
Welcome to the official Ledger.com/start setup guide. This page is designed to help new Ledger hardware wallet users get started in a smooth, safe, and simple way. Whether you are setting up a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or preparing to migrate from another wallet, this step‑by‑step walkthrough ensures a secure onboarding experience. With Ledger devices, your private keys remain offline, protected inside a certified security chip, and you retain full control over your cryptocurrency. The setup process is simple, but accuracy is important to guarantee safe digital asset management.
Begin by unboxing your Ledger device and confirming it is brand-new and untampered. When you power it on, the device will show a welcome message and guide you through the initial steps. It will ask whether you want to set up a new hardware wallet or restore an existing one. Always ensure you follow on-screen instructions carefully and only interact with the genuine Ledger device in your possession.
Open your browser and go to Ledger.com/start. This is the official installation page where you can download Ledger Live, the software that connects your hardware wallet to your computer or mobile device. Ledger Live allows you to manage crypto assets, install apps, swap tokens, and keep track of market movements. Always verify that you are on the official Ledger domain before downloading anything to avoid phishing threats.
Download Ledger Live for your operating system. Once installed, launch it and choose the "Initialize new device" option if you are setting up for the first time. Ledger Live will help you install essential firmware and guide you through creating your PIN code. Make sure you choose a secure PIN that you can remember but cannot be guessed by others.
During setup, your Ledger device will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase. This is the most important part of your wallet’s security. Write it down carefully on the provided recovery sheets and store it offline in a safe place. Never take photos, never save it online, and never share it with anyone. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase—anyone asking is likely a scam.
Once the recovery phrase is secured, Ledger Live will prompt you to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you plan to manage. After installing an app, you can add corresponding crypto accounts inside Ledger Live. This gives you full visibility of balances and transaction history while all private keys remain secured on your hardware wallet.
With your accounts created, you can now receive your first crypto. Ledger Live provides a receiving address that must always be verified on your Ledger device screen. This prevents malware from altering addresses. Once confirmed, you can safely send assets from an exchange or another wallet.
Ledger Live offers features such as staking, swapping, buying crypto, and connecting to Web3 apps through Ledger extension compatibility. Your private keys remain offline even while interacting with decentralized applications, giving you both freedom and security.