Ledger Start — Secure Setup Guide for New Users

Welcome to Ledger Start — your official guide to setting up a Ledger hardware wallet securely. Whether you’ve purchased the Ledger Nano X or Ledger Nano S Plus, following the right setup process ensures your cryptocurrency stays safe from online threats and unauthorized access.

What Is Ledger Start?

Ledger Start is the trusted platform and application used to initialize, configure, and secure your Ledger device. It provides step-by-step guidance for beginners and helps manage your digital assets with maximum protection. Unlike software wallets, Ledger hardware wallets store your private keys offline, keeping them isolated from potential online attacks.

Before You Begin

Before starting the setup, make sure you have the following:

Your Ledger Nano X or Ledger Nano S Plus device.
A computer or smartphone with an internet connection.
The official Ledger Start link (never use unofficial websites).
A pen and paper to note your 24-word recovery phrase.

Tip: Always purchase your Ledger device directly from the official Ledger website or an authorized reseller to avoid tampered products.

Step 1: Visit the Official Ledger Start Page

Go to ledger.com/start. This page will guide you through downloading the Ledger Live app — the companion software used to manage your device and crypto accounts.

Step 2: Download and Install Ledger Live

Click the download button for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS). Once downloaded, follow the installation instructions. After installation, open the app and choose “Set up a new device.”

Step 3: Initialize Your Ledger Device

Connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile device using the provided USB cable. Follow the on-screen instructions to power it on and select your language. Then, set up a PIN code to protect access to your device.

Security Tip: Choose a PIN that is difficult to guess and never share it with anyone. Ledger support will never ask for your PIN.

Step 4: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

During setup, your Ledger device will display a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the only way to recover your wallet if your device is lost or damaged. Write it down carefully on the recovery sheet provided and keep it in a secure, offline location. Do not take a digital photo or store it online.

Step 5: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase

To ensure you’ve correctly recorded your recovery phrase, your device will ask you to verify a few words. This step confirms that your backup is accurate and complete.

Step 6: Access Ledger Live Dashboard

Once setup is complete, open the Ledger Live app and connect your device. The dashboard will show available crypto accounts and portfolio tracking tools. You can now install specific apps for each cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana) and start sending or receiving funds securely.

Step 7: Enable Additional Security Features

Firmware updates: Keep your Ledger device up-to-date through Ledger Live to ensure you have the latest security patches.
Passphrase protection: Add an optional passphrase for enhanced privacy.
Device verification: Always verify your device using Ledger Live’s authenticity check feature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase on any website or app other than the Ledger device itself.
Do not share your PIN or recovery phrase with anyone.
Avoid using unofficial download links or third-party wallets claiming to support Ledger.

Final Thoughts

By following this Ledger Start secure setup guide, you ensure your digital assets remain safe from hacking, phishing, and malware attacks. A Ledger hardware wallet gives you complete control over your private keys, ensuring long-term security for your crypto portfolio.

Stay vigilant, keep your recovery phrase offline, and always verify you’re on the official Ledger Start page for any downloads or updates. Your journey into crypto security begins here — with Ledger Start.