Ledger.com/Start —

Introduction: Secure Your Cryptocurrency from Day One

Cryptocurrency offers financial freedom, but it also comes with the responsibility of safeguarding your assets. Unlike traditional bank accounts, crypto is fully self-custodied—meaning only you control access to your funds. If private keys are lost or stolen, there is no central authority to recover them.

Ledger.com/Start is the official portal for initializing your Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger devices—including Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, and Ledger Stax—protect your cryptocurrency by storing private keys offline. This guide walks you through every step, ensuring your wallet is secure, functional, and ready to manage your assets safely.

Why Ledger.com/Start is Important

The setup process is the most critical stage for the security of your crypto. Ledger.com/Start matters because it ensures:

1. Official Software Download: Ledger Live is installed directly from Ledger, preventing malware risks.

2. Device Authentication: Confirms your hardware wallet is genuine and untampered.

3. Step-by-Step Guidance: Walks you through PIN setup, recovery phrase creation, and account management.

4. Phishing Protection: Reduces the risk of scams and fake websites targeting crypto holders.

5. Secure Backup Setup: Ensures your recovery phrase is properly stored for wallet recovery.

Starting your Ledger journey on the official portal is the first step toward long-term security.

Materials Needed for Setup

Before beginning, gather the following:

Hardware

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

• USB cable included with the device

• Recovery phrase sheets provided in the package

• A secure offline location to store your recovery phrase

Software and Devices

• Computer or smartphone with internet access

• A modern web browser

• Ledger Live software (downloaded from Ledger.com/Start)

Preparation Tips

• Avoid public or shared computers during setup

• Dedicate 15–20 minutes to the setup process

• Ensure a private workspace

• Keep a pen ready for recording your recovery phrase

Step 1: Visit Ledger.com/Start

Type Ledger.com/Start directly into your browser. Avoid links from emails, social media, or search engines, as they may lead to phishing sites. The portal offers tailored instructions for each Ledger device model, along with official software downloads.

Step 2: Select Your Ledger Device

Ledger.com/Start will prompt you to choose your device:

• Ledger Nano X: Portable, supports Bluetooth and USB.

• Ledger Nano S Plus: Compact, USB-only.

• Ledger Stax: Touchscreen device, suitable for managing multiple assets.

Selecting the correct device ensures the instructions match your hardware’s capabilities.

Step 3: Inspect Your Device

Before powering it on:

• Confirm the packaging is intact and untampered.

• Ensure there is no pre-existing recovery phrase or PIN.

• Report any suspicious packaging immediately.

Device inspection ensures authenticity and reduces the risk of using a compromised wallet.

Step 4: Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the software hub for your Ledger wallet. It allows you to:

• Install blockchain-specific apps

• Add and manage multiple accounts

• Send and receive cryptocurrency securely

• Stake supported assets

• View NFTs

Always download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/Start to prevent counterfeit software risks.

Step 5: Connect and Initialize Your Ledger

1. Connect your device using the USB cable (Nano X can also use Bluetooth).

2. Power on the device and select “Set up as a new device.”

3. The device generates cryptographic keys offline, keeping your private keys secure.

Initialization is the foundation of your wallet’s security.

Step 6: Set a PIN Code

Your Ledger PIN protects against unauthorized access. Guidelines for a strong PIN:

• Use 6–8 digits

• Avoid predictable sequences (like birthdays or “123456”)

• Memorize it and avoid writing it down in insecure places

The PIN is required every time you connect your Ledger device.

Step 7: Record Your Recovery Phrase

Ledger devices generate a 24-word recovery phrase—the master key to your wallet.

Security guidelines:

• Write the words in order on the sheet provided

• Keep the sheet offline and in a secure location

• Do not photograph or save it digitally

• Never share it with anyone

The recovery phrase is essential for recovering your wallet if your device is lost or damaged.

Step 8: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase

Your device will ask you to verify certain words from your recovery phrase. Completing this step ensures your backup is correct, preventing permanent loss of access.

Step 9: Install Cryptocurrency Apps

Open Ledger Live and navigate to the Manager section. Install blockchain-specific apps for supported currencies, such as:

• Bitcoin

• Ethereum

• Solana

• Cardano

These apps allow your Ledger device to interact securely with each blockchain.

Step 10: Add Accounts in Ledger Live

Once apps are installed:

1. Click Add Account

2. Select the blockchain

3. Connect your Ledger device for verification

Your accounts are now ready for sending, receiving, and managing cryptocurrency.

Using Your Ledger Wallet

Receiving Cryptocurrency

• Open Ledger Live and select Receive

• Choose the cryptocurrency

• Verify the address on your device

• Share the verified address with the sender

Sending Cryptocurrency

• Open Ledger Live and select Send

• Enter recipient details and the amount

• Confirm on your Ledger device

Swapping Tokens

Ledger Live allows in-app swaps, enabling secure token exchanges without exposing private keys online.

Staking

Stake supported assets through Ledger Live to earn rewards safely.

Managing NFTs

Ethereum and Polygon NFTs can be securely viewed and managed directly through Ledger Live.

Best Practices for Ledger Security

• Only download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/Start

• Never enter your recovery phrase online

• Keep recovery phrases secure and offline

• Verify addresses and transactions on the device

• Be cautious of phishing attempts; Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase or PIN

Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid

MistakeRiskStoring recovery phrase digitallyVulnerable to hackingDownloading unofficial softwareMalware or phishing riskSharing recovery phraseLoss of wallet controlUsing simple PINsEasily guessed or brute-forcedSkipping device verificationDevice may be compromised

Troubleshooting Tips

• Try another USB cable or port if the device isn’t recognized

• Restart Ledger Live and ensure it is updated

• Update firmware if needed

• Contact Ledger support if problems persist

Advanced Tips for Experienced Users

• Keep multiple offline backups of your recovery phrase

• Store recovery phrases in fireproof or waterproof containers

• Enable multi-asset management features in Ledger Live

• Monitor accounts regularly to detect unauthorized activity

Conclusion: Begin Your Crypto Journey Safely

Ledger.com/Start is more than a setup portal—it is the foundation of your crypto security. By following these instructions:

• Your private keys remain offline

• Your recovery phrase is safely stored

• Your assets are protected from phishing, scams, and hacking

Ledger hardware wallets, paired with Ledger Live, provide a secure, reliable, and user-friendly solution for managing your digital assets. Beginning with Ledger.com/Start ensures your crypto journey starts on a strong and safe footing.