Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started — Ledger Support
Securing cryptocurrency has never been more important. As digital assets grow in value and mainstream adoption continues, so does the need for reliable protection against online threats. Hardware wallets have become the gold standard for safeguarding crypto, and among them, Ledger devices are widely recognized for their security, ease of use, and powerful ecosystem of apps and services.
If you have just purchased a new Ledger hardware wallet—whether it’s the Ledger Nano X or Ledger Nano S Plus—your first stop is Ledger.com/Start®, the official onboarding portal where you’ll find setup instructions, firmware updates, download links for the Ledger Live app, and step-by-step security guidance.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know when getting started with Ledger.com/Start®, from unboxing the device to securing your recovery phrase and managing crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user transferring your assets to cold storage, this article ensures you have a smooth and safe setup experience.
What Is Ledger.com/Start®?
Ledger.com/Start® is Ledger’s official onboarding and support page. It centralizes all the essential steps needed to set up a Ledger hardware wallet securely. When you visit the page, you’re guided through:
Downloading Ledger Live, the companion software.
Installing the most recent firmware.
Initializing your new device.
Understanding your 24-word recovery phrase.
Managing your crypto accounts.
Learning best practices for security.
The page is also your trusted hub for official documentation, troubleshooting, and important alerts regarding phishing, fake apps, or counterfeit devices.
Because crypto scams are increasingly sophisticated, using only official Ledger links is crucial. Ledger.com/Start® ensures you avoid fraudulent websites that imitate Ledger branding—a common tactic used by hackers to steal funds.
Why Use a Ledger Hardware Wallet?
Before diving into setup, it's worth understanding what sets Ledger devices apart from storing crypto on software wallets or exchanges like Binance or Coinbase.
1. Secure Element Chip
Ledger hardware wallets use a certified Secure Element (SE) chip, the same type used in passports and banking cards. It isolates critical information—especially your private keys—from online environments.
2. Offline Key Storage
Your private keys never leave the device, meaning even if your computer or phone is compromised, your crypto remains safe.
3. Ledger Live Integration
Through Ledger Live, users can buy, sell, send, receive, and stake several cryptocurrencies. It supports networks like:
Solana
Polygon
Litecoin
4. Multichain Support
Ledger supports thousands of tokens and multiple chains, including ERC-20, BEP-20, and more.
5. Open-Source Ecosystem
Many Ledger apps and features are open-source, allowing developers to build verified tools and enhancing transparency.
Security, convenience, and flexibility come together to provide one of the most trusted solutions in the crypto world.
Unboxing Your Ledger Device: What to Expect
Ledger packages are minimalist while emphasizing tamper-resistance. Inside the box, you’ll find:
The Ledger device (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
A USB-C cable
Recovery sheets for writing your 24-word phrase
Instructions and warranty information
Importantly, Ledger devices do not come with a pre-written recovery phrase.
If yours includes a card with printed seed words, STOP immediately—it’s a scam.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Ledger.com/Start®
1. Visit the Official Website
Go to:
Make sure the URL is correct and secured with HTTPS. Never trust links from emails, social media posts, or ads unless verified. Phishing sites may attempt to imitate Ledger branding.
2. Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the control center for all your crypto activity. It’s available on:
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
Only download from Ledger.com/Start® or the official app stores. Avoid APK files from unknown sources.
Once installed, Ledger Live will guide you through:
Device initialization
Firmware verification
App installations
Account setup
3. Initialize Your Ledger Device
After connecting your device via USB (or Bluetooth for the Nano X), your device will ask you to either:
Set up as a new device, or
Restore from recovery phrase
Most users choose new device unless they are migrating from another wallet.
4. Choose a PIN Code
Next, choose a secure 4–8 digit PIN. This PIN must be entered every time you unlock the wallet.
Tips for choosing a strong PIN:
Avoid simple sequences such as 0000, 1111, or 1234.
Avoid using personal information like birthdays.
Don’t store the PIN on your phone or computer.
If someone gets your PIN and physical access to your device, they could potentially access your crypto.
5. Generate Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
This is the most crucial part of the setup. The device will display 24 words—your recovery phrase, also known as a seed phrase.
Never share your recovery phrase with anyone.
Ledger employees will never ask for it. No support agent, no exchange, and no application should ever request it.
Anyone who has your 24-word phrase can access all your crypto assets.
Write the words on the supplied recovery sheet and store them securely offline. For enhanced security, many users store their seed phrase on metal backup plates like those offered by Billfodl or similar fire-resistant storage tools.
6. Confirm Your Recovery Phrase
Ledger will ask you to confirm specific words to ensure you have written them correctly. This prevents accidental typos, which can cause irreversible loss of access.
Once completed, your device is fully initialized.
7. Install Applications for Each Cryptocurrency
In Ledger Live, navigate to:
My Ledger → App Catalog
Then install apps corresponding to the assets you want to manage. For example:
Bitcoin app to manage BTC
Ethereum app for ETH and ERC-20 tokens
Solana app for SOL and SPL tokens
Each asset must be supported by both Ledger Live and the hardware wallet.
8. Add Accounts in Ledger Live
To begin managing your crypto, you must add blockchain accounts. Each account represents a wallet address on a specific chain.
