Ledger.com/start — Start Securely, Own Confidently
A practical, human-first walkthrough for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet and Ledger Live the right way — avoiding phishing traps, protecting your recovery phrase, and getting to productive crypto management in minutes.
Beginner-friendly
Security-first
Ledger Live tips
Why start at Ledger.com/start?
Ledger.com/start is the verified onboarding portal Ledger provides to make sure your first steps — downloading Ledger Live, initializing a device, and creating a secure backup — are done from the official source. In a space where scams mimic brand pages, this single link is your safest starting point.
This guide expands on the official flow with practical notes, pitfalls to avoid, and real-world tips so you set up correctly and keep your crypto safe over the long term.
Quick Start (4 minutes)
1) Go to Ledger.com/start; 2) Download Ledger Live; 3) Connect device; 4) Write down 24-word recovery phrase.
Security Principles
Keep private keys offline, treat the 24-word phrase like a vault key, verify firmware from Ledger.com/start only.
What you’ll manage
BTC, ETH, EVM chains, NFTs, staking, and integrations — all via Ledger Live after setup.
Complete setup — practical walkthrough
Step 1 — Verify the page
Type ledger.com/start manually (don’t click random links). Check the browser lock icon, and prefer a bookmark you create yourself. If the URL looks odd, stop — phishing sites are common.
Step 2 — Download Ledger Live
Select your device platform (Windows/macOS/Linux/iOS/Android). Ledger Live is the official interface used to initialize your device, install coin apps, and manage transactions. Never run Ledger Live installers you received by email.
Step 3 — Initialize the hardware wallet
Follow Ledger Live prompts: choose “Set up as new device” or “Restore from recovery phrase.” Create a secure PIN and write the 24 words on physical paper or a metal backup — never store them in cloud notes or photos.
Step 4 — Install coin apps & add accounts
In Ledger Live, use the Manager to install apps like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc. Then add accounts to track balances and perform transfers.
Step 5 — Test with a small transaction
Send a tiny amount to/from your new account to confirm everything works and you’re comfortable approving transactions on the device display.
Recovery phrase — the one rule
Your 24-word phrase is the ultimate key. Treat it like the master key to a safe deposit box. Good practices:
Write words by hand
Store offline in two secure places
Use metal backup for fire/water resistance
Never show or send the phrase digitally
What Ledger.com/start protects you from
Fake installers, phishing clones, tampered devices, and social-engineering attacks that ask for your recovery phrase or send counterfeit software.
Quick comparison — Setup routes
Ledger.com/start
Official downloads, firmware checks, setup guidance. Highest assurance.
Third-party sites
Risk of fake installers and misleading instructions. Avoid.
Marketplace purchases
Buy only from Ledger or verified resellers to avoid tampering.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I setup without Ledger.com/start?
Technically yes, but it’s unsafe. Ledger.com/start ensures you have the correct Ledger Live installer and firmware — skipping it increases risk of fake software.
Q: I lost my device. Are my funds gone?
No — recover your accounts using the 24-word phrase on a new Ledger or compatible wallet. If you lose that phrase, recovery is impossible.
Q: Is Ledger Live mandatory?
Ledger Live is the official management app and simplifies setup, app installation, and account monitoring; many users rely on it for a safe experience.
Pro tips — small actions that pay off
Keep a metal backup plate for recovery words.
Use a dedicated, offline location for storing recovery words.
Test small transactions first to ensure workflow is correct.
Enable passphrase only if you understand the added complexity and risks.
Start smart: bookmark Ledger.com/start, set up offline backups, and treat the recovery phrase like the key to your financial legacy.
The rest — installing apps, adding accounts, and managing NFTs — becomes simpler once the foundation is secure.