Ledger.com/Start — The Complete Beginner's Guide

What is Ledger.com/Start?

Ledger.com/Start is the official landing page provided by Ledger to guide users through initializing a Ledger hardware wallet, installing Ledger Live (the desktop and mobile app), and performing the first secure steps so you can manage cryptocurrencies safely. It centralizes the recommended steps for a safe setup and links to official downloads and resources.

Before You Begin — What to Expect

Setting up a Ledger device is straightforward but requires attention to security. Expect to:

• Install Ledger Live on your computer or phone.
• Initialize your Ledger device and generate a recovery phrase (24 words for most Ledger devices).
• Install the apps for the blockchains you want to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
• Pair the hardware device with Ledger Live and create accounts.

Important: Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone or enter it on any website or software other than your Ledger device during the initial setup. Ledger and Ledger Live will never ask for your full recovery phrase.

Step-by-step Setup at Ledger.com/Start

Below is a practical walkthrough mirroring what you’ll find at Ledger.com/Start, with extra tips to avoid common pitfalls.

1. Verify Package and Device

Check the physical package for tamper evidence. Ledger devices are shipped in sealed packaging — do not use the device if the package appears opened or tampered with. If anything looks suspicious, contact Ledger support from the official website before continuing.

2. Download Ledger Live

Go to Ledger.com/Start and click the link to download Ledger Live for your operating system. Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website — never from third-party sites.

Ledger Live is available for macOS, Windows, Linux, Android and iOS. After downloading, install the app and open it.

3. Initialize the Device

Connect your Ledger to your computer or phone using the supplied USB cable or Bluetooth (Nano X). On Ledger Live, choose Get started and follow these choices:

• Is this a new device? Choose Initialize as new device.
• Do you already have a recovery phrase? If yes, choose Restore device. If you’re setting up for the first time, choose Create a new device.

The device will prompt you to choose a PIN code and then display the 24-word recovery phrase — write these words down in the order shown using the recovery sheet provided. Do not take photos or store them digitally.

4. Install Apps and Add Accounts

Once initialized, open Ledger Live’s Manager tab and install apps for the coins you plan to use (for example Bitcoin, Ethereum). Then in the Accounts tab add accounts for each blockchain. Ledger Live will guide you through connecting your device to verify addresses.

5. Receive and Verify

To receive crypto, create a receive address in Ledger Live and always verify the address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it. Verifying on the device confirms the address is genuine and not altered by malware on your computer.

Security Best Practices

Protecting your private keys is the main purpose of using a hardware wallet. Follow these best practices:

• Keep your recovery phrase offline. Write it on paper, never take pictures, and store it in a secure, private location.
• Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger support or any legitimate service will never ask for it.
• Use a strong PIN. Choose a unique PIN different from any other device or service PIN you use.
• Beware of phishing. Always confirm you’re visiting ledger.com, not a lookalike domain. Bookmark the site and use that bookmark to return.
• Keep Ledger Live updated. Regular updates include security fixes. Check for updates from Ledger Live’s settings or manager.

Pro tip: Consider a metal recovery seed backup — services like CryptoSteel or Billfodl let you engrave your 24 words into metal for fire- and water-resistant storage.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are frequent problems new users encounter at Ledger.com/Start and how to solve them.

Ledger Live won't detect my device

• Try a different USB cable or port — not all cables support data transfer.
• Restart Ledger Live and reconnect the device.
• Ensure your device is unlocked and at the home screen.
• Update your operating system drivers if necessary (Windows).

I lost my recovery phrase

If you lose your recovery phrase and still have the device, create a new wallet and transfer funds to the new accounts. If the device is lost and you don’t have the recovery phrase, your funds cannot be recovered.

I think I used a fake website

Immediately disconnect and don’t enter your recovery phrase anywhere. Check your browser history and bookmarks, and always return to the official Ledger site. If you suspect compromise, transfer any funds to a new wallet whose recovery phrase you control and that has never been entered into untrusted software.

Using Ledger with Third-party Wallets and Services

Ledger devices can be used with many third-party wallets and DeFi platforms. Examples include MetaMask (for Ethereum and EVM chains), Solana wallets, and exchange withdrawal integrations. Always verify compatibility and follow these rules:

• When connecting to third-party wallets, ensure you verify transactions on your Ledger device screen before approving.
• Only use well-known wallets with strong reputations and active development communities.
• For DeFi interactions, consider using a separate account or smaller balances for experimentation.

Advanced Tips

Once comfortable with basic operations, these tips can improve your security and convenience:

• Use passphrase (25th word) — Ledger supports an optional passphrase added to your 24-word seed to create additional hidden wallets. Use with caution: if you forget the passphrase, the funds are irretrievable.
• Multiple backups — keep one primary backup and a single geographically separated backup in a secure location.
• Practice recovery — test recovering a small test wallet using your recovery phrase before relying on it for large funds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Ledger.com/Start free to use?

Yes — Ledger provides the Ledger Live software and setup instructions for free. The hardware devices are purchased separately.

Can Ledger be hacked?

No device is 100% immune, but hardware wallets like Ledger are designed so that private keys never leave the device. Most successful attacks target user behavior (phishing, compromised backups), not the secure element itself. Following best practices keeps risk low.

What if Ledger Live asks for my recovery phrase?

It should never ask for your full recovery phrase once setup is complete. If any software or person asks you for your recovery phrase, treat it as a scam. The only time the recovery phrase is entered is during device initialization or recovery using the device's interface.

Checklist: Quick Start Summary

• Buy a Ledger device from an official retailer or ledger.com.
• Download Ledger Live only from Ledger.com/Start.
• Initialize device, set a PIN, write down the 24-word recovery phrase.
• Install apps and add accounts in Ledger Live.
• Verify addresses on your device before receiving funds.
• Store the recovery phrase safely and offline.

If you prefer a one-page printable checklist, copy the summary above into a document that you keep with your recovery sheet but not co-located with the actual seed words.

Further Resources

For official product support and firmware updates, always visit the official Ledger website and support center. Community forums and knowledge-base articles can also be helpful, but verify any instructions against Ledger’s official documentation.