Ledger.com/start — Complete Guide to Getting Started with Ledger

Welcome to Ledger.com/start, the official starting point for safely setting up your Ledger hardware wallet and Ledger Live. If you’re new to hardware wallets or you’ve just received a Ledger device, this guide walks you through everything you need: from purchasing the right model, installing Ledger Live, initializing your device, to best practices for long-term security and interacting with DeFi and NFTs.

What is Ledger.com/start?

Ledger.com/start is the dedicated onboarding page maintained by Ledger to help users initialize and configure their hardware wallets. It provides verified downloads for Ledger Live, step-by-step setup instructions, and security reminders such as storing your recovery phrase offline. The page exists to ensure users follow a secure path — avoiding counterfeit devices and phishing sites — and to provide official tools and documentation.

Which Ledger device should I buy?

Ledger offers several hardware wallets, most commonly the Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and the newer Ledger Stax. Choose based on your needs:

Nano S Plus: Compact, cost-effective, ideal if you primarily store major coins and want core security.
Nano X: Bluetooth-enabled, suitable for mobile use and managing many apps/tokens concurrently.
Stax: Large touchscreen, premium experience, faster interactions for complex use cases and NFTs.

Always purchase devices from ledger.com or authorised resellers. Avoid second-hand devices or marketplaces where tampering is possible.

Download and install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official software companion that makes managing your crypto easy. From Ledger.com/start you can download Ledger Live for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Install the app on a trusted device — do not download Ledger Live from third-party websites.

Tip: Verify signatures and checksums when prompted by Ledger’s instructions. Ledger Live checks device authenticity during setup.

Initialize your Ledger device (step-by-step)

Setting up your Ledger device securely takes just a few steps but do each one carefully:

Connect the device to your computer or pair via Bluetooth (Nano X) and power it on.
Create a new wallet when prompted by Ledger Live or recover an existing one if you already have a recovery phrase.
Set a strong PIN on the device — this protects access if the device is lost or stolen.
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase exactly as it appears. This phrase restores your wallet if the device is lost or damaged.
Confirm your recovery phrase when asked to ensure you recorded it correctly.

The recovery phrase is the single most important piece of data — never type it on a computer or store it online. Consider durable metal backups for long-term resilience.

Adding accounts in Ledger Live

Once your device is initialized and connected, open Ledger Live and add accounts for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. Ledger Live supports thousands of assets across major networks. For each account:

Install the corresponding app on the Ledger device via Ledger Live’s Manager.
Add an account in Ledger Live and name it sensibly (e.g., “BTC - Savings”).
Receive funds using the address shown in Ledger Live — always verify the address on your Ledger device screen.

Verifying addresses on the device prevents malware from redirecting funds to an attacker-controlled address.

Buying, swapping, and staking

Ledger Live integrates non-custodial partners for buying crypto with fiat, swapping between tokens, and staking supported assets. These services are optional and executed through trusted third-party providers orchestrated inside Ledger Live. When using buy/swap features:

Review partner fees and KYC requirements.
Confirm all transaction details on your device before signing.
For staking, understand lockup periods and rewards distribution mechanisms for each network.

Interacting with DeFi and NFTs securely

Ledger devices allow secure interactions with Web3 and DeFi through integrations such as WalletConnect or ledger-native connectors. When you connect to dApps:

Authenticate transactions on your Ledger device — the device displays the exact data you’re signing.
Be cautious granting unlimited token allowances; prefer setting limits and using dedicated approval managers.
For NFTs, view and transfer using Ledger Live (where supported) or verified third-party marketplaces while always approving on-device.

Recovery phrase best practices

Your recovery phrase is the ultimate backup — safeguard it:

Write it down by hand; do not store it in cloud backups, screenshots, or password managers.
Store copies in separate secure locations (e.g., home safe and safety deposit box).
Consider tamper-proof metal backups if storing for decades.
If you use a passphrase (25th word), understand that it creates a hidden wallet — if forgotten, funds become unrecoverable.

Troubleshooting common issues

A few routine problems may occur; here are straightforward fixes:

Device not detected: Try a different USB cable/port and ensure Ledger Live is up to date.
Bluetooth pairing fails: Reboot the mobile device and the Ledger device, and retry the pairing process.
App not installing: Use Ledger Live’s Manager and check firmware compatibility.
Forgot PIN: You must reset the device and restore using your recovery phrase; keep that phrase safe.

Security reminders (do’s and don’ts)

Follow these core rules to minimize risk:

Do buy only from ledger.com or authorised resellers.
Do keep firmware and Ledger Live updated.
Do verify addresses and transaction details on the device screen.
Don’t enter your recovery phrase on any website or share it with anyone.
Don’t trust unsolicited support calls or emails asking for access to your wallet.

Managing multiple devices and team custody

For advanced users and organisations, Ledger supports multi-device strategies and third-party custody solutions. Businesses can use enterprise-grade offerings that include multi-signature setups, role-based access, and audit logs. Regardless of scale, always follow documented operational security practices and separate duties when possible.

When to contact Ledger support

If you face hardware faults, lost firmware updates, or suspect a security incident, contact Ledger’s official support through ledger.com/support. Provide required diagnostics but never share your recovery phrase, PIN, or private keys with support staff — Ledger will never ask for them.

Reminder: Legitimate Ledger support will guide you through official procedures. If someone asks for your 24-word phrase, it’s a scam — stop and verify through ledger.com/support.

Futureproofing and long-term storage

For long-term storage, consider splitting holdings between active and cold-storage wallets. Active wallets can be used for trading or staking, while cold-storage devices hold the majority of assets offline. Periodically test recovery procedures (using test accounts with small amounts) so you know how recovery works without risking large funds.

Conclusion

Ledger.com/start is your trusted beginning for secure hardware wallet setup. By following official guides, keeping firmware and Ledger Live updated, and treating your recovery phrase as the crown jewel of your security plan, you’ll benefit from a robust, long-term self-custody strategy. Hardware wallets like Ledger put you in charge of your digital assets — and with the right practices, you can keep them safe for years to come.