Ledger.com/start – Your Complete Guide to Setting Up and Securing Your Crypto Wallet
Welcome to Ledger.com/start, the official starting point for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. In today’s digital world, owning cryptocurrency means taking full responsibility for your assets, and Ledger is designed to help you do just that. This guide will walk you through every step of the setup process, from unboxing your Ledger device to managing your crypto securely with Ledger Live. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and tools to safeguard your digital assets and manage them confidently.
Whether you’re new to cryptocurrency or an experienced investor, Ledger provides unparalleled security, user-friendly tools, and peace of mind. This guide is detailed, practical, and easy to follow, ensuring that your journey into crypto ownership starts safely and smoothly.
Why Ledger Is the Trusted Choice for Crypto Security
Cryptocurrencies are powerful because they allow users to be their own bank. But with that freedom comes responsibility. Software wallets and exchanges can be hacked, exposing your private keys and putting your assets at risk. Ledger hardware wallets solve this problem by keeping your private keys offline in a Secure Element chip, ensuring that even if your computer or phone is compromised, your crypto remains safe.
Ledger wallets are trusted by millions of users worldwide because they provide:
Offline storage of private keys – keeps your crypto safe from online attacks
Physical confirmation of transactions – every operation must be approved on your device
Protection against phishing, malware, and scams
Support for thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens
Ledger Live, a user-friendly app for managing, tracking, and growing your assets
By using Ledger, you are taking control of your digital wealth and reducing reliance on third-party platforms. Your funds remain yours—completely.
What You’ll Need Before Starting
Before you begin your setup at Ledger.com/start, make sure you have the following:
Your Ledger hardware wallet
A computer or smartphone with internet access
A pen and the recovery sheets included in the box
A private and secure environment
If your Ledger package is damaged or appears tampered with, do not use it and contact Ledger support immediately. Security starts with vigilance.
Step 1: Download Ledger Live
The first step in setting up your Ledger device is downloading Ledger Live, the official app used to manage your wallet. Ledger Live allows you to install apps, add accounts, and send, receive, and track your cryptocurrency.
Here’s how to get started:
Visit Ledger.com/start on your computer or smartphone
Select the version compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS)
Download and install Ledger Live
Open Ledger Live and follow the on-screen instructions
Important: Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Third-party downloads may compromise the security of your wallet.
Step 2: Connect and Set Up Your Ledger Device
Once Ledger Live is installed, connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile device using the provided USB cable.
Choose “Set up as new device”
If this is your first Ledger wallet, select Set up as new device.
Create a PIN code
Your Ledger device will prompt you to create a 4–8 digit PIN code. This code protects your device from unauthorized access.
Pick a PIN that is not easily guessable
Do not share your PIN with anyone
Avoid storing your PIN digitally
Every time you access your Ledger device, you will need to enter this PIN. Losing it doesn’t mean losing your crypto—you can always restore your wallet with your recovery phrase—but it’s best to keep it safe.
Step 3: Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
Your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase, which is the ultimate backup of your wallet. This phrase is the only way to restore your funds if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Write down each word in the exact order on the recovery sheet provided
Never store it digitally, take photos, or share it online
Store the sheet in a safe and secure location
Important: Ledger or anyone else will never ask for your recovery phrase. Anyone who knows this phrase has full access to your crypto, so keep it private.
Step 4: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase
To ensure you’ve written it correctly, your device will ask you to confirm several words from your recovery phrase. This verification process ensures that you can recover your wallet if needed. Take your time and verify each word carefully. Once confirmed, your Ledger device is fully initialized and ready to use.
Step 5: Install Cryptocurrency Apps
Ledger devices support thousands of cryptocurrencies. To manage them, you’ll need to install the corresponding apps via Ledger Live:
Open Ledger Live and go to the Manager section
Connect your device and allow Ledger Live to access it
Select the cryptocurrency apps you want to install (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana)
Click Install
Once apps are installed, you can add accounts to view balances and send or receive transactions.
Step 6: Add Accounts in Ledger Live
Adding accounts allows you to view balances, track transactions, and manage multiple crypto assets in one place.
In Ledger Live, go to the Accounts tab
Click Add account
Select the cryptocurrency and follow the prompts
Your account balance will appear once connected
Ledger Live supports popular coins like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and thousands of tokens, including ERC-20 and SPL tokens.
Step 7: Manage Your Crypto Securely
Ledger Live provides a comprehensive interface to manage your crypto safely:
Send and receive assets with secure confirmations on your device
Swap or exchange cryptocurrencies (availability depends on region)
Monitor your portfolio in real time
Stake supported cryptocurrencies to earn rewards
Connect safely to DeFi and Web3 applications
Every transaction requires confirmation on your Ledger device, adding an additional layer of security and ensuring that even malware on your computer cannot compromise your funds.
Step 8: Security Best Practices
To ensure the safety of your assets, follow these guidelines:
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
Only download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start
Always verify transaction details on the Ledger device screen
Be cautious of phishing emails or fake websites
Keep your Ledger device and Ledger Live app updated
Security is a continuous process. Following these practices will keep your assets safe from most common threats.
Step 9: Restoring an Existing Wallet
If you already own a Ledger wallet or need to recover an existing wallet:
Select Restore from recovery phrase during device setup
Enter your 24-word recovery phrase directly on the device
Create a new PIN
Reinstall cryptocurrency apps in Ledger Live
Add accounts to view balances and transactions
Once completed, your funds and portfolio will appear just as before.
Ledger Support and Learning Resources
Ledger provides a comprehensive support ecosystem:
Help Center – step-by-step guides and troubleshooting
Ledger Academy – learn about cryptocurrency security
Official tutorials and videos – understand Ledger Live and advanced features
Always use official Ledger resources to avoid scams and misinformation.
Why Ledger Matters for Your Crypto Journey
Ledger is more than just a wallet—it’s a gateway to true ownership of your crypto. By keeping your private keys offline and giving you full control, Ledger ensures that you are never at the mercy of exchanges, apps, or hackers.
With Ledger:
You take complete control of your funds
You minimize risks from online threats
You can securely engage with the growing world of DeFi, staking, and NFTs
You gain the confidence to explore and grow your digital assets
Ledger empowers you to be your own bank, giving you the freedom and security that crypto promises.
Take the First Step Today
By starting at Ledger.com/start, you are taking a crucial step toward safeguarding your digital wealth. Setting up your Ledger wallet correctly ensures your crypto assets remain protected for years to come.
Remember: Your keys, your crypto, your control.
Start your setup now, follow the steps carefully, and join millions of users worldwide who trust Ledger to secure their digital future.