Ledger.com/Start®| Getting Started — Ledger Support™

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23 Feb 2026 — 5 min read

Ledger.com/start – Your Complete Guide to Setting Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

In the fast-evolving world of cryptocurrency, security is everything. Whether you are investing in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or thousands of other digital assets, safeguarding your private keys is essential. That’s where ledger.com/start becomes important. It is the official onboarding page for users who purchase a hardware wallet from Ledger. This page guides users through secure setup, device initialization, and best practices to protect their crypto holdings.

This comprehensive guide explains what ledger.com/start is, why it matters, how to use it correctly, and what you can expect during the setup process.

What Is Ledger.com/start?

Ledger.com/start is the official setup portal designed for new Ledger device owners. When you purchase a Ledger hardware wallet—such as the Nano S Plus or Nano X—the box instructions direct you to this website. The purpose of the page is to ensure:

You download the official Ledger Live application
You initialize your hardware wallet correctly
You generate and secure your recovery phrase
You avoid phishing or fake setup websites

Using the official setup page is critical because cryptocurrency security depends heavily on verifying you are interacting with authentic software and firmware.

Why You Should Always Use the Official Setup Page

The cryptocurrency space unfortunately attracts scams and phishing attempts. Fake websites often imitate legitimate wallet setup pages to steal recovery phrases and private keys. Visiting ledger.com/start directly from your browser helps ensure:

You install genuine Ledger Live software
You receive verified instructions
Your recovery phrase is generated offline on your device
You avoid malicious downloads

Your recovery phrase is the master key to your funds. If anyone gains access to it, they can restore your wallet and transfer your crypto assets. The official setup page emphasizes this repeatedly and educates users about keeping their phrase offline and private.

Step-by-Step Setup Process

When you visit ledger.com/start, you will be guided through several structured steps. Below is an overview of what to expect.

1. Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion application for managing your hardware wallet. It allows you to:

Install crypto apps on your device
Add accounts
Send and receive crypto
Stake supported assets
Buy, swap, or sell cryptocurrencies (where available)
Monitor your portfolio

You’ll be prompted to download the application for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile device (iOS/Android for Nano X users).

2. Initialize Your Device

After installing Ledger Live, you’ll connect your hardware wallet via USB (or Bluetooth for compatible devices). You will then choose between:

Set up as new device
Restore from recovery phrase

If this is your first time using the device, you select “Set up as new device.” The device itself—not your computer—will generate your private keys and recovery phrase.

3. Create a PIN Code

You will create a 4- to 8-digit PIN code directly on the device. This PIN protects access to the wallet if someone physically obtains your device.

Important tips:

Choose a PIN that is difficult to guess
Do not reuse common PINs (e.g., 1234 or 0000)
Never store your PIN with your recovery phrase

If someone enters the wrong PIN multiple times, the device will reset automatically as a security measure.

4. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

This is the most important step in the entire process.

Your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. These words are shown one by one on the device screen. You must:

Write them down in order
Use the recovery sheets provided in the box
Never take a photo of the phrase
Never store it digitally
Never share it with anyone

Ledger.com/start clearly explains that the company will never ask for your recovery phrase. Anyone requesting it is attempting to steal your funds.

The recovery phrase allows you to restore your wallet on any compatible device if your original one is lost, stolen, or damaged.

5. Verify Your Recovery Phrase

After writing down the 24 words, the device will ask you to confirm them by selecting certain words in the correct order. This ensures you copied them accurately.

If even one word is incorrect or out of order, restoration will fail in the future—so verification is essential.

6. Install Crypto Apps

Once your device is initialized and verified, you can use Ledger Live to install cryptocurrency applications onto your hardware wallet.

Each blockchain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) requires its own app installed on the device. The apps enable the wallet to securely sign transactions for that specific blockchain.

You can install and remove apps as needed without affecting your crypto assets, since your private keys remain securely stored on the device.

Security Features Highlighted on Ledger.com/start

The setup page doesn’t just provide instructions—it reinforces security principles that every crypto user should understand.

Offline Private Key Storage

Your private keys never leave the hardware wallet. Transactions are signed within the device itself, meaning even if your computer is infected with malware, your keys remain protected.

Secure Element Chip

Ledger devices use a Secure Element chip designed to resist tampering and physical attacks. This is similar to the security technology used in passports and credit cards.

Phishing Protection Education

The official site teaches users how to identify scams, including:

Fake emails pretending to be customer support
Fake browser extensions
Websites mimicking the official setup page
Social media impersonation

Education is one of the strongest defenses against crypto theft.

Restoring an Existing Wallet

If you previously owned a Ledger device and need to restore access to your crypto assets, ledger.com/start also provides guidance for wallet recovery.

You simply:

Choose “Restore from recovery phrase”
Enter your 24 words directly on the device
Reinstall apps in Ledger Live

Your balances will automatically reappear once accounts are re-added, because the blockchain recognizes your private keys.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The setup page implicitly warns against several critical errors:

Entering your recovery phrase on a website
Sharing your recovery phrase with “support agents”
Buying devices from unofficial marketplaces
Ignoring firmware updates
Storing recovery sheets in unsafe locations

Avoiding these mistakes dramatically reduces your risk of loss.

Who Should Use Ledger.com/start?

This setup portal is intended for:

First-time hardware wallet users
Investors moving assets off exchanges
Long-term crypto holders
Individuals seeking cold storage solutions
Security-conscious traders

If you hold significant digital assets, hardware wallets are considered one of the safest storage methods available.

Benefits of Starting at the Official Setup Page

Using ledger.com/start ensures:

Authentic software downloads
Proper device initialization
Secure recovery phrase generation
Verified firmware installation
Safe onboarding experience

Skipping official instructions increases the risk of misconfiguration or exposure to scams.

Final Thoughts

Ledger.com/start is more than just a setup page—it’s a security gateway. It introduces users to responsible crypto ownership, safe device handling, and essential best practices.

Cryptocurrency gives you full control over your assets, but with that control comes responsibility. Your recovery phrase is your ultimate backup. Protecting it is your most important task.

By carefully following the instructions provided on ledger.com/start, you ensure that your hardware wallet is initialized securely, your private keys remain offline, and your digital assets stay protected.

In the world of decentralized finance, security is not optional—it is fundamental. Starting your journey through the official setup page is the first and most important step toward safe crypto ownership.