Getting Started with Ledger: A Complete Guide to Ledger.com/Start

As the world of cryptocurrency continues to grow, the need for safe and secure storage solutions has never been more important. Whether you're investing in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or exploring NFTs and DeFi, securing your digital assets is essential. That’s where Ledger, one of the most trusted names in crypto hardware wallets, comes in.

If you’ve just purchased a Ledger device, or are planning to, your journey starts at Ledger.com/start. This page is your official setup portal, designed to help you install and configure your Ledger device with maximum security and ease.

This guide walks you through every step of the setup process, explains what Ledger Live is, and shows you how to start managing your crypto assets with confidence.

What Is Ledger?

Ledger is a leading company in cryptocurrency security, known for its hardware wallets—physical devices that store your private keys offline. These wallets are often referred to as “cold storage” and are far safer than storing crypto on exchanges or software wallets that are connected to the internet.

Ledger currently offers several devices:

• Ledger Nano S Plus – Affordable, beginner-friendly, supports many cryptocurrencies.
• Ledger Nano X – Adds Bluetooth connectivity and more storage capacity.
• Ledger Stax (newer, premium device with touchscreen and E Ink display).

All of these devices can be set up using the same process at Ledger.com/start.

Step 1: Visit Ledger.com/Start

To begin, open your web browser and go to 👉 https://www.ledger.com/start.

This page is the official starting point for all Ledger wallets. It ensures you're using legitimate software and setup instructions, which is crucial in a space filled with phishing and scam attempts.

You’ll be asked to choose your device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or another model) and then guided to download Ledger Live, the companion app for managing your wallet.

Step 2: Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the all-in-one software platform that works with your Ledger hardware wallet. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. You can download it directly from the start page.

Ledger Live lets you:

• Set up your device securely
• Create new wallets
• Add multiple cryptocurrency accounts
• Send and receive funds
• Stake supported assets
• Manage NFTs
• Connect to DeFi platforms via Ledger Extension

Download and install the app on your computer or mobile device before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Connect and Set Up Your Ledger Device

After installing Ledger Live, launch the app and connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X).

The setup process will guide you through:

1. Initializing Your Device Choose “Set up as new device” if you are using it for the first time.
2. Create a PIN Code Set a PIN directly on your device. This PIN protects your device from unauthorized access.
3. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase Your Ledger will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This is the only backup of your private keys. Do not store it digitally. Write it down and keep it safe, offline.
4. Verify Your Phrase You’ll be asked to confirm your recovery words in order, ensuring you’ve written them down correctly.
5. Finish Setup in Ledger Live Once your device is initialized, Ledger Live will verify the device and finalize the setup.

Step 4: Add Crypto Accounts

Once setup is complete, you can start adding accounts in Ledger Live for various cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many more.

Each account generates a secure address for receiving crypto. When sending crypto, all transactions must be physically approved on your Ledger device.

This “hardware confirmation” ensures that no one—even if your computer is compromised—can move your funds without your permission.

Step 5: Explore Ledger Live Features

Ledger Live is more than just a wallet viewer. It includes:

• Portfolio Dashboard: See your total holdings, balances, and asset breakdown.
• Buy/Sell/Swap: Use integrated services like MoonPay or Changelly to buy or exchange crypto.
• Staking: Stake assets like Ethereum, Tezos, or Solana directly from the app and earn rewards.
• NFT Manager: View, send, and receive Ethereum and Polygon-based NFTs.
• Ledger Extension: Use Ledger with DeFi and Web3 apps safely via browser extension.

Everything is done securely with your Ledger device keeping the private keys offline.

Safety Tips When Using Ledger

Your Ledger wallet offers top-tier security, but you must follow best practices:

• Only download software from Ledger.com
• Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
• Physically confirm all transactions on your device
• Beware of fake Ledger emails or websites
• Update your device firmware and Ledger Live regularly

Ledger does not store or recover your recovery phrase. If you lose your phrase, you lose access to your funds.

Conclusion

Setting up your wallet at Ledger.com/start is the first and most important step in taking control of your crypto security. Ledger’s combination of hardware-based cold storage and the powerful Ledger Live software gives you complete control over your digital assets—without relying on centralized platforms.

From managing coins and tokens to buying, swapping, staking, and even NFTs, Ledger offers an all-in-one solution for secure crypto ownership.