Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started — Ledger Guide for Beginners
Getting started with crypto self-custody can feel overwhelming, especially if you're transitioning from centralized exchanges. Ledger.com/Start® is the official onboarding portal created by Ledger to help new and advanced users securely set up their Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you’re using a Ledger Nano S Plus or a Ledger Nano X, Ledger.com/Start ensures you install the correct software, verify the authenticity of your device, and configure Ledger Live properly for safe digital asset management.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know, including installation steps, how to use Ledger Live desktop, setting up your accounts, securing your recovery phrase, conducting transactions, and ongoing security best practices. You’ll also find interlinks to essential Ledger resources, a detailed FAQ, and a final thought to help you begin your self-custody journey the right way.
What Is Ledger.com/Start®?
Ledger.com/Start® is the official Ledger setup page dedicated to new device initialization. When users purchase a Ledger hardware wallet, this is the ONLY recommended source to begin configuration. The page verifies your product and safely guides you toward installing Ledger Live, the all-in-one crypto management application for desktop and mobile.
Key functions of Ledger.com/Start include:
Authenticating your Ledger wallet
Downloading Ledger Live on Windows, macOS, or Linux
Learning device controls
Securing your 24-word recovery phrase
Setting up accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 5,000+ supported coins
Accessing tutorials and security tips
To begin, simply visit https://www.ledger.com/start from your computer or mobile device.
What Is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the official companion software for all Ledger hardware wallets. It serves as your command center for managing cryptocurrencies, NFTs, DeFi interactions, and staking.
Core features of Ledger Live include:
Buy, sell, and swap crypto
Manage 5,000+ digital assets
Stake coins like ETH, DOT, ATOM, and SOL
Send and receive crypto securely
Monitor your real-time portfolio value
Connect to Ledger’s Discover section for Web3 apps
Ledger Live is available in two main versions:
1. Ledger Live Desktop
The ledger live desktop version is the full-featured software designed for computers running macOS, Windows, or Linux. With ledger live desktop, users enjoy a bigger interface, advanced settings, and easier account management.
2. Ledger Live Mobile
A convenient app for iOS and Android, ideal for checking balances or sending funds on the go.
To download either version, use the verified link at Ledger.com/Start.
How to Set Up Your Device Using Ledger.com/Start®
Below is a step-by-step guide to help you initialize your hardware wallet securely and correctly.
Step 1: Unbox and Inspect Your Device
A Ledger wallet should always arrive in a sealed, tamper-proof box. Ledger devices come without a pre-written recovery phrase; if one is included in the box, return it immediately.
Step 2: Visit Ledger.com/Start
Open your browser and go to:
👉 https://www.ledger.com/start
This ensures you download the correct version of Ledger Live.
Step 3: Download Ledger Live
Choose your operating system and install ledger live desktop for computer use or the mobile app for your smartphone.
Step 4: Set Up as a New Device
During first-time setup:
Choose Initialize as new device
Select a PIN code
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase
The recovery phrase is your ONLY backup. Ledger never stores or sees it.
Step 5: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase
Ledger devices will ask you to verify specific words. This ensures you wrote everything correctly.
Step 6: Connect to Ledger Live
Open Ledger Live, select Get Started, and choose your device model. Then synchronize your device to activate full account functionality.
Step 7: Add Crypto Accounts
Use Add Account to create wallets for BTC, ETH, XRP, USDT, ADA, and other assets. All private keys remain stored in your device’s secure element.
Why Self-Custody With Ledger Matters
Crypto exchanges control users’ private keys, meaning you don’t own your crypto—only a claim to it. Ledger devices eliminate this risk using offline hardware-based security.
Benefits include:
Full control of digital assets
Strong encryption via secure element chips
Protection from hackers and phishing attacks
Universal compatibility with decentralized apps
Peace of mind knowing your keys never leave your device
With growing digital asset adoption, more users are shifting to self-custody using ledger.com/start to set up private, secure crypto management environments.
Ledger Live Desktop: Key Features
Beyond basic crypto storage, ledger live desktop unlocks a range of powerful tools for managing your entire digital asset ecosystem.
1. Buy Crypto
Purchase coins safely through integrated partners using credit card, debit card, or bank transfer.
2. Swap Assets
Switch between cryptocurrencies without sending funds to exchanges.
3. Stake Crypto for Rewards
Ledger Live supports native staking for:
Ethereum
Solana
Cosmos
Polkadot
Tezos
And more
4. Manage NFTs
View, transfer, and store NFTs on Ethereum and Polygon.
5. Connect to Web3 Apps
Use Ledger Live’s Discover section to connect your wallet to decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, and metaverse apps with enhanced security.
How Ledger.com/Start Ensures Safe Setup
Ledger.com/start is intentionally designed as a security-first onboarding portal.
1. Official Software Verification
Downloading Ledger Live directly from Ledger.com prevents the risk of installing malicious or fake software.
2. Authentic Device Check
Ledger Live can verify the authenticity of your hardware wallet using cryptographic procedures.
3. Guided Recovery Phrase Security
Ledger.com/start includes tutorials on:
Properly storing your recovery phrase
Avoiding cloud backups
Preventing phishing attempts
4. Mandatory Firmware Updates
Your device will periodically request updates, ensuring maximum security standards.
Common Mistakes New Users Should Avoid
Even with secure tools like Ledger, users sometimes make critical errors. Here are mistakes to avoid:
❌ Saving your recovery phrase digitally
Never store your 24-word phrase on phones, computers, or photos.
❌ Buying Ledger devices from unverified sources
Use only the official Ledger website: https://www.ledger.com
❌ Sharing your recovery phrase
Ledger support will never ask for it.
❌ Using fake Ledger download pages
Always start via ledger.com/start.
❌ Skipping firmware updates
Outdated firmware reduces device security.
Avoiding these pitfalls ensures long-term safety and smooth operation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Ledger Live used for?
Ledger Live is the official wallet management software for Ledger hardware wallets. It allows users to send, receive, stake, and store thousands of cryptocurrencies securely.
2. Is Ledger.com/Start safe?
Yes. Ledger.com/start is the official Ledger onboarding page. Always use this URL to install Ledger Live safely.
3. Can I use Ledger Live on multiple devices?
Yes. You can install ledger live desktop on multiple computers and connect the same Ledger wallet. Your private keys always remain on your hardware device.
4. What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
Your funds remain safe. Restore them using your 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger wallet.
5. Is the recovery phrase stored on Ledger servers?
No. Ledger never stores or accesses your recovery phrase. It stays offline, in your possession only.
6. Does Ledger Live support NFTs?
Yes. Ledger Live supports Ethereum and Polygon NFTs with secure hardware-based protection.
7. Can I stake crypto using Ledger Live desktop?
Yes, Ledger Live offers integrated staking for several major blockchains.
8. How do I verify my Ledger device is genuine?
Ledger Live will automatically perform an authenticity check when you connect your device.