Ledger.com/start is the official setup page for Ledger hardware wallets. It is the first place users should visit when setting up a new Ledger device, such as the Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, or Ledger Stax. These devices are hardware wallets, meaning they are physical tools designed to keep your cryptocurrency private keys safe offline. Private keys are what give you control over your crypto assets, and if they are stolen or exposed, your funds can be lost. By keeping these keys offline in a secure chip inside the device, Ledger protects your assets from hackers, malware, and phishing scams that often target online wallets and exchanges.

When you receive a new Ledger wallet, the first thing to do is to check the packaging carefully. A genuine Ledger box should contain the hardware device, a USB cable, recovery sheets, and a quick start guide. Ledger devices never come with a pre-written recovery phrase. If you find a recovery phrase already filled in or printed inside the box, the device may have been tampered with, and you should not use it. The recovery phrase — a list of 24 words — is generated by you during setup directly on the device. This phrase is your only backup. If your Ledger is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can recover your funds using the 24-word recovery phrase. For this reason, it must be kept private, written down carefully, and stored somewhere secure and offline. Never take a photo of it or store it digitally.

To begin setup, open your web browser and go to Ledger.com/start. Always type the URL manually instead of clicking on links, because there are many fake websites pretending to be Ledger. These fake sites often try to trick users into entering their recovery phrases, which can lead to theft. Once you are on the official website, you can select your Ledger device and download Ledger Live, the official software that works with your Ledger hardware wallet.

Ledger Live is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It allows you to manage your cryptocurrencies, check balances, send and receive coins, and install blockchain apps. Ledger Live does not store your private keys — they always remain inside your Ledger device. The app only acts as a secure interface for you to interact with the blockchain while the Ledger device handles the signing of transactions offline.

After downloading and installing Ledger Live, open it and click “Get Started.” You will be asked whether you want to set up a new device or restore an existing wallet using a recovery phrase. If you are using your Ledger for the first time, select “Set up as new device.” Connect your Ledger to your computer using the USB cable or connect via Bluetooth if you are using the Ledger Nano X. Follow the instructions shown on both your device screen and in the Ledger Live app.

The first setup step is creating a PIN code. The PIN protects your Ledger device from unauthorized use. You will need to enter this PIN every time you connect or power on your Ledger. If the PIN is entered incorrectly three times, the device will automatically reset for safety. Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.

Next, your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is extremely important because it is the only way to recover your wallet if the device is lost or damaged. Carefully write down each of the 24 words on the provided recovery sheet in the exact order they appear. Double-check your spelling and word order. Once written down, confirm the phrase on the device by selecting a few words in the correct sequence. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone — not even Ledger customer support. Ledger will never ask for it. Keep it offline and secure in a private place.

After the recovery phrase is confirmed, your device setup is complete. Open Ledger Live and connect your device to verify its authenticity. You may be prompted to update your device’s firmware — it is important to always keep your firmware and Ledger Live updated to maintain strong security.

Next, you can install apps for different cryptocurrencies. Each blockchain requires its own app — for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana. Open Ledger Live, go to “My Ledger,” and install the apps you need. After that, you can add accounts for each currency you plan to use. Ledger Live will show your balances and transaction history, while your private keys stay safely stored on your device.

To receive cryptocurrency, click “Receive” in Ledger Live, select the account, and verify that the address shown in the app matches the address displayed on your Ledger device screen. Always confirm that the two addresses are identical before sharing it with anyone. To send cryptocurrency, click “Send,” enter the recipient’s address and amount, and confirm the transaction on your Ledger device. This physical confirmation adds an extra layer of protection by ensuring that even if your computer is compromised, no one can move your funds without your approval on the device itself.

To keep your wallet secure, follow a few key safety rules. Never share your recovery phrase or PIN. Only download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start. Store your recovery sheet in a fireproof and waterproof location. Update your device firmware regularly. If your Ledger device is ever lost, stolen, or damaged, your funds remain safe as long as you still have your 24-word recovery phrase. Cryptocurrency is not stored on the device itself but on the blockchain — the Ledger device simply secures the keys that give access to your coins.

Ledger.com/start provides complete step-by-step guidance for every part of this setup process. Following these instructions ensures that your wallet is configured securely, your recovery phrase is protected, and your private keys remain safe from online threats. Using a Ledger hardware wallet allows you to take full control of your cryptocurrency holdings without relying on third parties such as exchanges. This follows the well-known crypto rule: “Not your keys, not your coins.” With a Ledger device, you control your keys, meaning you have complete ownership and security of your digital assets.

By visiting Ledger.com/start and following the official setup instructions, users can confidently create a secure environment for managing their cryptocurrency. The combination of hardware-level protection and Ledger Live software makes Ledger one of the safest and most reliable solutions for storing digital assets in today’s crypto world.