Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started
Cryptocurrencies offer financial independence, but with that freedom comes the responsibility of secure asset management. If you're using a Ledger® hardware wallet, you're already taking a major step toward protecting your digital assets. The official onboarding portal — Ledger.com/Start® — is designed to help you set up your device safely and confidently.
Whether you’ve purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus or a Ledger Nano X, this guide will walk you through the entire setup process, explain best practices for security, and help you begin managing your crypto portfolio.
1. What You’ll Find in the Box
When you unbox your Ledger device, confirm the following contents are present:
- The Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
- USB-C cable
- Recovery sheets for writing down your recovery phrase
- Instructions and basic documentation
- Optional accessories (lanyard, stickers, etc.)
Check that the device and packaging are untampered. Ledger hardware wallets are shipped without any pre-installed software, ensuring that you install the firmware yourself to maintain full control.
2. Visit Ledger.com/Start®
Start by going to the official site: Ledger.com/Start®. This page will guide you through the verified setup process and ensure you're not falling victim to phishing websites or counterfeit instructions.
From here, you'll be prompted to download Ledger Live, the official desktop and mobile app used to set up and manage your wallet.
3. Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It serves as your control center for:
- Installing apps for supported cryptocurrencies
- Managing crypto accounts
- Sending and receiving assets
- Tracking your portfolio
- Updating firmware and security features
Make sure you only download Ledger Live from the official site to avoid fake or malicious apps.
4. Connect and Set Up Your Device
Open Ledger Live and connect your device using the provided USB cable (or Bluetooth, if you’re using the Nano X). Follow these steps:
Choose “Set up a new device”
- Select the model you are setting up (Nano S Plus or Nano X).
Set up your PIN code
- Choose a secure PIN (4 to 8 digits).
- This PIN locks your device and prevents unauthorized access.
Write down your recovery phrase
- The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase.
- Write this down in order on the recovery sheet provided.
- Never store this phrase digitally.
- Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. If someone does, it's a scam.
This 24-word phrase is the only way to recover your funds if the device is lost, damaged, or stolen.
5. Confirm Recovery Phrase
To ensure you wrote the phrase down correctly, the device will ask you to confirm some of the words. This step is crucial—accuracy matters. A single incorrect word can make recovery impossible.
6. Device Authenticity Check
Ledger Live will now check that your device is genuine. This is done through a secure connection with Ledger’s secure element chip and infrastructure. If the device fails this test, stop using it immediately and contact support.
7. Install Crypto Apps
Once your device is ready, you can use Ledger Live to install applications for specific cryptocurrencies. For example:
- Bitcoin
- Ethereum
- Solana
- Polkadot
- XRP
- And thousands of ERC-20 tokens
Apps are installed directly onto your Ledger device to enable account creation and transaction signing.
8. Add Accounts
With apps installed, you can now add crypto accounts:
- Go to Accounts in Ledger Live.
- Select Add Account.
- Choose the crypto asset, and your Ledger will generate addresses for it.
- These addresses are used for receiving funds securely.
9. Send and Receive Crypto
To receive, copy your Ledger-generated address and share it safely. Always double-check the address on your device screen before accepting incoming funds.
To send, enter the recipient address and amount in Ledger Live. Then confirm all details on your Ledger device. This physical confirmation step protects you from malware or phishing attempts on your computer.
10. Firmware and App Updates
Ledger regularly releases firmware and app updates to improve security and compatibility. You’ll be notified in Ledger Live when updates are available. Always update through the official software, and never install unauthorized files.
Best Practices for Security
- Keep your recovery phrase offline and hidden in a secure location.
- Use a strong PIN and don’t share it.
- Always verify the URL before accessing Ledger Live or downloading updates.
- Consider using a passphrase (an advanced feature) for an extra layer of protection.
- Don’t trust unsolicited messages or calls claiming to be from Ledger.
Remember: Ledger does not store or back up your recovery phrase. You are the only one with access to your funds.
Conclusion
Setting up your Ledger device via Ledger.com/Start® is the first step toward taking full control of your digital assets. With the help of Ledger Live and your hardware wallet, you can send, receive, and manage cryptocurrencies with peace of mind.