Leďger.com/Start® | Getting started — Ledger™ Support

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— 4 min read

Navigating the world of cryptocurrency can feel daunting, especially when it comes to security. The first step in protecting your digital assets is a proper setup. This is where the official ledger.com/start portal becomes your essential guide. This definitive resource is designed to walk you through every stage of setting up your Ledger hardware wallet, ensuring your private keys—and therefore your funds—remain secure from the very beginning.

What is Ledger.com/Start?

Ledger.com/start is the official, dedicated onboarding page created by Ledger, a global leader in hardware wallet technology. Its primary purpose is to provide new users with a single, trustworthy starting point for initializing their Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax device. In a landscape where phishing scams and counterfeit websites are prevalent, starting your journey at this verified URL is the most critical security decision you can make.

Think of it as your personalized setup assistant. The page provides direct links to download the official Ledger Live application, offers model-specific instructions, and guides you through the vital process of generating your recovery phrase. By centralizing these first steps, ledger.com/start eliminates confusion and significantly reduces the risk of user error or falling victim to malicious sites.

Why You Must Use the Official Setup Page

You might wonder why you can't just plug in your device and search for instructions online. The reason is security. Hardware wallets are designed to keep your private keys offline, away from internet-connected devices. However, if you inadvertently download a fake version of the Ledger Live software from an unofficial source, you could compromise your entire wallet before you even use it.

Scammers often create sophisticated copies of official sites to trick users. Using ledger.com/start guarantees that you are interacting with Ledger's genuine infrastructure. This ensures:

  • Authentic Software: You download the true Ledger Live app.
  • Verified Firmware: Your device updates with official, secure software from Ledger.
  • Accurate Guidance: You follow instructions that reflect the latest security protocols and features.

Your Step-by-Step Guide Using Ledger.com/Start

Follow this clear, step-by-step process to set up your Ledger device securely.

Step 1: Visit the Official Page and Prepare

Open your web browser and navigate directly to ledger.com/start. Have your new, sealed Ledger device and its USB cable ready. Ensure you are working on a clean, trusted computer in a private environment.

Step 2: Download & Install Ledger Live

On the ledger.com/start page, you will be prompted to download Ledger Live, the companion application for managing your assets. Choose the correct version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation on your computer.

Step 3: Initialize Your Hardware Wallet

This is the most crucial phase. Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable. The device will power on.

  • Choose a PIN Code: Your device will prompt you to set up a PIN code (4 to 8 digits). This PIN is your first line of physical defense. If someone steals your device, they cannot access it without this code. Never use a simple or easily guessable PIN.
  • Write Down Your Recovery Phrase: Next, your device will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase). This is the master key to your entire cryptocurrency portfolio. The words will appear one by one on your Ledger device's screen—never on your computer. Write each word down in the exact order on your included recovery sheet. Double-check for accuracy.

Step 4: Install Apps and Add Accounts

Ledger Live will now guide you through "checking your genuine device," a process that verifies your hardware's authenticity. Once confirmed, you can use the "Manager" section in Ledger Live to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you own (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). After installing an app, you can "Add Account" for that currency to generate your first receiving address.

Step 5: Transfer Your Assets

You are now ready to secure your crypto. From your exchange account or software wallet, initiate a withdrawal. Copy the receiving address generated by your Ledger device and confirmed on its screen—always verify the address on your device's display. Send a small test transaction first to ensure everything works before moving larger amounts.

Essential Security Tips and Best Practices

A hardware wallet is a tool, and its security depends on how you use it. Adhering to these practices is non-negotiable.

  • Guard Your Recovery Phrase Like Your Life Depends on It: Your 24-word phrase is your crypto. Anyone with these words can steal your assets. Never, ever:
    • Take a digital photo or screenshot of it.
    • Store it in a cloud service, email, or note-taking app.
    • Type it on a keyboard.
    • Share it with anyone, under any circumstances.
  • Verify Receive Addresses on Your Device: A sophisticated malware can alter a crypto address displayed on your computer screen. Before receiving any significant funds, always verify that the address shown on your Ledger device's screen matches the one shown in Ledger Live.
  • Keep Your Firmware Updated: Regularly connect your device to Ledger Live and install available firmware updates. These updates often contain critical security patches and new features.
  • Use a Strong, Memorable PIN: Avoid birthdates, sequences (1234), or repeating digits. Choose something only you know.
  • Consider the Passphrase Feature (Advanced): For an additional layer of security, explore the "25th word" or passphrase feature. This creates a hidden wallet, offering plausible deniability if you are ever forced to surrender your PIN.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Rushing the Setup: Take your time, especially when writing the recovery phrase. A single wrong word can make recovery impossible.
  • Skipping the Test Transaction: Always send a small amount first to confirm the process works before transferring your entire balance.
  • Ignoring Firmware Updates: Outdated firmware can have unpatched vulnerabilities.
  • Buying from Unauthorized Sellers: Only purchase Ledger devices from the official Ledger website or authorized resellers to avoid pre-tampered devices.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Self-Custody Begins Here

Ledger.com/start is more than just a setup page; it is the foundational step in your journey toward true financial sovereignty. By following its guided process and internalizing the security principles outlined above, you move from entrusting your assets to third-party exchanges to holding them in your own secure, offline vault. The process is straightforward, but the responsibility is great.

Your security is now in your hands. Visit ledger.com/start today to begin setting up your Ledger device, and take confident control of your cryptocurrency future. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your digital wealth is protected by the world's leading security technology is the ultimate reward.

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