Ledger.com/Start® — The Ultimate Getting-Started Guide (2025 Edition)

Your complete walkthrough to setting up, securing, and using your Ledger hardware wallet

Cryptocurrency ownership has one golden rule: not your keys, not your crypto. As digital assets become more valuable—and cyber-attacks become more sophisticated—hardware wallets like Ledger have become essential tools for long-term security.

If you’ve just purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X and you’re staring at the box wondering where to begin, don’t worry—you’re exactly where you should be. The official onboarding portal is here:

👉 Official Setup Link (1): https://www.ledger.com/start

This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from unboxing to advanced security tips, so you can feel confident and in control of your crypto from day one.

What Is Ledger.com/Start®?

Ledger.com/Start® is the one and only official setup URL for all Ledger hardware wallets. It walks you through:

Installing Ledger Live
Initializing your device
Creating or restoring a recovery phrase
Adding crypto accounts
Securing and using your wallet safely

Here it is again, for reference:

👉 Official Setup Link (2): https://www.ledger.com/start

You should never download Ledger software from anywhere else—this avoids phishing scams and counterfeit apps.

Why Use Ledger Hardware Wallets?

Ledger wallets protect your crypto with a Secure Element (SE) chip, an industry-leading security component used in passports and banking cards.

Some key advantages:

✔ Your private keys never leave the hardware

They’re locked inside the Secure Element.

✔ End-to-end protection

Even if your computer is compromised, the wallet remains secure.

✔ Easy integration with Ledger Live

Send, receive, stake, and manage assets in one place.

✔ Supports 5,500+ coins

Including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many more.

Before you begin, make sure you always follow the official link:

👉 Official Setup Link (3): https://www.ledger.com/start

Unboxing Your Ledger Device

Inside the box, you should have:

Ledger device (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
USB-C cable
Recovery sheet cards
Quick start guide and paperwork

What you should NOT have:

A pre-written recovery phrase
A device that looks used or tampered with
Extra, unsealed cards

If you see anything suspicious, stop immediately and contact Ledger Support.

For verified setup steps, always start here:

👉 Official Setup Link (4): https://www.ledger.com/start

Step-by-Step: How to Get Started with Ledger.com/Start®

Here’s the clearest walkthrough you’ll find online:

1. Visit the official setup page

Open your browser and go to:

👉 Official Setup Link (5): https://www.ledger.com/start

Follow the OS-specific download instructions for Windows, macOS, or Linux.

2. Download and install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is your all-in-one interface—the “control center” for your wallet.

With Ledger Live you can:

Check balances
Send/receive crypto
Install coin apps
Stake assets
Swap or buy crypto
Connect to Web3 apps
Manage NFTs

Always download it only through:

👉 Official Setup Link (6): https://www.ledger.com/start

3. Set up your Ledger device

After installing Ledger Live:

Choose “Set up a new device.”
Select your model (Nano S Plus or Nano X).
Follow on-screen instructions.

Your device will ask you to:

Choose a PIN code (4–8 digits)
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided sheets

4. Write down your 24-word phrase securely

This is the most important step.

Your recovery phrase:

Is the master backup of your wallet
Can restore your funds even if your device is lost or destroyed
Must never be typed, photographed, uploaded, or stored online

Ledger will never ask for it.
Ledger Live will never ask for it.
Support will never ask for it.

If anyone asks, it’s a scam.

The official security guidelines are always available here:

👉 Official Setup Link (7): https://www.ledger.com/start

5. Connect your device to Ledger Live

Once your PIN and recovery phrase are set:

Ledger Live will perform a genuine check to confirm your device is authentic
You can then install apps (like “Bitcoin,” “Ethereum,” etc.)
Each app lets you create accounts for that blockchain

This keeps your hardware organized and efficient.

6. Add crypto accounts

In Ledger Live:

Go to “Accounts”
Click “Add account”
Pick the coin
Install the corresponding app on your Ledger device
Create the account

You must install the app on the device before using that asset.
This is by design—more secure, less clutter.

For detailed compatibility lists:

👉 Official Setup Link (8): https://www.ledger.com/start

7. Receive crypto into your Ledger wallet

To receive assets:

Open the coin app on your Ledger device
In Ledger Live select Receive
Verify the address on your device screen
Only send funds after confirming the address matches

Never trust only your computer screen—malware can spoof addresses.
Your Ledger screen cannot be altered.

8. Send crypto safely

To send funds:

Open the coin’s app
Select Send in Ledger Live
Confirm the transaction details
Approve the transaction on the device

Your private keys sign the transaction internally.

9. Enable optional features

Ledger also offers:

Staking (ETH, SOL, ATOM, DOT, etc.)
Swapping directly in Ledger Live
Buying crypto from partnered providers
NFT management (Ethereum, Polygon, Solana)

Every new feature is explained step-by-step here:

👉 Official Setup Link (9): https://www.ledger.com/start

Advanced Security Tips Every Ledger Owner Should Know

To get the most out of your hardware wallet, follow these best practices:

✔ Use an offline backup for your recovery phrase

Metal plates (like Cryptosteel or Billfodl) last longer than paper.

✔ Enable passphrase (advanced users only)

This adds an extra security layer but must be used correctly.

✔ Never store your phrase digitally

Avoid screenshots, notes apps, cloud storage, USB drives, or email.

✔ Keep your device PIN private

Do not reuse the same PIN from other devices.

✔ Double-check addresses before sending

The hardware wallet screen is your trusted source.

✔ Update firmware regularly

Ledger pushes updates via Ledger Live.

Troubleshooting & Common Questions

❓ What if I lose my Ledger device?

Your crypto is safe. You can restore it on:

Any new Ledger device
Or any BIP-39 compatible wallet

Using your 24-word recovery phrase.

❓ What if my computer is hacked?

The attacker still cannot access your private keys—those never leave the hardware.

❓ What if a fake Ledger website pops up?

You should only ever use:

👉 Official Setup Link (10): https://www.ledger.com/start

Bookmark it to avoid phishing.

Final Thoughts: Ledger.com/Start® Is Your Safe Beginning

Starting your crypto journey with a hardware wallet is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned investor, Ledger gives you unmatched self-custody, privacy, and peace of mind.