How to Set Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet | Ledger.com/Start

Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet is the first and most important step toward taking full control of your cryptocurrency. Ledger devices—such as Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and Ledger Stax—are globally trusted for providing industry-leading security while keeping your digital assets safe from hacks, malware, and unauthorized access.

This setup guide walks you through every important step, from unboxing your new device to securing your recovery phrase and connecting it to Ledger Live. By following the official process through Ledger.com/Start, you ensure your wallet is initialized securely and correctly.

Why Setting Up Through Ledger.com/Start Matters

Ledger.com/Start is the official onboarding and setup portal for all Ledger hardware wallets. It provides verified instructions, secure downloads, and accurate tutorials that protect users from phishing websites and fake versions of Ledger Live.

Using the official site guarantees:

You download the authentic Ledger Live application

You initialize your device correctly

Your private keys remain 100% offline

You avoid fraudulent or compromised software

Your Ledger wallet should always be set up directly through Ledger.com/Start, not through search engines or unofficial links.

What Comes in Your Ledger Box?

Before beginning, unbox your Ledger device and check that everything is included:

Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax)

USB cable

Recovery phrase sheets

Quick start guide

Optional accessories depending on your model

Make sure the packaging is sealed and untampered with. Ledger devices are never pre-configured. If you find a recovery phrase already written or printed inside the box, do not use it—your device may have been compromised.

Step 1: Visit Ledger.com/Start

Go to Ledger.com/Start on your computer or mobile device.
This official portal will guide you based on your specific Ledger model.

Choose your device from the available options:

Ledger Nano S Plus

Ledger Nano X

Ledger Stax

Click your model to begin following its dedicated setup instructions.

Step 2: Download and Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the core application used to:

Initialize your wallet

Manage your crypto accounts

Send and receive assets

Install blockchain apps

Buy, swap, and stake crypto

You can download Ledger Live for:

Windows

macOS

Linux

iOS

Android

Always install Ledger Live directly from Ledger.com/Start—never from search engine results or third-party websites.

After downloading, install Ledger Live on your device and open it.

Step 3: Connect Your Ledger Device

Use the provided USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X) to connect your Ledger hardware wallet to your computer or smartphone.

Ledger Live will ask whether this is a new device.

Select “Set up a new Ledger device.”

Step 4: Choose a PIN Code

Your Ledger device will instruct you to set a PIN code.
This digital lock ensures no one can access your wallet without your permission.

Guidelines for your PIN:

Choose 4–8 digits

Avoid obvious combinations (like 0000 or 1234)

Memorize your PIN

Never write it down next to your device

Never share it with anyone

You must confirm the PIN directly on the Ledger screen.

Step 5: Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

This is the most critical part of the entire setup.

Your Ledger device will display a 24-word recovery phrase, one word at a time. This phrase is the only backup to your crypto wallet. If your device is lost, damaged, or stolen, the recovery phrase is the only way to restore your funds.

What you must do:

Write the words down in order on the provided recovery sheet

Double-check spelling

Never take a screenshot

Never store it on your phone, computer, or cloud

Never share your phrase with anyone—ever

Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Any website, app, or person requesting it is a scam.

You will be asked to confirm the phrase on your device before continuing.

Step 6: Confirm Device Authenticity

Ledger Live will now verify that your device is genuine through Ledger’s cryptographic attestation process.

If everything is authentic, you will see a confirmation message.
If not, Ledger Live will alert you immediately.

This step ensures your wallet hasn't been tampered with or compromised.

Step 7: Install Apps for Your Crypto Assets

Ledger wallets can manage thousands of cryptocurrencies, but each blockchain requires its own app installed on the device.

To install apps:

Open Ledger Live

Go to “My Ledger”

Approve the connection on your device

Search for apps like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, or others

Click Install

Installing an app does not store cryptocurrency—it just allows your Ledger device to support that blockchain.

Step 8: Add Crypto Accounts to Ledger Live

You need to add accounts inside Ledger Live to view balances or receive crypto.

Steps:

Open Ledger Live

Navigate to “Accounts”

Click “Add Account”

Choose the asset (e.g., Bitcoin or Ethereum)

Let Ledger Live sync with your device

Your accounts are now ready to use.

Step 9: Receive Your First Crypto

To deposit crypto:

Open Ledger Live

Select the asset

Click “Receive”

Connect your Ledger device

Verify that the address on the Ledger screen matches the Ledger Live screen

This verification process protects you from address-alteration malware.

Only send crypto to compatible networks.
For example:

Bitcoin → Bitcoin address

Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens → Ethereum address

SOL → Solana address

Step 10: Send Crypto Safely

To send crypto:

Click “Send” in Ledger Live

Enter the recipient address

Choose the amount

Review the network fees

Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device

Since approvals happen physically on your Ledger device, no hacker can send your crypto without your permission.

Security Tips to Keep Your Crypto Safe

Ledger provides top-tier security, but your habits matter too.
Follow these best practices:

1. Protect Your Recovery Phrase

Store it offline in a secure place, such as:

A safe or vault

A fireproof metal backup

Never store it digitally.

2. Keep Your Firmware Updated

Ledger releases firmware updates that improve security and compatibility.

3. Use Only the Official Ledger Live App

Fake apps are one of the most common scams—always download from Ledger.com.

4. Beware of Phishing

No legitimate company or representative will ever ask for your 24-word phrase.

5. Enable Ledger Live Password Lock

This adds an extra layer of security to your app.

Restoring an Existing Wallet (Optional)

If you already have a recovery phrase from a previous Ledger or another wallet, you can restore it:

Choose “Restore from recovery phrase” during setup

Enter your 24 words using the Ledger device buttons

Set a new PIN

Your existing accounts will be restored once you add them in Ledger Live.

Troubleshooting and Support

If you need help, Ledger.com/Start also links to:

Device troubleshooting

Firmware update guides

Connection problem fixes

Live support options

Ledger’s team will help—but remember:
They will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Start Your Crypto Journey with Confidence

Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet through Ledger.com/Start is the safest and most reliable way to begin protecting your digital assets. With your wallet initialized, recovery phrase secured, and Ledger Live ready to go, you now have complete control over your cryptocurrencies.