Ledger Start® | Get Started with Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

Starting your journey with a hardware wallet is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your digital assets. Ledger devices are designed to give you full control over your cryptocurrency while keeping your private keys offline and secure. This guide walks you through everything you need to know when visiting Ledger.com/Start, from unboxing your device to managing crypto safely and confidently.

What Is Ledger and Why It Matters

Ledger is a leading company in the digital asset security space, best known for its hardware wallets. Unlike software wallets that store private keys on an internet-connected device, Ledger wallets store keys in a secure chip. This design significantly reduces the risk of hacks, malware, and phishing attacks.

When you use a Ledger device, you are not trusting a third party with your funds. You remain the sole owner of your private keys, which means you alone control your crypto.

Visiting Ledger.com/Start

Ledger.com/Start is the official onboarding page for new Ledger users. Its purpose is to guide you step by step through:

  • Verifying your device
  • Installing the Ledger Live application
  • Setting up your wallet securely
  • Learning basic safety rules
  • Managing and growing your crypto portfolio

Using the official start page is critical. It ensures you are following trusted instructions and not relying on unofficial or potentially dangerous sources.

Unboxing Your Ledger Device

When you open your Ledger box for the first time, you should find:

  • The Ledger hardware wallet
  • A USB cable
  • Recovery phrase sheets
  • A keychain or accessories (depending on model)
  • Instruction cards

Before doing anything else, inspect the box carefully. Ledger devices do not come pre-configured. If you notice that a recovery phrase is already written down or included, do not use the device. This may indicate tampering.

Connecting the Device

To begin setup, connect your Ledger wallet to a computer or mobile device using the supplied cable. Powering on the device will display welcome messages and instructions on the screen.

The buttons on the Ledger device are used to navigate menus, confirm choices, and approve transactions. Taking a few minutes to understand how these buttons work will make the setup process much easier.

Installing Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It acts as your control center for:

  • Installing cryptocurrency apps
  • Viewing balances
  • Sending and receiving assets
  • Updating firmware
  • Managing security settings

You will be guided to download Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS). Always download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website to avoid fake or malicious software.

Once installed, open the app and choose the option to set up a new device.

Setting Up a New Wallet

When you initialize your Ledger device, you will be asked whether you want to:

  • Set up as a new device
  • Restore from an existing recovery phrase

If this is your first Ledger, choose to set up a new device. The device will then prompt you to create a PIN code.

Choosing a Strong PIN Code

Your PIN code protects the physical access to your Ledger wallet. Each time the device is connected, the correct PIN must be entered to unlock it.

Choose a PIN that:

  • Is not easy to guess
  • Is not related to birthdays or repeating numbers
  • Is known only to you

If someone enters the wrong PIN multiple times, the device will automatically reset, protecting your funds from brute-force attempts.

Understanding the Recovery Phrase

After setting your PIN, your Ledger device will generate a recovery phrase, typically consisting of 24 words. This phrase is the most important part of your wallet setup.

The recovery phrase is a human-readable version of your private keys. Anyone who has access to it can control your funds, even without your Ledger device.

Key rules for recovery phrases:

  • Write the words down on paper
  • Store them offline in a secure location
  • Never take photos of them
  • Never store them digitally
  • Never share them with anyone

Ledger will ask you to confirm the phrase by selecting the correct words in order. This ensures you have written it down correctly.

Why the Recovery Phrase Is Critical

Your Ledger device can be lost, damaged, or stolen. The recovery phrase is your backup. With it, you can restore your wallet on another Ledger device or compatible wallet and regain access to your funds.

Without the recovery phrase, lost funds cannot be recovered—there is no customer support, reset button, or password recovery option.

Verifying the Device in Ledger Live

Once setup is complete, Ledger Live may perform a genuine check. This process confirms that your device is authentic and has not been modified.

This verification happens through secure cryptographic checks and does not expose your private keys.

Installing Cryptocurrency Apps

Ledger wallets support thousands of cryptocurrencies, but each asset requires its own app installed on the device.

Using Ledger Live, you can:

  • Browse supported cryptocurrencies
  • Install or remove apps
  • Manage device storage

Installing or removing apps does not affect your funds. Your assets remain safely tied to your recovery phrase, not the individual apps.

Adding Accounts

After installing a crypto app, you can add an account in Ledger Live. Accounts allow you to:

  • View balances
  • Track transaction history
  • Generate receive addresses

You can create multiple accounts for the same cryptocurrency if you want to organize funds separately.

Sending and Receiving Crypto

Receiving

To receive crypto:

  1. Open Ledger Live
  2. Select the account
  3. Click receive
  4. Verify the address on your Ledger device screen

Always confirm that the address shown on your computer or phone matches the one displayed on the Ledger device.

Sending

To send crypto:

  1. Enter the recipient’s address
  2. Choose the amount and fees
  3. Confirm the transaction on the Ledger device

Transactions are only approved when you physically confirm them on the device, adding a strong layer of protection.

Keeping Your Ledger Secure

Security is not a one-time task. Follow these ongoing best practices:

  • Keep your recovery phrase private and offline
  • Never enter recovery words on websites or apps
  • Beware of phishing emails and fake support messages
  • Always verify transaction details on the device screen
  • Keep Ledger Live updated

Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase—not by email, not by phone, and not through social media.

Firmware and App Updates

From time to time, Ledger releases firmware and app updates to improve security and functionality. Ledger Live will notify you when updates are available.

Before updating:

  • Ensure you have your recovery phrase
  • Follow on-screen instructions carefully

Updates do not erase your funds when performed correctly.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Many new users make avoidable errors. Be mindful to avoid:

  • Sharing recovery phrases
  • Storing recovery words digitally
  • Downloading fake Ledger Live apps
  • Connecting the device to untrusted computers
  • Rushing through setup without understanding steps

Taking your time during setup is one of the best security decisions you can make.

Long-Term Confidence with Ledger

Using a Ledger hardware wallet gives you long-term confidence in managing digital assets. By keeping private keys offline and requiring physical confirmation for transactions, Ledger minimizes exposure to online threats.

As your crypto knowledge grows, you can explore advanced features such as staking, NFTs, and third-party wallet integrations—all while maintaining the same strong security foundation.

Final Thoughts

Ledger.com/Start exists to ensure that every user begins their crypto journey safely and correctly. By following the official steps, understanding your recovery phrase, and practicing good security habits, you gain full ownership and control of your digital assets.

A Ledger wallet is more than a device—it is a personal security system for your financial future. Take the time to learn it well, protect your recovery phrase, and stay informed. Your crypto security depends on it.