Ledger.com/start is the official website to begin setting up a Ledger hardware wallet, which is a secure device designed to store cryptocurrency private keys offline. Ledger produces a range of hardware wallets, including Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, and Ledger Stax. These devices provide one of the safest ways to manage cryptocurrency because private keys never leave the device. By keeping private keys offline, Ledger wallets protect digital assets from online threats such as hacks, phishing attacks, malware, and unauthorized access. Using a Ledger wallet gives users complete control over their cryptocurrency while maintaining strong security.

When you purchase a Ledger wallet, it is important to ensure that the packaging is intact and has not been tampered with. The device should come in a sealed box and include the wallet itself, a USB cable, recovery sheets, and a quick start guide. Ledger devices never come with pre-written recovery phrases. If a 24-word recovery phrase is already included in the box, the device may have been compromised, and it should not be used. The recovery phrase must be generated directly on the Ledger device during setup to ensure maximum security.

To begin the setup process, open a web browser and go to www.ledger.com/start
. Typing the address manually ensures that you reach the official site and avoid phishing scams. On the Ledger Start page, select your specific Ledger device model and follow the instructions to download Ledger Live. Ledger Live is the official application for managing your Ledger wallet and cryptocurrency portfolio. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Ledger Live allows users to view account balances, send and receive cryptocurrency, install blockchain apps, and monitor transactions, while keeping private keys securely stored on the device.

After downloading Ledger Live, install and open the application. Click “Get Started” and choose whether to set up a new device or restore an existing wallet using a recovery phrase. If this is your first Ledger wallet, select “Set up as new device.” Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the USB cable, or via Bluetooth if you are using a Ledger Nano X. Carefully follow the instructions displayed on both your Ledger device and Ledger Live to continue the setup.

The first step in the setup process is to create a PIN code. The PIN protects your wallet from unauthorized access. Choose a secure PIN that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess. You will need to enter this PIN each time you access the device. If the wrong PIN is entered multiple times, the device will reset to factory settings to prevent unauthorized use.

After setting the PIN, the device generates a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is critical because it serves as a backup for all private keys stored on the Ledger. If the device is lost, stolen, or damaged, the recovery phrase allows you to restore access to your cryptocurrency accounts on a new device. Write down all 24 words in the exact order on the recovery sheet provided. Never take a photo of the recovery phrase or store it digitally, and never share it with anyone. Anyone with access to the recovery phrase can gain full control of the funds stored on the wallet. Ledger will never request your recovery phrase.

Once the recovery phrase is written down, it must be confirmed on the device to ensure it has been recorded correctly. After this confirmation, your Ledger wallet is ready for use. Open Ledger Live and connect your device. Ledger Live will verify that the device is genuine and check that the firmware is up to date. Firmware updates are important for security and may include new features that improve the functionality of the device.

Next, install apps for the cryptocurrencies you intend to use. Each blockchain requires its own app, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana. You can install these apps through the “My Ledger” section of Ledger Live. After installing the apps, add accounts for each cryptocurrency. Ledger Live will display balances and transaction histories for each account, while your private keys remain safely stored on the device.

To receive cryptocurrency, select “Receive” in Ledger Live, choose the account, and verify the address on your Ledger device. Always make sure the address displayed in the app matches the one on the device. To send cryptocurrency, click “Send,” enter the recipient’s address and the amount, and confirm the transaction on the device. Transactions cannot be completed without physical approval on the Ledger, adding an extra layer of security.

For long-term safety, never share your recovery phrase or PIN, and always download Ledger Live from the official website. Keep your recovery sheet in a secure location, such as a safe or lockbox, and consider fireproof or waterproof storage. Regularly update Ledger Live and your device firmware to ensure that security features remain current.

If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can restore your wallet using the 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger device. Enter the words in the correct order, and your cryptocurrency accounts will be restored. Cryptocurrency is stored on the blockchain, not on the device itself. The Ledger device provides secure access to your private keys, keeping them offline and under your control.

Ledger.com/start provides a secure, step-by-step process for setting up a Ledger hardware wallet. It guides users through downloading Ledger Live, creating a PIN, recording and confirming the recovery phrase, installing cryptocurrency apps, and adding accounts. Following these instructions ensures that your wallet is secure and your crypto holdings are protected. Ledger devices allow users to manage digital assets confidently, knowing that private keys remain offline, fully under their control, and protected against online threats. Remember the essential rule of cryptocurrency: not your keys, not your coins. Ledger ensures your keys remain safe, giving you peace of mind and security.