Overview of Ledger.com/Start

Ledger.com/Start is the starting point provided by Ledger to initialize your hardware wallet (such as the Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X). The page links to Ledger Live (the desktop and mobile manager), provides secure setup instructions, and guides you through creating a new wallet or restoring one from a recovery phrase.

What you need before you begin

• A Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or other supported model).
• A computer or smartphone with an up-to-date browser (Chrome, Edge, Brave, or Safari on iOS).
• A USB cable (or Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X) and a stable internet connection.
• A private, offline space to write down your recovery phrase. Never store it digitally.

Step-by-step setup (using Ledger.com/Start)

1. Visit Ledger.com/Start. Confirm you’re on the correct domain (look for ledger.com and HTTPS). Ledger will present instructions and a download link for Ledger Live.
2. Download Ledger Live. Choose the desktop or mobile version appropriate for your device. Ledger Live is the official app to install and manage crypto apps on your device.
3. Open Ledger Live and connect your Ledger device. Follow the on-screen prompts. If the device is new, choose “Set up as new device”.
4. Create a PIN code on your Ledger device. This PIN protects access to the device and must be entered each time you connect it.
5. Write down your recovery phrase. Ledger devices generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it on the provided recovery sheet (or a secure backup method) and store it offline and in a safe location.
6. Install apps from Ledger Live for the cryptocurrencies you plan to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Each app lets the device manage keys for that specific blockchain.
7. Create accounts in Ledger Live to view balances and manage transactions. The private keys never leave your Ledger device — Ledger Live simply reads public addresses to display balances and build transactions.

Best practices & safety checklist

• Always use Ledger Live downloaded from Ledger.com or accessed via the official link on Ledger.com/Start.
• Keep your recovery phrase offline. Avoid phone photos, cloud storage, or screenshots.
• Use a PIN. A strong, memorable PIN prevents physical access to the device.
• Verify addresses on-device. When sending or receiving, confirm the receiving address directly on your Ledger screen to prevent malware from substituting addresses.
• Keep firmware up-to-date. Ledger periodically releases firmware improvements; install updates through Ledger Live when prompted.
• Beware of phishing. Only use official Ledger domains and double-check URLs, emails, and social media messages before clicking links.

Recovering a wallet (restore from recovery phrase)

If you previously owned a Ledger device or have a recovery phrase from another compatible hardware wallet, you can restore your wallet during setup. Choose “Restore device” on your Ledger device and carefully enter the 24-word phrase. Once restored, install the same apps in Ledger Live and add your accounts to see your balances.

Why use a hardware wallet like Ledger?

Hardware wallets keep your private keys isolated from internet-connected devices. That means even if your computer or phone is compromised, attackers cannot extract private keys from the hardware device. Ledger combines a secure element, verified firmware, and a curated software experience (Ledger Live) so users can safely manage many blockchains from one device.

Get started

Ready to set up your Ledger device? Begin at Ledger.com/Start, download Ledger Live, and follow the official guided setup. Protect your recovery phrase and always verify addresses on your device screen.