Ledger.com/Start — Starting Up Your Device

Your secure gateway to digital asset protection begins here.

1. Welcome to Ledger

Welcome to Ledger.com/Start, the official onboarding path for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger devices empower you to manage cryptocurrencies and NFTs with military-grade security. Whether you’ve just unboxed your Ledger Nano X or Nano S Plus, this guide walks you through every step — from unboxing to first transaction — ensuring your assets remain entirely under your control.

At its heart, Ledger is built around one core principle: not your keys, not your coins. This means that only you hold the private keys to your crypto, stored offline within a secure chip. Ledger devices never expose your seed phrase to the internet, dramatically reducing the risk of hacking or phishing.

Ledger Security Image

2. Unboxing Your Device

When you open your Ledger box, ensure all components are intact: the device, a USB cable, recovery sheets, and a quick-start guide. The packaging should never appear tampered with — Ledger devices are sealed with unique verification protocols. Any sign of prior opening or unsealed wrapping should be treated with caution.

Each device has a secure element chip that’s certified to resist physical and digital attacks. This means even if someone had temporary access to the hardware, your recovery phrase cannot be extracted or cloned.

Ledger Box Unboxing

3. Visiting Ledger.com/Start

The official setup process begins only at Ledger.com/Start. This ensures you’re using the authentic Ledger resources and not a phishing site. Always verify the URL carefully — it must begin with https://www.ledger.com/start.

  • Download the official Ledger Live app for your system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  • Install and open Ledger Live to initiate device pairing.
  • Follow the guided steps to connect and initialize your wallet.

Ledger Live acts as the control center for your assets — allowing you to buy, sell, swap, and stake coins securely.

Ledger Live Setup

4. Creating a New Wallet

Once connected, your Ledger device will prompt you to either set up a new wallet or restore an existing one. To create a new wallet, confirm the action on your device screen. The Ledger will then generate a 24-word recovery phrase — your ultimate backup key.

Write these 24 words carefully on the provided recovery sheet. Never take a digital photo, store it on a computer, or share it online. This phrase can restore your crypto wallet if your device is ever lost or damaged.

Ledger Recovery Phrase

5. Setting a Secure PIN

Next, you’ll create a 4 to 8-digit PIN code to access your device. Choose something unique — avoid birthdays or simple sequences. The PIN acts as a physical lock, preventing anyone else from using your Ledger even if they have it.

After setting the PIN, your device is ready to pair with Ledger Live. From there, you can add apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported blockchains.

Secure PIN Setup

6. Managing Crypto with Ledger Live

The Ledger Live interface is intuitive and designed for clarity. Once connected, you’ll be able to:

  • Install blockchain apps directly on your device.
  • View real-time balances and transaction histories.
  • Buy or swap tokens through trusted providers.
  • Earn staking rewards while maintaining custody of your assets.

Every transaction you approve is confirmed manually on your device’s screen, ensuring total control.

Ledger Live Interface

7. Safety and Firmware Updates

Regularly check for firmware updates inside Ledger Live. These updates improve performance, expand compatibility, and patch vulnerabilities. Ledger’s firmware is signed and verified — ensuring authenticity and integrity before installation.

Remember, Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. If a website or email requests it, treat it as a scam immediately. The phrase belongs only to you.

Firmware Update Security

8. Tips for Long-Term Security

Consider storing your recovery phrase in multiple physical locations using fireproof and waterproof materials. Use a safe or security deposit box for maximum protection. Ledger also offers accessories like the Cryptosteel Capsule — a stainless-steel backup for your recovery words.

Stay vigilant against phishing, keep your device offline when not in use, and double-check every transaction address before confirming.

Long Term Ledger Security