Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started with Ledger Wallet

As the cryptocurrency market continues to expand, securing your digital assets has never been more important. With cyberattacks, phishing scams, and exchange breaches happening regularly, investors need a reliable solution to safeguard their crypto. A Ledger hardware wallet provides one of the strongest security options available today. If you're new to Ledger or setting up your device for the first time, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know using Ledger.com/Start®, the official setup portal for all Ledger devices.

Why Use a Ledger Hardware Wallet?

A Ledger hardware wallet is designed to protect your private keys—the digital keys that allow you to access and control your cryptocurrency. Unlike software wallets and exchange-based wallets, Ledger stores your private keys offline in a secure, tamper-resistant chip. This prevents hackers, malware, and unauthorized access from compromising your funds.

When you use an exchange wallet, you don’t technically control your assets—the exchange does. With Ledger, you remain the sole owner of your private keys, which means you maintain full control of your crypto at all times.

Whether you're a beginner or long-time investor, a hardware wallet gives you peace of mind and long-term security.

Starting at Ledger.com/Start®

Your Ledger device should always be set up through the official website, Ledger.com/Start®. This page ensures you follow the secure and correct setup steps and avoid counterfeit or fraudulent instructions online.

Once you visit the site, you will be guided to download Ledger Live, the trusted software that pairs with your Ledger device. Ledger Live is where you will manage your accounts, send or receive crypto, check balances, and install apps for different cryptocurrencies.

Before proceeding, always confirm you are on the official Ledger website—security begins with verifying authenticity.

Downloading and Installing Ledger Live

Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. After downloading and installing the application, open it and choose the option to “Set up a new device.”

Connect your Ledger wallet—whether it's a Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X—using the included USB cable or Bluetooth (Nano X only). Ledger Live will automatically guide you through the initial setup screens.

Choosing a PIN Code

During setup, you will create a PIN code for your Ledger device. This PIN protects your wallet if your device is ever lost or stolen. Use a unique code that is not easy to guess, and avoid writing it down where others may find it.

You will need to enter this PIN every time you access your Ledger wallet.

Generating Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

The recovery phrase is the most important part of your Ledger setup.

Your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase (sometimes called a “seed phrase”), which acts as a backup key to all of your cryptocurrencies. If your device is lost, damaged, or reset, this phrase is the only way to recover your wallet.

Here are critical rules for protecting your recovery phrase:

  • Write it down on paper, using the provided recovery sheet.
  • Never store it on your phone or computer.
  • Never take a picture of it.
  • Never share it with anyone—ever.
  • Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.

If someone obtains your recovery phrase, they can take all your crypto. Treat it with extreme caution.

For even stronger protection, some users store their recovery phrase in a metal seed backup to protect against fire, water, or physical damage.

Installing Cryptocurrency Apps

After securing your PIN and recovery phrase, Ledger Live will prompt you to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to use. Each type of cryptocurrency requires its own app. For example:

  • Bitcoin → Install Bitcoin app
  • Ethereum → Install Ethereum app
  • XRP → Install XRP app

Once apps are installed, you can create accounts for each cryptocurrency inside Ledger Live. This allows you to send, receive, and manage your digital assets securely.

Receiving and Sending Crypto

With your accounts added, you can begin transferring crypto to your Ledger wallet.

When receiving crypto, Ledger Live will show your wallet address. Always double-check the address on your Ledger device screen before confirming—this ensures that no malware has altered the address on your computer.

When sending crypto, Ledger Live will ask you to verify and approve the transaction directly on your Ledger device. This extra confirmation step protects you from unauthorized transactions.

Keeping Your Ledger Secure

Your Ledger wallet provides exceptional protection, but best practices are essential:

  • Always download software only from Ledger.com/Start®.
  • Keep your Ledger device’s firmware updated.
  • Never reveal your recovery phrase to anyone.
  • Be cautious of phishing emails, fake websites, and impersonators.
  • Store your recovery sheet in a secure location.

With proper security habits, your Ledger device can safeguard your crypto for years.

Exploring More with Ledger Live

Once your wallet is fully set up, you can take advantage of additional features:

  • Staking crypto for passive rewards
  • Using Web3 apps securely with Ledger
  • Managing NFTs on supported networks
  • Tracking your entire crypto portfolio in one place

All of this is done while your private keys remain safely offline.

Final Thoughts

Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet through Ledger.com/Start® is the best way to take control of your digital wealth. With secure offline storage, hands-on transaction approval, and a user-friendly interface, Ledger makes crypto security accessible to everyone.

If you follow the setup steps carefully, protect your recovery phrase, and use Ledger Live responsibly, you’ll have a powerful and reliable system for managing your crypto—now and in the future.