Ledger.com/start: A Simple Guide to Set Up Your Ledger Wallet

If you have cryptocurrency, one of the most important things you need to do is keep it safe. Unlike money in a bank, cryptocurrency is completely your responsibility. If it gets hacked or stolen, there’s usually no way to get it back. That’s why people use Ledger wallets — small, secure devices that store your crypto offline, away from the internet.

When you buy a new Ledger device, you’ll need to set it up before using it. The safest and easiest way to do that is through Ledger.com/start, the official setup website from Ledger. This page will walk you through everything — from downloading the app to securing your recovery phrase.

Let’s go through each step in simple terms.

What Is Ledger.com/start?

Ledger.com/start is the official setup page for Ledger hardware wallets. It helps you safely install and configure your device. The website provides clear instructions for beginners, so you don’t have to worry about making mistakes.

There are many fake websites that look like the real Ledger site, but they are designed to steal your information. Always type https://www.ledger.com/start
 directly into your browser. Never click on links from emails or social media ads — scammers often use fake URLs to trick users.

Before You Begin

Before setting up your Ledger device, make sure you have:

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

A computer or smartphone with internet access

A USB cable (included with your device)

A pen and the recovery sheet that came in the box

You don’t need to buy or download anything else except the official Ledger Live app from Ledger.com/start.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Open your browser and go to Ledger.com/start. You’ll see the list of Ledger devices. Choose the model you have — for example, Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X.

After selecting your device, you’ll be guided to download Ledger Live, the main app you’ll use to manage your crypto.

Step 2: Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official software for Ledger devices. It helps you manage your cryptocurrency accounts, send and receive coins, and check your balances securely.

It’s available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices (iOS and Android). Once downloaded, install the app and open it.

When it asks what you want to do, click on “Set up a new device.”

Step 3: Connect and Power On Your Ledger Device

Plug your Ledger device into your computer using the USB cable. The screen on your Ledger will turn on and show instructions. Follow them step by step.

You’ll be asked to set up a new wallet. Choose that option to begin creating your secure crypto wallet.

Step 4: Create Your PIN Code

Your device will ask you to create a PIN code.
This PIN keeps your wallet safe if someone else tries to use your device. Choose a PIN that’s easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess — between 4 and 8 digits long.

Write it down somewhere secure. If you enter the wrong PIN three times, the device resets automatically for safety.

Step 5: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

Now, your Ledger will show you 24 words on the screen. These words are called your recovery phrase or seed phrase.

This phrase is the most important part of your wallet. It’s like the master key to your crypto.

Write down all 24 words carefully on the recovery sheet that came in the box.
Do not:

Take a photo of the words

Type them on your computer or phone

Share them online or with anyone

If you lose your Ledger device, these 24 words are the only way to recover your crypto. If someone else gets them, they can take all your funds. So store them safely — somewhere only you can access.

Step 6: Verify Your Recovery Phrase

Your device will ask you to confirm your 24 words. This ensures you wrote them down correctly. Once confirmed, the setup continues automatically.

Your Ledger wallet is now created and ready to use!

Step 7: Install Apps for Your Coins

Now go back to the Ledger Live app.
To use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, you’ll need to install their apps on your Ledger device.

In Ledger Live, go to “My Ledger” and install the apps for the coins you plan to store. It only takes a few seconds.

Step 8: Add Accounts in Ledger Live

After installing the apps, add accounts for each cryptocurrency you want to manage.

For example:

Add a Bitcoin account to store BTC

Add an Ethereum account to store ETH

You can now see all your balances in one secure place inside the Ledger Live app.

Step 9: Send and Receive Crypto

Now that your wallet is set up, you can start using it.

To receive crypto, click “Receive” in Ledger Live, select your account, and copy the wallet address displayed on your device screen. Always confirm the address on your Ledger device before sharing it.

To send crypto, click “Send,” enter the recipient’s wallet address, and confirm the details on your device. This final step ensures no one can change the address or trick you — you must physically approve the transaction on your Ledger device.

Step 10: Keep Your Wallet Updated

Ledger releases regular updates for its devices and apps to improve security.
Always:

Update the Ledger Live app when prompted

Install new firmware versions on your device

Keep your recovery phrase private and secure

Updates help protect you against new threats and keep your crypto safe.

Tips for Staying Safe

Buy your Ledger only from the official Ledger website or verified resellers.

Never share your recovery phrase — Ledger will never ask for it.

Be careful of phishing scams pretending to be Ledger.

Use a strong password on your computer and mobile devices.

Double-check all addresses before sending crypto.

Conclusion

Setting up your Ledger device through Ledger.com/start is the best way to begin protecting your crypto safely. The process may seem technical at first, but it’s actually simple when you follow the instructions step by step.

Once your wallet is set up, your crypto stays secure offline, safe from hackers and online attacks. Just remember — your 24-word recovery phrase is the key to everything. Keep it private, store it safely, and you’ll have full control over your digital assets for years to come.