Official Site® — Ledger.com/Start®

Introduction

Ledger hardware wallets (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and others) protect your private keys by storing them inside a secure element (SE) on the device — isolated from internet-connected devices. This guide walks you through the essential steps on Ledger.com/Start to verify your device, install Ledger Live, initialize a wallet, secure your recovery phrase, and begin transacting safely.

Before you begin

• Always buy your Ledger device from ledger.com or an authorized reseller — avoid third-party marketplaces that may sell tampered products.
• Have a pen and a safe place to write your recovery phrase; never store it digitally.
• Use a trusted computer and a secure network when setting up your device.

Step 1 — Verify packaging & device

Inspect the box for tamper-evident seals and factory packaging. Ledger devices ship with a sealed box and a recovery sheet; if anything appears altered, contact Ledger Support and do not proceed with setup.

Step 2 — Visit Ledger.com/Start

Open a secure browser and go to ledger.com/start. The official start page detects your model and guides you to the correct Ledger Live download and model-specific setup instructions. Avoid following links from emails or search results — type the URL directly or use a bookmark.

Step 3 — Download and install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion app for managing accounts, checking balances, and sending or receiving crypto. Download the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or use the mobile app (iOS/Android) from official stores. Install and launch Ledger Live, then allow any required system permissions.

Step 4 — Initialize your device

1. Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X) to your computer.
2. On the device, follow on-screen prompts to choose between creating a new wallet or restoring from an existing recovery phrase.
3. If creating new, pick a PIN code directly on the device — this PIN protects access to the device if it’s lost or stolen.
4. Write down the recovery phrase exactly as shown. Ledger displays 24 words (standard) — record them in order on the supplied recovery sheet.

Step 5 — Ledger Live: add accounts & verify addresses

In Ledger Live, choose Add account, select a cryptocurrency, and let the app synchronize. When receiving funds, always verify the receiving address shown in Ledger Live matches the address displayed on your Ledger device screen. This on-device verification prevents malicious software from altering addresses.

Security best practices

• Never type or store your recovery phrase on a computer, phone, email, or cloud service.
• Use a metal backup for long-term protection against fire, water, or deterioration for high-value holdings.
• Set a strong PIN and enable additional protections if available (passphrase feature for an extra hidden wallet).
• Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated; firmware updates are signed and validated by Ledger.
• Beware of phishing: official Ledger domains include ledger.com; be cautious with look-alike domains.

Troubleshooting common issues

If your device is not detected: try a different USB cable or port, ensure Ledger Live and your OS are up to date, and check whether any browser extensions conflict with the connection. For Bluetooth issues with Nano X, confirm your device is in pairing mode and the OS Bluetooth settings are configured. When in doubt, consult Ledger Support.

Advanced tips

Power users may consider multisig setups, using multiple devices for redundancy, or cold storage strategies. Ledger supports integrations with third-party wallets (e.g., MetaMask, Electrum) for certain workflows — verify compatibility and always sign transactions on-device.