Ledger.com/Start
Setting up a hardware wallet may seem complicated when you’re new to cryptocurrency, but Ledger has made the onboarding process surprisingly simple. Their official setup portal, Ledger.com/start, walks you through every step needed to activate your Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Stax device. This guide explains the entire process in plain language—no technical jargon and no confusing instructions—so that any beginner can follow along with confidence.
What Is Ledger.com/start?
Ledger.com/start is the official setup page for Ledger hardware wallets. It’s designed to help new users:
Install the Ledger Live application
Initialize their Ledger device
Create and protect their recovery phrase
Add crypto accounts
Send and receive digital assets securely
If you’ve just unboxed your Ledger device, this is the only correct starting point. It ensures that you follow the official instructions and avoid scams or fake software.
Why Use a Ledger Hardware Wallet?
Many beginners keep their cryptocurrency on exchanges or software wallets. While these methods are convenient, they expose your crypto to online risks such as:
Exchange hacks
Malware
Phishing attacks
Wallet compromises
A Ledger hardware wallet solves this by storing your private keys offline, inside a secure chip. This means:
No website ever receives your private key
Hackers cannot access your funds remotely
All transactions require physical confirmation on the device
In simple terms, a hardware wallet is like a personal safe for your digital money.
Step 1: Visit Ledger.com/start
When you go to Ledger.com/start, you’ll see a clean, easy-to-follow setup page. The site first asks you which Ledger device you own. The three main options are:
Ledger Nano S Plus – beginner-friendly, affordable
Ledger Nano X – Bluetooth-enabled with more storage
Ledger Stax – touchscreen, premium build
Choose your device, and the site will guide you through model-specific steps.
Step 2: Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official app used for managing your crypto. You use it to:
Create and view your crypto accounts
Install blockchain apps on your device
Send and receive crypto
Track your portfolio
Update your device’s firmware
Ledger.com/start provides download links for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Never download Ledger Live from random search results or ads.
Step 3: Unbox and Power On Your Ledger Device
Once you’ve installed Ledger Live, it’s time to set up the actual hardware.
Unbox your Ledger device and connect it to your computer using the provided USB cable. When the device turns on, you’ll be greeted by simple instructions on the small screen.
The device has two physical buttons:
Press the left button to move left
Press the right button to move right
Press both buttons together to confirm
This simple design ensures that your wallet cannot be controlled remotely by malware.
Step 4: Choose “Set Up as New Device”
When the screen asks how you want to continue, choose:
Set up as new device
This means you are generating a brand-new wallet.
You will now be asked to choose a PIN code. This PIN protects your Ledger from unauthorized physical access. If someone gets your device but not your PIN, they still cannot open it.
Pick a PIN that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.
Step 5: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
This is the most important part of your entire setup.
Your Ledger device will show you 24 secret words one by one. These words make up your recovery phrase, also known as your seed phrase.
This phrase is the master key to your crypto. If you lose your device, you can recover everything with these 24 words. But if someone else gets these words, they can steal everything.
To protect your recovery phrase:
Write the words down on paper
Never save them on your phone
Never upload them online
Never share them with anyone
Do not type them into any website
Do not take a photo of them
Ledger employees will never ask for your recovery phrase. Any request for it is always a scam.
Once you write the phrase down, the device will ask you to confirm it by selecting the words in the right order.
Step 6: Device Setup Complete
After confirmation, your Ledger device is officially ready.
Now return to the Ledger Live app to finish the process.
Step 7: Install Crypto Apps on Your Ledger Device
Each cryptocurrency needs its own app. For example:
Bitcoin app
Ethereum app
Solana app
XRP app
Polygon app
Ledger Live will show you the available apps and let you install them. If you later uninstall an app, you won’t lose your crypto. Your coins are tied to your recovery phrase, not the app itself.
Step 8: Add Accounts in Ledger Live
In Ledger Live, you need to create accounts for each cryptocurrency. These accounts help you:
See your balances
Track transactions
Receive and send funds
Adding an account takes only a few clicks.
Receiving Crypto into Your Ledger
To receive crypto:
Open Ledger Live
Select the asset
Choose “Receive”
Connect and unlock your device
Verify the address shown on the device screen
Copy the address and send funds to it
Always confirm the address on the Ledger screen itself. This protects you from any malware that could try to alter your receiving address.
Sending Crypto from Your Ledger
To send crypto:
Enter the recipient’s address
Enter the amount
Review the transaction in Ledger Live
Approve it on the device screen
Your Ledger device ensures that no transaction is possible without your physical confirmation.
Safety Tips for Ledger Users
Here are simple but essential safety practices:
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
Only use Ledger.com/start for downloads
Beware of fake support agents and phishing links
Keep your recovery phrase stored offline
Regularly update Ledger Live and your device firmware
If someone asks for your seed phrase, it is always a scam—no exceptions.
Common Questions
What if I lose my Ledger device?
You can recover your wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger device.
Can I use Ledger on multiple computers?
Yes. Ledger Live can be installed on several devices. Your crypto remains tied to your recovery phrase.
Does Ledger Live store my crypto?
No. Ledger Live is just an interface. Your private keys stay inside the hardware wallet.
What if I forget my PIN?
Reset the device and restore it using your recovery phrase.
Conclusion
Ledger.com/start is the safest and simplest way to begin using your Ledger hardware wallet. It guides you through installing Ledger Live, setting up your new device, securing your recovery phrase, and managing your crypto accounts with confidence. Whether you’re storing Bitcoin, Ethereum, or dozens of other assets, Ledger provides one of the most secure ways to protect your digital wealth.
If you follow the steps and safety tips in this plain-language guide, you’ll have a strong, secure foundation for your crypto journey.