Get Started with Ledger | Official Ledger.com/Start Setup Instructions

Introduction

Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet is the most important step in taking full control of your cryptocurrency. Ledger devices—such as the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X—allow you to store your digital assets in a secure, offline environment protected from online threats, phishing attacks, and exchange hacks. The official onboarding process begins at Ledger.com/start, where users are guided through device setup, firmware installation, and Ledger Live configuration.

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know, from unboxing your device to making your first crypto transaction safely. Whether you are a first-time hardware wallet user or transitioning from software wallets, these instructions will help you start with confidence.

1. Unboxing Your Ledger Device

When you receive your Ledger device, inspect the packaging carefully. Ledger products come in sealed boxes and do not include a pre-written recovery phrase. If your box contains a recovery sheet with words already printed, your device may be compromised—stop immediately and contact Ledger support.

Inside the box, you should find:

Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
USB-C to USB-A or USB-C cable (depending on the model)
Recovery phrase sheets (blank)
Keychain accessories or straps (varies)
Quick start guide

Ensure everything looks intact and has not been tampered with.

2. Visit the Official Setup Page: Ledger.com/Start

To begin installation, open your browser and go to Ledger.com/start. This is the official Ledger onboarding page. Avoid third-party websites or links from emails and social media to prevent phishing. The official site will guide you to download Ledger Live, Ledger's companion app for managing your hardware wallet and crypto assets.

Ledger.com/start provides:

Device selection and setup walkthrough
Firmware update instructions
Ledger Live download links
Educational videos and security best practices

3. Download and Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is available for:

Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS & Android (for Ledger Nano X Bluetooth users)

Download Ledger Live exclusively from Ledger.com/start. Once installed, open the application and follow the prompts.

In Ledger Live:

Select “Get Started”.
Choose your device model.
Click “Set up as new device” (unless you are recovering an existing wallet).
Ledger Live will walk you through the setup process while you follow along on your device.

4. Initial Device Setup

Turn on your Ledger device by connecting it to your computer or pressing the power button (Nano X only). You will see welcome messages on the screen.

4.1 Create a PIN

Ledger will instruct you to create a PIN code. This PIN:

Protects your device from unauthorized access
Must be entered each time the device is unlocked
Can be 4 to 8 digits long

Use the device buttons to navigate and confirm numbers. Never share your PIN with anyone.

4.2 Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

After setting your PIN, your Ledger device will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the master key to your wallet. Anyone with these words can access your crypto, so handling them securely is critical.

Important guidelines:

Write all 24 words in order on the provided recovery sheets.
Store the phrase offline in a secure, private place.
Never store it digitally (phone, cloud, email, screenshot).
Never share it with anyone—not even Ledger.
Ledger will never ask for your 24 words under any circumstance.

You may choose to store your recovery phrase on a metal backup plate for long-term fire- and water-resistant protection.

5. Confirming Your Recovery Phrase

The device will ask you to confirm your 24 words to ensure you wrote them down correctly. This step prevents mistakes that could lead to permanent loss of funds. Follow the prompts and confirm each word using the Ledger device buttons.

Once completed, your wallet is officially initialized.

6. Ledger Live Device Verification

Ledger Live will verify that:

Your device is genuine
Your firmware is up to date
The device has not been tampered with

Select “Check my device” in Ledger Live. The app communicates with your Ledger hardware wallet to authenticate it securely through Ledger’s attestation process.

If everything is correct, Ledger Live will display “Your device is genuine”.

7. Update Firmware (If Required)

Sometimes your device may need a firmware update to enable new features, improve security, or add support for new crypto assets.

To update firmware:

Keep your recovery phrase nearby (you will not lose your assets).
Follow the step-by-step instructions in Ledger Live.
Do not disconnect your device during the update.

Firmware updates only modify the device software; your private keys stay intact.

8. Installing Apps on Your Ledger Device

Each cryptocurrency requires its own app to be installed on your Ledger device. For example:

Bitcoin → BTC app
Ethereum → ETH app
Solana → SOL app
XRP, Cardano, Polygon, and many others

To install apps:

Go to “My Ledger” in Ledger Live.
Allow Ledger Live to access your device.
Browse the app catalog.
Click “Install” next to the desired crypto wallet apps.

