Ledger.com/Start
Cryptocurrency can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to keeping your digital money safe. That’s where Ledger comes in. Ledger is one of the most trusted names in crypto security, and it uses hardware wallets to protect your private keys offline. If you just bought a Ledger device, or you’re thinking about it, the best place to begin is ledger.com/start.
This article breaks down everything you need to know in plain, simple language so you can set up your Ledger wallet with confidence.
What Is Ledger.com/Start?
Ledger.com/start is the official Ledger setup page. This is the only site you should use when starting your device. The page guides you through the entire setup process, from unboxing your wallet to sending your first cryptocurrency transaction.
When you visit ledger.com/start, you can:
Download the Ledger Live app
Follow step-by-step setup instructions
Learn how to create and store your recovery phrase
Get safety tips to protect your crypto
Access guides for your specific Ledger model
It’s safe, simple, and designed for beginners.
Why Use a Ledger Wallet?
Before jumping into setup, it helps to understand why Ledger is important.
When you hold crypto on an exchange (like Binance or Coinbase), you don’t actually control your private keys. The exchange does. If the exchange gets hacked or locked, you could lose access to your money.
Ledger solves this problem by giving you a hardware wallet, which stores your private keys offline. This means:
Hackers can’t access your crypto through the internet
You approve every transaction manually on your device
Your crypto stays safe even if your computer or phone is infected
Ledger puts you in complete control.
Unboxing Your Ledger Device
When your Ledger wallet arrives, take a moment to check the box and its contents. Inside, you should find:
Your Ledger hardware wallet
A USB or USB-C cable
Blank recovery sheets
Manuals and instructions
One important thing: your box should NOT include a pre-written recovery phrase. Ledger never gives you a ready-made list of words. If someone else packaged your phrase for you, the device is unsafe. Do not use it.
Step 1: Go to Ledger.com/Start
Once you’re ready, open your browser and go to ledger.com/start. Make sure the spelling is correct and the website starts with https://. Scammers create fake Ledger sites to trick users, so always double-check the address.
On the page, select your device model to access the proper setup guide.
Step 2: Download the Ledger Live App
Next, you’ll download Ledger Live, the companion app that helps you:
Send and receive crypto
Install apps on your Ledger device
Track your portfolio
Add and manage accounts
Update device firmware
Ledger Live works on:
Windows
Mac
Linux
iOS
Android
Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Avoid third-party download links.
Step 3: Power On Your Ledger and Create a PIN
Once you have Ledger Live installed, turn on your Ledger device. It will guide you through creating a PIN code. This PIN protects your device if someone else tries to use it.
A few tips:
Choose a PIN you will remember
Don’t use simple PINs like 0000 or 1234
Do not share your PIN with anyone
You’ll enter this PIN each time you use the wallet.
Step 4: Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
This is the most important part of the setup.
Your Ledger device will show you a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the backup to your entire wallet. If your device breaks, gets lost, or gets stolen, you can recover your crypto using these 24 words.
What You MUST Do
Write the words down on the recovery sheets
Write them neatly and in the exact order
Store them in a safe, private place
Keep them offline
What You MUST NOT Do
Do not take a photo
Do not type the words on your computer or phone
Do not store them in cloud storage
Do not share them with anyone
If someone gets your recovery phrase, they can steal your crypto — and Ledger cannot recover it for you.
Step 5: Install Crypto Apps on Your Ledger Device
Your Ledger wallet uses apps to manage different cryptocurrencies. For example:
Bitcoin requires the Bitcoin app
Ethereum requires the Ethereum app
Solana requires the Solana app
To install apps:
Open Ledger Live
Go to My Ledger
Connect and unlock your device
Install the apps you need
You can uninstall apps later to free up space. Removing an app does not delete your crypto.
Step 6: Add Accounts in Ledger Live
After installing your apps, add the matching accounts in Ledger Live.
For example, if you installed the Bitcoin app, add a Bitcoin account. If you installed Ethereum, add an Ethereum account.
These accounts let Ledger Live display your:
Balances
Transactions
Tokens
Portfolio value
This step connects Ledger Live to the blockchain through your hardware wallet.
Step 7: Receiving Crypto Safely
Once your accounts are added, you can receive crypto.
Here’s how:
Open Ledger Live
Click Receive
Choose the account
Connect and unlock your Ledger device
Verify the receiving address on the device screen
Always check the address on the Ledger device, not just the computer. A virus could trick your computer, but it cannot change the address shown on your Ledger device.
Once confirmed, you can share the address with the sender or use it to transfer crypto from an exchange.
Step 8: Sending Crypto
Sending crypto is just as simple:
Choose Send in Ledger Live
Enter the recipient’s address
Enter the amount
Confirm the details on your Ledger device
Transactions only go through if you approve them physically on your device. This gives you an extra layer of safety.
Using Ledger to Explore Web3 and NFTs
Ledger isn’t only for storing crypto. It can also connect securely to Web3 apps, such as:
NFT marketplaces
Decentralized exchanges (DEXs)
Staking platforms
Gaming and metaverse apps
DeFi tools
This lets you explore Web3 with confidence because your private keys always stay inside the device.
Important Safety Tips
To protect your crypto long-term, keep these simple rules in mind:
1. Never Share Your Recovery Phrase
No support service, website, or app should ever ask for it.
2. Keep Your Device Firmware Updated
Update only through Ledger Live.
3. Do Not Screen-Share Your Ledger Live
Scammers often ask users to share screens to trick them.
4. Only Use Official Websites
Double-check URLs to avoid phishing.
5. Store Your Recovery Phrase Carefully
Some people use metal backup plates for fireproof protection.
What If You Lose Your Ledger Device?
Don’t worry — your crypto is not stored on the device itself. It lives on the blockchain.
You can recover your wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase on:
A new Ledger device
Any compatible hardware wallet
This is why protecting your phrase is so important.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Device not connecting?
Try another USB cable or port.
Apps not installing?
Free up space by removing apps you’re not currently using.
Balance not updating?
Press “Refresh” in Ledger Live or restart the app.
Forgot your PIN?
Reset the device and recover using your 24 words.
Final Thoughts
Ledger makes it possible for you to safely control your own cryptocurrency without depending on exchanges or online wallets. Starting at ledger.com/start ensures you’re using the official tools and getting the correct setup instructions.
Taking a few minutes to understand how your Ledger device works gives you long-term security, freedom, and peace of mind.