Ledger.com/Start

Introduction

Welcome to Ledger.com/Start, the official and secure entry point to initialize and activate your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you're new to hardware wallets or upgrading your setup, this guide shows you how to securely onboard, step by step, with clarity and confidence. 🧾

By following Ledger.com/Start, you avoid phishing sites, counterfeit apps, or malicious guides. Always ensure you're using the official address and verifying downloads directly from Ledger. ⚠️

What You Need Before Getting Started

Gather these essentials before initiating setup:

• A genuine Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or newer)
• Computer or smartphone with internet access
• USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X)
• Pen and the recovery sheet in the box
• A quiet environment to follow instructions safely

⚠️ Tips to ensure safety:

• Do not use a device received in damaged or opened packaging.
• Avoid public or unsecured Wi-Fi when downloading or performing critical steps.
• Never type your recovery phrase into any computer or phone.

Setup & Activation Steps

Step 1: Visit Ledger.com/Start

Type ledger.com/start directly into your browser and ensure a lock icon appears (HTTPS). Do not click links from emails or social media — phishing attempts are common.

Step 2: Download Ledger Live

From the start page, download Ledger Live for your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android). Always use the download links from the official site — do not use alternative sources.

Step 3: Launch & Initialize Device

1. Connect your Ledger device using USB (or via Bluetooth if using Nano X).
2. Open Ledger Live and select “Get Started” → “Set up as new device”.
3. Create a secure PIN directly on the Ledger device (4–8 digits).
4. Ledger will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down carefully, in order, on the provided sheet.
5. Confirm selected words on the device to verify your backup.

Step 4: Genuine Check

Ledger Live will automatically perform a “genuine check” — verifying your device’s firmware and cryptographic signature. If that fails, abort and seek support. 🛑

Step 5: Install Crypto Apps & Add Accounts

Once verified, use Ledger Live to install blockchain-specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). After installation, add crypto accounts and begin managing assets.

Step 6: Test With a Small Transaction

Before moving significant funds, make a small test send and receive. Always verify the address that appears on your device screen — never rely only on the host computer display.

Security & Best Practices 🛡️

Your security is only as strong as your weakest link. Here are critical practices to keep your wallet safe:

• Never share your 24-word recovery phrase — not via text, email, photo, or web forms.
• Store your recovery phrase offline in secure, fireproof or geographically separated locations.
• Use strong PIN codes and never reuse sensitive PINs.
• Regularly update your firmware and Ledger Live using only official sources.
• Always verify transaction details and addresses on the device display.
• Beware of phishing and fake emails — Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.
• For added privacy, consider passphrase / hidden wallets (if you fully understand risks).

Common user concern:

“If the PC is infected, can my recovery phrase be exposed?”

Actually, the seed is generated and stored in the secure chip on the device. It never leaves. Even on an infected computer, the phrase remains off the host. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Device not recognized

• Try a different USB cable or port.
• Restart Ledger Live and your computer.
• Ensure you installed the Ledger Bridge (if required).

Genuine check fails

If your device fails the authenticity check, do not proceed. Contact Ledger support immediately.

PIN forgotten or device locked

If you enter an incorrect PIN too many times, the device resets. Use your recovery phrase to restore to a fresh device.

Recovery phrase mistakes

If you mis‑wrote a word or skipped a word, restore using the correct phrase. Always confirm your backup during setup. A single wrong word may lock your funds.

Can I reuse an existing recovery phrase?

Yes — during setup, choose “Restore device” instead of “New device” and input your phrase. Always verify after restore.

Using multiple Ledger devices

You can pair more than one device with Ledger Live. Just add accounts separately. Reddit users note some issues: “I can’t get my second Ledger to be recognized properly” — try removing and re‑adding. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Conclusion

Congratulations! 🎉 Once everything is set up through Ledger.com/Start, your Ledger device is ready to securely manage crypto. With your recovery phrase backed up, your PIN in place, apps installed, and security practices followed, you have full control and peace of mind.

Whenever you want to add new coins, swap, stake, or explore NFTs, do so via Ledger Live and your hardware device — never via untrusted sources.

If you ever lose access, your 24-word seed phrase (if correctly stored) will let you restore your wallet. That’s why it’s the single most critical piece of your setup.

Stay vigilant, stay private, and always verify every step. The crypto world rewards care and punishes shortcuts.