Your device has limited memory, but you can uninstall apps without affecting your crypto or private keys. Reinstalling an app does not impact your funds.

9. Adding Accounts in Ledger Live

Once you install a crypto app on your device:

Open Ledger Live.
Navigate to Accounts.
Click Add account.
Choose your crypto (e.g., Bitcoin).
Open the corresponding app on your device.
Ledger Live will synchronize and add your account.

Accounts inside Ledger Live allow you to view balances, transactions, and portfolio data. They are read from your Ledger device’s private keys, ensuring accurate and secure management.

10. Receiving Crypto on Your Ledger Wallet

To receive cryptocurrency:

Open Ledger Live.
Click Receive.
Choose the account.
Connect and unlock your Ledger device.
Open the corresponding crypto app (e.g., ETH app for Ethereum).
Ledger Live will display your receiving address.
Verify the address on your Ledger device screen.

Always confirm the address on the physical device to avoid phishing or malware.

Copy the address and send crypto from an exchange or another wallet. Your funds will appear in Ledger Live once the transaction is confirmed.

11. Sending Crypto Using Ledger Live

To send crypto:

Go to Send in Ledger Live.
Enter the recipient’s address.
Choose the amount.
Confirm the transaction details.
Your Ledger device will prompt you to confirm:

The recipient address
The amount
The transaction fees

Check all details carefully. Once approved on the device, the transaction is broadcast to the network.

12. Staking and Earning Rewards

Ledger Live supports staking for several major cryptocurrencies, such as:

Ethereum
Solana
Polkadot
Cosmos
Tezos
Algorand

You can use Ledger Live to:

Stake your assets
Choose validators
Earn rewards
Track earnings

Staking with Ledger keeps your private keys offline while benefiting from network incentives.

13. Buying, Swapping, and Selling Crypto in Ledger Live

Ledger Live also integrates trusted third-party services that allow you to:

Buy crypto directly with credit card or bank transfer
Swap between supported cryptocurrencies
Sell certain assets (depending on your region)

These operations are secured by your Ledger device, which confirms all transactions physically.

14. Security Best Practices for Ledger Users

To maintain maximum security:

Never share your 24-word recovery phrase

No employee, website, or application should ever ask for it.

Enable a strong PIN

Avoid simple patterns.

Store your recovery phrase securely

Use a safe, vault, or metal backup solution.

Beware of phishing

Ledger will never contact you requesting sensitive information.

Always verify addresses on your device

Malicious software can change your clipboard data.

Keep Ledger Live updated

Software updates improve security and compatibility.

Use official websites only

Ledger.com is the only safe source for software and information.

15. Recovering a Ledger Device Using Your 24 Words

If your Ledger is lost, stolen, or damaged:

Purchase a new Ledger device.
Go through the setup menu.
Select “Restore from recovery phrase”.
Enter your 24 words in the correct order.
Your crypto assets will reappear in Ledger Live.

The recovery phrase works across any Ledger model because your private keys—not the device—control your assets.

16. What If Your Ledger Device Is Lost or Stolen?

If someone steals your Ledger:

They cannot access your crypto without your PIN.
After three incorrect PIN attempts, the device wipes itself.
Your funds remain safe as long as your 24-word phrase is secure.

You can restore your wallet on a new device using your recovery phrase at any time.

17. Cleaning and Maintaining Your Ledger Device

For longevity:

Keep the device dry and away from heat.
Avoid bending the cable ports.
Keep firmware updated.
Store it in a safe place when not in use.

Ledger devices are built to last, but treating them carefully ensures optimal performance.

Conclusion

Setting up your Ledger device through Ledger.com/start is the foundation of securing your cryptocurrency for the long term. By following the steps in this comprehensive guide—installing Ledger Live, creating a PIN, writing down your recovery phrase, verifying your device, adding accounts, and learning how to send and receive crypto—you gain full control over your digital assets.

Your Ledger hardware wallet keeps your private keys offline, making it one of the safest ways to manage crypto. As long as your recovery phrase is protected, your assets remain secure, accessible, and under your full ownership.