Ledger.com/Start is the official platform to set up your Ledger hardware wallet — whether you’ve purchased a Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or any other model. This guide walks you through the secure installation, wallet creation, firmware updates, and recovery procedures. Ledger wallets are known for offering the highest level of security for your crypto assets by keeping your private keys offline, away from potential hackers.
The Ledger hardware wallet is a physical device that stores your cryptocurrency’s private keys securely. Unlike software wallets that stay connected to the internet, a Ledger device operates offline, making it far less vulnerable to phishing or malware attacks. With Ledger Live — the official companion app — you can manage, buy, sell, and stake digital assets while your keys remain protected inside the device.
New users must visit Ledger.com/Start to initialize their devices safely. This is the only official website where you can download the authentic Ledger Live application and follow verified setup steps. Avoid third-party websites that might distribute fake or tampered software. By using the official Ledger start page, you ensure your firmware and setup guide come directly from Ledger SAS, the trusted manufacturer.
Inside the box, you’ll find your Ledger device, a USB cable, recovery sheets, and a quick start guide. Before connecting the device, check for any signs of tampering — the box should be sealed and the device free of scratches or opened parts.
Open your browser and go to Ledger.com/Start. Choose your device model (Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Nano S) and download the Ledger Live app for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Always confirm the website URL before downloading.
Once the app is downloaded, install it following the on-screen instructions. Launch Ledger Live and select “Set up a new device.” The interface will guide you through creating your first wallet and securing your recovery phrase.
Connect your Ledger wallet to your computer using the provided USB cable. Turn on the device and follow the on-device instructions. You’ll be prompted to create a secure PIN code. This PIN is essential — it prevents unauthorized access if your device is lost or stolen.
Your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the only backup for your crypto assets. Write it down carefully on the provided recovery sheet — never take photos or store it online. Anyone with access to this phrase can control your funds, so keep it in a secure and private location.
The device will ask you to confirm several words from your recovery phrase to ensure you’ve recorded it correctly. Once verified, your Ledger wallet is initialized successfully.
Inside Ledger Live, go to the “Manager” tab. Connect your device, allow the app to communicate with it, and install the desired coin applications (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Each cryptocurrency requires its own app to be managed from Ledger Live.
After installing coin apps, navigate to the “Accounts” section. Click “Add account” and choose your cryptocurrency type. Ledger Live will generate a new address on your device — verify it on the screen before confirming.
Ledger frequently releases firmware updates to strengthen security and add features. To update:
Always ensure your recovery phrase is safely backed up before updating. Firmware updates do not erase your funds, but having your recovery phrase ensures you can restore access if needed.
If your Ledger device is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can recover your wallet using the 24-word recovery phrase. Simply get a new Ledger device, select “Restore from recovery phrase” during setup, and carefully re-enter all 24 words in order. Your crypto balances will reappear in Ledger Live once accounts are synced.
Setting up your Ledger wallet through Ledger.com/Start ensures your digital assets are stored in one of the most secure environments available today. By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently manage, send, and receive crypto without fear of losing control over your private keys. Remember — security in the crypto world begins with responsibility. Keep your recovery phrase safe, verify every transaction, and trust only official Ledger resources.