Ledger.com/Start — Your Complete Onboarding Guide

Welcome to your secure entry point into the world of self-custody. This 1200-word guide walks you through everything you need to know to set up your Ledger device, install Ledger Live, verify authenticity, and begin managing your cryptocurrency with maximum protection. Whether you're completely new to hardware wallets or transitioning from software wallets, this guide provides clarity, confidence, and a seamless onboarding experience.

1. Why Start at Ledger.com/Start?

Ledger.com/Start is the official setup portal for all Ledger hardware wallets. By using the official site, you ensure that the software, downloads, and instructions you follow come from Ledger directly—never from third-party sources. This eliminates phishing risks and ensures a clean, secure setup experience from beginning to end. Always type the URL manually and avoid clicking links sent through email or private messages.

2. Meet Your Ledger Device

Ledger’s hardware wallets, including Ledger Nano X and Nano S Plus, are physical devices designed to securely store your private keys offline. These keys never leave the device, ensuring that no malware, remote attacker, or compromised browser extension can access your funds. Ledger devices use Secure Element chips—the same technology trusted by passports, banking cards, and government identification systems—to guarantee rock‑solid protection against digital threats.

3. Unboxing and Authenticity Check

When you unbox your Ledger device, you should find the device itself, a USB cable, recovery sheets, and documentation. One of the most important rules: Ledger never includes a pre-written recovery phrase. If your box contains one, stop immediately—it is unsafe. During setup, Ledger Live will guide you through an on-device authenticity check to confirm that your device is genuine and has not been tampered with.

4. Install Ledger Live Securely

Ledger Live is your command center for managing crypto safely. You can download the latest version from Ledger.com/Start for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android. Ledger Live allows you to install apps for different blockchains, manage accounts, send and receive crypto, monitor your portfolio, and access services such as buy, sell, swap, and stake.

After installation, Ledger Live will walk you through pairing your device, checking its authenticity, and completing security steps. Always perform these actions within Ledger Live and never through a browser-based tool claiming to be Ledger.

5. Creating Your PIN Code

Once your device is powered on, you will be prompted to create a PIN code. This PIN is your first layer of defense against unauthorized access. Choose a PIN that is difficult to guess but easy for you to remember. Your device will require the PIN every time you connect it or approve a transaction.

6. Generating Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

Your recovery phrase is the single most important part of your Ledger security setup. These 24 words represent your private key—whoever has them controls your crypto. Ledger devices generate this phrase offline, ensuring maximum security. Write down the words in the exact order shown on the device screen. Never store your phrase on phones, computers, cloud storage, or screenshots. Paper and metal backups are the safest.

If you lose your device, your recovery phrase is what allows you to recover your funds on a new Ledger or any compatible wallet. Without it, access is permanently lost—so protect it with extreme care.

7. Installing Blockchain Apps

Ledger devices support thousands of cryptocurrencies, but each requires its own blockchain app. For example, Bitcoin needs the Bitcoin app, Ethereum requires the Ethereum app, and so on. You install these apps through Ledger Live. Each app enables your device to generate and sign transactions for that specific network while keeping private keys safely stored inside the Secure Element chip.

8. Adding Accounts in Ledger Live

Once blockchain apps are installed, Ledger Live allows you to create and manage accounts. Accounts represent specific wallets within a blockchain—such as multiple Bitcoin or Ethereum accounts. Ledger Live syncs blockchain data securely, giving you a clear view of transactions, balances, and portfolio growth, all while your keys remain offline on your device.

9. Sending and Receiving Crypto Safely

When receiving crypto, always verify the address on your Ledger device screen. This ensures the address hasn't been tampered with by malware. When sending crypto, Ledger Live will display the transaction details, and your device will ask you to physically confirm them. This hardware‑based confirmation is what makes Ledger incredibly safe—no transaction can be approved without your physical interaction.

10. Staking and Earning Rewards

Ledger Live supports staking for several major networks including Ethereum, Polkadot, Solana, Cosmos, and Tezos. Staking allows you to earn rewards passively while still keeping your private keys offline and secure. Ledger partners with trusted validators to maintain high network reliability and transparent reward distribution.

11. Managing Your NFTs

Ledger Live includes an NFT manager where you can view and organize your Ethereum and Polygon NFTs. By storing your private keys on a Ledger device, you protect yourself from malicious smart contracts, fake NFT platforms, and phishing campaigns. Every NFT interaction requires on-device approval, adding a powerful layer of safety.

12. Advanced Features for Experienced Users

Beyond basic wallet functions, Ledger supports a wide ecosystem of tools including DeFi platforms, Web3 dApps, swaps, and buying/selling through verified partners. These integrations extend your crypto capabilities while maintaining Ledger’s core security model. Firmware updates keep your device optimized and add support for emerging blockchain protocols.

13. Best Practices for Long-Term Security

To stay protected:
• Keep your 24-word recovery phrase offline at all times.
• Never share your recovery phrase with anyone.
• Always verify URLs before entering information.
• Confirm addresses on your Ledger device before sending.
• Avoid connecting your device to unknown or untrusted systems.
• Update Ledger Live and device firmware through official channels only.

Conclusion

Ledger.com/Start gives you everything needed to begin your secure crypto journey with confidence. By combining hardware-level protection with the powerful Ledger Live ecosystem, Ledger provides one of the safest and most user-friendly ways to buy, store, manage, and grow your digital assets. Whether you're holding your first cryptocurrency or building a complex portfolio, Ledger equips you with the tools and security needed to succeed in the world of digital finance.