Ledger.com/start — How to set up your Ledger, step-by-step

A complete beginner-to-intermediate guide to Ledger.com/start: installing Ledger Live, initializing your hardware wallet, protecting your recovery phrase, and the pro security habits that keep your crypto safe.

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Quick snapshot

Action: Setup via Ledger.com/start

Audience: New & mid-level crypto users

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Why Ledger.com/start matters

Ledger.com/start is the official onboarding pathway for Ledger hardware wallets. It walks you through downloading Ledger Live, initializing a device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax), and the critical security choices — PIN setup, generating a recovery phrase, and firmware updates. This page is the trusted starting point that helps prevent onboarding mistakes which are the most common cause of loss in crypto.

Follow these steps at Ledger.com/start

Open Ledger.com/start on a trusted computer — start from the official source, not links in messages.
Download Ledger Live for your OS (desktop/mobile) and verify the app if prompted.
Initialize device — choose “Set up as new device” (or restore if you have a recovery phrase).
Create a PIN directly on the device — never enter it on a computer.
Write your recovery phrase (24 words) on the supplied card or a secure metal backup — offline only.
Install apps for the blockchains you’ll use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) via Ledger Live.
Update firmware if prompted — do it only through Ledger Live and confirm details on-device.

Security rule: Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase online. Treat any request for it as a scam.

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At-a-glance: What you'll need

Ledger hardware device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax).
A clean computer or mobile device with internet.
A pen and the recovery card or metal backup plate.
Time — the secure setup takes ~10–20 minutes.

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Detailed walkthrough of the Ledger.com/start process

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1) Downloading Ledger Live safely

From Ledger.com/start, choose the correct Ledger Live installer for your operating system. Avoid copy-pasted links in chats or social media — those are a favorite vector for malicious clones. If you see an option to verify the file hash, do it: it adds a small extra step but prevents tampered downloads.

2) Physical device initialization

When you power on the Ledger, follow prompts to set a PIN directly on the device. You’ll be shown your recovery phrase word-by-word; write each word down exactly in order, then verify the phrase when asked. This recovery phrase (seed phrase) is the single most critical piece of data — it’s your master key to restore funds if your device is lost or damaged.

3) Storing the recovery phrase

Never photograph, email, or type your recovery phrase into any device. Store it offline. For long-term safety, consider a metal backup plate to resist fire, water, and time. Split backups (shamir) are an advanced option if your Ledger model and workflow support them.

4) Installing blockchain apps & accounts

Ledger Live manages apps for each supported blockchain. Install only the apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Adding an account in Ledger Live does not expose your private keys — it only generates the public addresses your device will sign for when needed.

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Recovery methods: What Ledger.com/start recommends

Method Security When to use Paper (written) Medium — susceptible to fire/theft Short-term or secondary backup Metal backup plate Very high — fire/water resistant Primary long-term storage Shamir or split backups High — distributes risk across shares High-security setups for organizations/individuals

Threats during onboarding and how Ledger.com/start helps prevent them

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Phishing & fake installers

Always navigate to Ledger.com/start manually. Most onboarding scams involve fake installers or replicated pages. Ledger’s official flow includes checks and clear messaging warning users about common scams.

Rogue firmware or compromised device

Ledger Live validates firmware signatures before installation. During setup, confirm prompts shown on the device display — never accept firmware updates from unknown sources.

Seed leakage via screenshots/backups

Your recovery phrase should never touch a camera or clipboard. Ledger.com/start explicitly instructs secure offline storage and avoiding digital backups.

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Scenario: Restoring on a new device via Ledger.com/start

You lost your Ledger device but kept your recovery phrase. The restore flow on Ledger.com/start guides you to select Restore device, choose your seed length and enter your 24 words via the hardware device. After validation, your accounts reappear in Ledger Live — your funds were never on the device; they were always recoverable via the phrase.

Related crypto terms covered

This guide uses and explains terms like hardware wallet, recovery phrase (seed phrase), private key, cold storage, firmware, and account derivation. Understanding these helps you make safer choices at Ledger.com/start and beyond.

FAQs — Ledger.com/start

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Q:Can I skip firmware updates during setup?

A: It's best to install firmware updates when offered. They patch vulnerabilities and improve compatibility. Only update through Ledger Live and confirm updates on-device.

Q:Should I store my recovery phrase digitally?

A: No. Digital backups (photos, cloud notes) make your seed vulnerable to hacks. Use paper for temporary notes and migrate to a metal backup for long-term storage.

Q:What if Ledger Live doesn’t detect my device during setup?

A: Try new USB ports/cables, enable Bluetooth for Nano X, restart Ledger Live, or reboot the computer. Also ensure the device is unlocked and on the home screen.

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Pro setup tips for the security-conscious

Verify the URL: Type Ledger.com/start manually — don't click links in DMs or search ads.
Use an air-gapped workflow: For very large holdings, consider preparing transactions on an offline machine and signing with your device.
Adopt a split-secret strategy: Use Shamir or multi-location storage for ultra-secure recovery.
Audit regularly: Check your device firmware version and Ledger Live app updates monthly.

Conclusion — Start smart at Ledger.com/start

Ledger.com/start is your secure and straightforward route to self-custody. The steps are intentionally explicit because the setup phase is where most user security mistakes happen. By downloading Ledger Live from the official page, initializing your hardware wallet correctly, storing your recovery phrase offline, and following the verification checks shown on-device, you dramatically reduce the risk of loss.

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Treat your recovery phrase like the master key it is, adopt a clean onboarding habit, and keep firmware and app software current. With those rituals in place, Ledger.com/start becomes more than a page — it’s the start of a resilient crypto habit.

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This article is for educational purposes and explains the Ledger.com/start onboarding flow and security practices. Always follow official Ledger instructions for device-specific procedures and reach out to Ledger support if unsure.