Lèdger.com/Start® — Getting Started | official Ledger

Your Gateway to Security: A Complete Guide to Ledger.com/Start 🚀

So, you’ve taken the crucial step towards securing your crypto assets and purchased a Ledger hardware wallet! Congratulations—you’re about to move from "exchange risk" to true self-custody. 🛡️

The next, most important step is setting it up correctly, and that journey begins at a specific, official URL: Ledger.com/start.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Ledger.com/start process, why it’s the only safe way to initialize your device, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

What is Ledger.com/Start? 🎯

Ledger.com/start is the official, secure onboarding portal created by Ledger. Its sole purpose is to guide you, step-by-step, through the process of setting up your new Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax.

🌟 Highlight: Never search for setup software randomly. Always type Ledger.com/start directly into your browser's address bar or use the link from the official Ledger documentation. This protects you from phishing sites that mimic Ledger to steal your recovery phrase.

Why This Process is Non-Negotiable for Security 🔐

Your Ledger device is a fortress for your private keys, but its strength depends on a correct setup. The Ledger.com/start portal ensures:

  • Genuine Software: It directs you to download the official Ledger Live app—the essential companion software for managing your assets.
  • Device Authentication: It helps you verify your device is genuine and hasn’t been tampered with.
  • Seed Generation: It guides the creation of your 24-word recovery phrase offline, on the device screen itself—this phrase is your ultimate backup.

Your Step-by-Step Journey with Ledger.com/Start 📝

Here’s what to expect when you navigate to the portal:

  1. Select Your Device: The site will ask which Ledger model you own. Choose correctly to get tailored instructions.
  2. Download & Install Ledger Live: You’ll be directed to download Ledger Live for your desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux). Using desktop for initial setup is highly recommended for stability.
  3. Initialize Your Device: Connect your Ledger via USB. The device will prompt you to set a PIN code (choose one only you would know!).
  4. 📌 CRITICAL STEP: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase. This is the single most important action in your crypto life. Your Ledger will display 24 words, one by one. ✍️ Write them on the provided recovery sheet in the exact order. Never, ever digitize these words—no photos, no cloud notes, no typing. Store this sheet like the key to a vault.
  5. Install Apps & Add Accounts: Ledger Live will then help you install "apps" for each blockchain (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and create accounts to start receiving crypto.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them ⚠️

  • Phishing Attacks: Scammers create fake "Ledger start" pages. Always check the URL is exactly Ledger.com/start.
  • Typing the Recovery Phrase: You should only ever enter your 24-word phrase on the Ledger device itself, never on a computer or phone keyboard.
  • Skipping the PIN: A strong PIN is your first physical layer of defense if the device is lost or stolen.
  • Misplacing the Recovery Sheet: Store it in a fireproof and waterproof safe or a secure safety deposit box. Consider a metal backup solution for added durability against fire/water.

Beyond Setup: What Can You Do Now? 🎉

Once set up via Ledger.com/start, your Ledger device paired with Ledger Live becomes your command center:

  • Buy, Sell, & Swap crypto directly through Ledger Live's partner integrations.
  • Stake Assets like ETH, SOL, or DOT to earn rewards, all while your keys remain secure offline. 🏦
  • Explore Web3 securely with Ledger’s connection to NFT platforms and decentralized applications (dApps).

Final Thoughts: Your Security, Your Sovereignty

Navigating to Ledger.com/start is more than just a setup—it’s your initiation into the world of true digital ownership. By following the official process meticulously, you move from trusting a third party to trusting yourself. It’s the foundation upon which all your future crypto activities will securely stand.

Welcome to the forefront of security. Your journey to peace of mind starts here. ✅