Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started — Ledger
Ledger.com/start® — Official Getting Started Guide for Ledger® Hardware Wallets
Ledger.com/start® is the official onboarding page for setting up a Ledger® hardware wallet. It is the safest place to begin when initializing your Ledger device, installing the official Ledger Live app, and securing your cryptocurrency with true self-custody. Starting from the official site ensures you avoid counterfeit software, phishing pages, and unsafe downloads.
Ledger is a globally trusted name in hardware wallet security, designed to keep your private keys offline and protected from online threats.
What Is Ledger.com/start®?
Ledger.com/start is the verified setup portal provided by Ledger for:
- Initializing a new Ledger hardware wallet
- Installing Ledger Live, the official wallet management app
- Updating device firmware securely
- Creating or restoring a crypto wallet
- Learning best security practices from day one
Ledger strongly recommends that users type the URL manually to avoid fake websites pretending to be official.
Why You Should Always Start at Ledger.com/start®
Crypto scams often target new users during setup. Using the official start page ensures:
- ✅ You download authentic Ledger Live software
- ✅ Firmware updates are cryptographically verified
- ✅ Your wallet is generated inside the device
- ✅ Your recovery phrase is never exposed online
Any site asking for your recovery phrase, email login, or password is not official.
What Is a Ledger® Hardware Wallet?
A Ledger hardware wallet is a physical security device that stores your private keys offline. Unlike software wallets or exchanges, Ledger ensures that your keys never leave the device and are never shared with third parties.
All sensitive actions—such as sending crypto or approving smart contracts—must be confirmed on the Ledger device itself, protecting you even if your computer is compromised.
Ledger Live — The Official Wallet App
During setup at Ledger.com/start, you will be guided to install Ledger Live, Ledger’s official desktop and mobile application.
With Ledger Live, you can:
- View crypto balances in real time
- Send and receive cryptocurrencies securely
- Manage multiple accounts
- Install apps for different blockchains
- Update firmware safely
- Buy, sell, swap, and stake supported assets
Ledger Live acts as a secure interface while your private keys remain protected by the hardware wallet.
Step-by-Step: Getting Started with Ledger®
Step 1: Visit Ledger.com/start
Manually type the URL into your browser to avoid phishing.
Step 2: Download Ledger Live
Choose the version for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS.
Step 3: Connect Your Ledger Device
Connect your Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or other supported model via USB or Bluetooth (Nano X).
Step 4: Set Up as New or Restore Wallet
You can create a new wallet or restore an existing one using your recovery phrase.
Step 5: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
You’ll receive a 24-word recovery phrase generated by the device. Write it down and store it offline.
Step 6: Set a PIN Code
Protects your device from unauthorized physical access.
Understanding the Recovery Phrase
Your 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your wallet. If your Ledger device is lost, damaged, or stolen, this phrase allows you to recover your funds.
⚠️ Critical rules:
- Never share your recovery phrase
- Never store it digitally
- Never enter it on a website or app
- Ledger will never ask for it online
Anyone with your recovery phrase can access your crypto.
Ledger Security Features
Ledger devices are built with advanced security technology, including:
- Secure Element (tamper-resistant chip)
- Offline private key storage
- On-device transaction verification
- PIN code protection
- Recovery phrase backup
- Open-source Ledger Live software
These features work together to protect your assets from hacks, malware, and phishing attacks.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Ledger hardware wallets support 5,000+ coins and tokens, including:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Solana (SOL)
- Polygon (MATIC)
- XRP
- ERC-20 and BEP-20 tokens
Support continues to expand via Ledger Live updates.
Ledger.com/start vs Exchange Wallets
| Feature | Ledger Hardware Wallet | Exchange Wallet |
|---|---|---|
| Private key ownership | You control keys | Exchange controls keys |
| Internet exposure | Offline (cold storage) | Always online |
| Hack risk | Very low | High |
| Recovery phrase | Yes | No |
| True self-custody | Yes | No |
With Ledger, you own your crypto—not an exchange.
Avoiding Phishing & Fake Ledger Sites
To stay safe:
- Always use ledger.com/start
- Bookmark the official Ledger website
- Ignore ads claiming “Ledger wallet issues”
- Never share your recovery phrase
- Never trust emails asking for urgent action
Ledger will never DM or email you asking for wallet credentials.
Who Should Use Ledger.com/start®?
- New Ledger hardware wallet users
- Users upgrading or reinstalling Ledger Live
- Anyone restoring a wallet securely
- Long-term crypto investors
- Users who value security and self-custody
Both beginners and advanced users benefit from the guided setup experience.
Conclusion: Start Securely with Ledger.com/start®
Ledger.com/start® is the safest and most reliable way to begin using a Ledger hardware wallet. By following the official setup process, you ensure maximum protection for your digital assets and full ownership of your cryptocurrency.