Ledger.com/Start — A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up Your Ledger Wallet
Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your cryptocurrency. Whether you’re brand new to Ledger or simply need a clear, complete guide, this walkthrough will take you from unboxing to fully securing your digital assets. This guide explains every step in simple terms so you can set up your Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Stax with confidence.
Introduction: Why Ledger?
When you visit Ledger.com/start, you’re entering the official setup hub for Ledger hardware wallets. The site ensures that you use the proper apps, firmware, and security instructions directly from Ledger, protecting you from phishing attempts and counterfeit software.
Ledger devices store your private keys offline, making them drastically more secure than keeping crypto on exchanges or in browser wallets. Your private keys never leave the device, meaning that even if your computer is compromised, your crypto remains safe.
This guide simplifies the full setup process so you can follow along step-by-step.
Step 1: Unboxing Your Ledger Device
When you open your Ledger package, you should see:
Your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax)
USB cable
Recovery sheets for writing your secret recovery phrase
Keychain or accessories (depending on model)
Basic documentation
A legitimate Ledger box will not come pre-printed with a recovery phrase. If you ever receive a device with a pre-filled phrase, do not use it—return it immediately.
Step 2: Go to the Official Setup Page — Ledger.com/start
Ledger provides a centralized setup link so you don’t have to guess which apps or downloads are safe. When you enter ledger.com/start, you’re redirected to select your specific device and follow its setup instructions.
From there, you’ll be prompted to download Ledger Live, the official desktop and mobile software used for:
Initial device setup
Installing crypto apps
Managing accounts
Sending and receiving crypto
Updating firmware
Staking supported assets
Always verify that you are on the official website before downloading any software.
Step 3: Download and Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. After installing it, launch the program and follow the on-screen instructions.
You will be guided through:
Agreeing to Ledger’s terms
Choosing your device
Setting up as new or restoring from a recovery phrase
Understanding security basics
This is the command center for your device, but remember: your private keys never touch Ledger Live—they stay inside the hardware wallet.
Step 4: Power On Your Ledger Device
Connect your device using the included USB cable or power button (for Nano X/Stax). When the device starts up, you will see a welcome message and setup instructions.
You’ll now be able to begin the initialization steps, which include creating a PIN and generating your recovery phrase.
Step 5: Create and Confirm Your PIN
You’ll be asked to choose a PIN code—this is your first line of defense if someone gets physical access to your device.
Tips for choosing your PIN:
Use a PIN that’s difficult to guess
Avoid repeating numbers or using birthdays
Remember it—Ledger cannot recover a forgotten PIN
If someone enters the wrong PIN too many times, the device wipes itself for security.
Step 6: Write Down Your Secret Recovery Phrase
This is the most critical step.
Your device will generate a 24-word secret recovery phrase. This phrase is the only backup of your crypto. If your Ledger is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can recover your assets on any new Ledger device using this phrase.
Important rules:
Never take a photo of it
Never store it online or on a computer
Never share it with anyone
Never enter it into any website
Use the provided recovery sheets to write down the words carefully in order. Confirm the phrase on the device when prompted.
If someone ever gains access to your 24 words, they can steal your crypto—there is no undo.
Step 7: Install Apps in Ledger Live
Each cryptocurrency requires its own app on the Ledger device. For example:
Bitcoin app for BTC
Ethereum app for ETH and ERC-20 tokens
Solana app for SOL
XRP app for XRP
Ledger Live will guide you to install the apps you need. Apps are lightweight and can be removed or reinstalled without affecting your funds.
Step 8: Add Accounts in Ledger Live
Once apps are installed, you can add accounts for each currency. An account is like a portfolio view that lets you see your balance and transaction history.
When adding an account:
Ledger Live connects to your device
You confirm the account creation on the hardware
Your account appears in Ledger Live’s dashboard
This step allows you to send and receive funds securely.
Step 9: Receive Crypto on Your Ledger
To transfer crypto into your Ledger wallet:
Open Ledger Live
Select the asset you want to receive
Click Receive
Verify the address on your Ledger device screen
Only copy the address if it matches exactly
Always trust the address shown on the device—not the computer screen.
After sending crypto to this address from an exchange or another wallet, you’ll see the funds appear in Ledger Live once the transaction is confirmed on the blockchain.
Step 10: Sending Crypto Safely
When sending crypto from your Ledger:
Choose the account
Click Send
Enter the recipient address and amount
Confirm the transaction on the Ledger device
The device checks and signs the transaction offline, then Ledger Live broadcasts it. This process ensures your private keys never leave the device.
Step 11: Keeping Your Ledger Secure
To stay safe long-term, follow these best practices:
Store your recovery phrase offline in a secure location
Never share your 24 words with anyone
Use a fireproof or metal recovery backup for extra protection
Keep your device PIN private
Only download Ledger Live from the official website
Beware of phishing emails, fake browser extensions, and scam apps
Regularly update your device firmware through Ledger Live
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Any request for it is a scam.
Step 12: Updating Firmware When Needed
Firmware updates improve security, add features, or support new assets. Ledger Live notifies you when updates are available.
Updating is simple:
Connect your Ledger
Follow the step-by-step instructions
Confirm the update on the device
Your funds remain safe during firmware updates.
Step 13: Using Ledger for Staking, DeFi, and Web3
Once your Ledger is set up, you can explore advanced features, including:
Staking assets like ETH, SOL, DOT, and ADA
Using Ledger with Web3 wallets such as MetaMask
Accessing DeFi platforms securely
Managing NFTs
Using Ledger’s Discover tab for integrated dApps
Ledger acts as a secure signing device, protecting you from malicious smart contracts and phishing links.
Step 14: Recovering Your Ledger If Lost or Damaged
If your device stops working or goes missing, you can recover your crypto using the 24-word recovery phrase:
Purchase a new Ledger
Choose "Restore from recovery phrase"
Enter all 24 words in the correct order
Your crypto will reappear once you add your accounts in Ledger Live. Recovery only works if you kept your words safe and private.
Final Thoughts
Ledger.com/start is your trusted entry point for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. With a secure PIN, carefully written recovery phrase, and Ledger Live installed, you now control your digital assets with the highest level of protection.
By following the steps above—unboxing, installing apps, adding accounts, securing your recovery phrase, and learning how to send and receive crypto—you have taken full ownership of your cryptocurrency. Your funds are no longer at the mercy of exchanges or online scams.