallet

  • Select “Restore from recovery phrase”

  • Enter the 24-word phrase

Your wallet and funds will be restored.

Without the recovery phrase, recovery is impossible.

Accessing Official Support

For help:

  • Visit Ledger’s official website

  • Use support tools inside Ledger Live

  • Avoid unofficial social media accounts

Always verify that you are using a legitimate Ledger domain.

Create a free website with Framer, the website builder loved by startups, designers and agencies.