Go to:
Accounts → Add Account → Choose Crypto → Confirm with Device
Ledger Live will then sync your addresses and display balances.
You can now:
Send and receive crypto
Swap assets using integrated providers
Stake tokens (e.g., SOL, DOT)
Track your portfolio’s performance
Transferring Crypto to Your Ledger Wallet
After setup, the next step is to move your crypto assets from an exchange, software wallet, or another hardware wallet to your Ledger account.
How to Receive Crypto:
Open Ledger Live.
Click Receive.
Choose the asset account (e.g., Bitcoin).
Verify the address on your Ledger device screen.
Copy the address and use it to withdraw funds from your exchange or wallet.
Always double-check the address on the device itself—the screen cannot be hacked remotely.
Maintaining Your Ledger Device: Security Best Practices
Keeping your Ledger secure goes beyond the initial setup. Here are essential habits every user should follow:
1. Never Enter Your Recovery Phrase Online
This single rule prevents 99% of crypto theft. No genuine website, app, or customer support agent will ever request your recovery phrase.
2. Regularly Update Ledger Live and Firmware
Updates often include:
Security patches
New crypto support
Performance improvements
Both the app and device will notify you when updates are available.
3. Store Your Recovery Phrase in a Safe Location
Preferably:
Not on a phone or computer
Not in cloud storage
Not photographed
Stored in multiple secure physical locations
4. Beware of Fake Ledger Devices
Buy only from Ledger’s official website or authorized retailers like Best Buy or Amazon (sold and fulfilled by Amazon).
5. Enable Passphrase (Optional Advanced Security)
Ledger allows you to create an additional 25th word—called a passphrase. This creates hidden wallets for extra protection.
Troubleshooting Using Ledger Support
If you encounter issues, the Ledger Support system provides step-by-step guidance on topics like:
Device not recognized
Bluetooth pairing issues
Firmware update interruptions
App installation failures
Problems restoring a recovery phrase
Ledger’s support team never asks for your recovery phrase. Most troubleshooting can be done via official documentation or chat support.
You may also explore community discussions through secure channels connected with entities like the Ethereum Foundation or developer communities that share insights about crypto interactions with Ledger.
Common Setup Issues and How to Fix Them
1. Ledger Live Won’t Open
Update your operating system.
Reinstall Ledger Live.
Disable conflicting antivirus features temporarily.
2. The Device Shows “Genuine Check Failed”
This error usually indicates:
The device firmware is outdated.
USB connection is unstable.
Ledger Live is blocked by firewall settings.
Follow the instructions from Ledger Support to pass the genuine check again.
3. App Storage Full
Ledger devices have limited app storage, but removing or reinstalling apps does not delete your crypto. Only private keys matter, and they remain securely stored on the device.
Advanced Ledger Features You Should Explore
Once you are comfortable with the basics, Ledger offers powerful advanced features:
1. Staking
Stake supported assets such as:
Cosmos (ATOM)
Polkadot (DOT)
Tezos (XTZ)
Earn passive rewards while maintaining control of your keys.
2. DeFi Integration
Through Ledger Live partners or external dApps, you can interact with:
Decentralized exchanges
Lending platforms
NFT marketplaces like OpenSea
Always verify smart contract interactions before approving transactions.
3. NFT Management
Ledger Live supports NFTs on networks such as Ethereum and Polygon.
Manage your NFTs securely offline while viewing metadata in Ledger Live.
4. Passphrase-Protected Hidden Wallets
This feature allows multiple hidden accounts accessible only with an extra passphrase. It provides an additional layer of obfuscation and security.
Why Ledger.com/Start® Is the Only Trusted Setup Method
With rising crypto scams, fake software, and phishing campaigns, using official setup instructions is not optional—it is essential.
Ledger.com/Start® ensures:
You download authentic Ledger Live software
Your device runs official firmware
You follow verified security guidance
You receive accurate troubleshooting help
You avoid malicious clone websites
Counterfeit Ledger websites are a major threat, and many users have lost funds by entering their recovery phrase into fraudulent portals. Ledger.com/Start® eliminates this risk by acting as a single source of truth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Ledger.com/Start® safe?
Yes—it's the official onboarding portal for Ledger. Always type the URL manually or follow links from Ledger’s main domain.
2. Can Ledger Support recover my lost recovery phrase?
No. No one can recover it. That’s the entire security model of decentralized crypto.
3. What if I enter the wrong PIN multiple times?
The device will perform a security reset. Your crypto is recoverable only with your 24-word phrase.
4. Can I use Ledger with decentralized apps?
Yes. Ledger connects with many dApps through wallet interfaces such as WalletConnect or browser extensions like those used with the MetaMask ecosystem.
5. What happens if my Ledger device breaks?
You can restore all your crypto on a new device with your recovery phrase.
Final Thoughts
Getting started with a Ledger device through Ledger.com/Start® is the safest and most reliable way to secure your cryptocurrency. By following the official setup instructions, backing up your recovery phrase properly, and practicing good security habits, you take full control of your digital wealth—without exposing yourself to unnecessary risk.
In the world of crypto, security is ownership. Ledger’s hardware wallets empower you with offline protection, robust software integration, and a trusted ecosystem for safely managing assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and thousands more.