Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started with Ledger Wallet: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

In today’s fast-evolving digital world, securing your cryptocurrency has never been more important. With billions of dollars lost to online hacks, phishing scams, and exchange vulnerabilities, crypto users are becoming increasingly aware of the need for reliable, offline security. This is where Ledger Wallets come in—hardware wallets trusted globally for their robust security, intuitive design, and ease of use.

If you’re new to Ledger or simply looking for a clear walkthrough to begin your crypto-security journey, this guide will help you get started through Ledger.com/Start®, the official onboarding portal for all Ledger devices. By the end of this article, you’ll understand what Ledger wallets do, how to set yours up, and how to keep your crypto assets safe.

What Is a Ledger Wallet?

A Ledger Wallet is a hardware wallet—a small physical device designed to store your cryptocurrencies offline. Unlike software wallets or exchange accounts, a hardware wallet ensures your private keys never touch the internet, making your digital assets significantly safer from cyber threats.

Ledger currently offers popular models like:

Ledger Nano S Plus

Ledger Nano X

Ledger Stax (latest premium model)

Each model provides secure offline storage, but also flexibility through Ledger Live, the companion app where you manage your digital assets.

Why Start at Ledger.com/Start®?

Ledger.com/Start® is the official, secure setup page for new Ledger devices. It provides verified instructions, helpful videos, and direct links to download Ledger Live, eliminating the risk of phishing websites or fraudulent downloads.

Visiting unauthorized sites can result in:

Stolen recovery phrases

Compromised devices

Fraudulent wallet software

That’s why Ledger strongly recommends always using Ledger.com/Start® for installation and setup.

What You Need Before Starting

Before heading to Ledger.com/Start®, make sure you have:

A brand-new Ledger device (never use a pre-owned wallet)

A computer or smartphone compatible with Ledger Live

A stable internet connection

A pen and paper to write your 24-word recovery phrase

Never store your recovery phrase in:

Photos or screenshots

Cloud storage

Email or notes apps

Keeping it offline is essential.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Ledger Wallet

1. Visit Ledger.com/Start®

Open your browser and type Ledger.com/Start®, ensuring the URL is correct. This page will guide you to the official Ledger Live download section.

2. Download and Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is your secure interface for:

Creating and restoring wallets

Managing crypto assets

Installing blockchain apps

Checking balances and transactions

Choose your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android) and install the app.

3. Connect Your Ledger Device

Plug in your Ledger device using the provided USB cable or Bluetooth (Nano X only). Your screen will display the initial welcome messages.

4. Initialize the Device

Ledger Live will walk you through the following:

Create a New Wallet

If this is your first Ledger device:

Select “Set up as new device.”

Choose a PIN code (4–8 digits).

Confirm it directly on your Ledger device.

Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

Your device will generate a 24-word phrase—this is the backup to your crypto wallet. Anyone with this phrase has full access to your crypto, so protect it carefully.

Ledger recommends:

Writing it on paper (never digital storage)

Storing it in multiple secure locations

Never sharing it with anyone

Never entering it online anywhere other than your Ledger device

Ledger employees will never ask for your recovery phrase.

5. Complete Security Checks

Ledger Live will guide you through a genuine device check to ensure:

The wallet has not been tampered with

The hardware is authentic

The firmware is up-to-date

6. Install Crypto Apps

Each blockchain has its own “app” inside your Ledger device:

Bitcoin app

Ethereum app

Solana app

BNB Smart Chain app
…and more.

You only need to install apps for the currencies you plan to use.

Adding Cryptocurrency to Your Ledger Wallet

Once everything is set up, you’re ready to receive crypto.

1. Open Ledger Live

Go to the Accounts tab and choose Add Account.

2. Select Cryptocurrency

Choose the coin you want to receive (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT).

3. Generate a Receive Address

Ledger Live will display a receiving address. Your Ledger device will ask you to verify and confirm the same address on its screen.

Always verify the address on the device.
This step prevents malware from altering receiving addresses.

4. Send Crypto to Your Ledger

Copy the address and paste it into the withdrawal section of your exchange or digital wallet. Once the network confirms the transaction, the funds will appear in your Ledger Live account.

How to Keep Your Ledger Wallet Secure

Ledger wallets are highly secure, but your habits matter too. Follow these essential safety practices:

1. Keep Your Recovery Phrase Offline and Secret

This is the most critical rule. No recovery phrase = no wallet access.

2. Use Only Official Software

Always use:

Ledger.com/Start® for setup

Ledger Live for management

Official Ledger support channels for troubleshooting

3. Beware of Phishing Attempts

Avoid:

Fake customer support messages

Fake Ledger Live downloads

Links received via email or social media

4. Enable Optional Security Features

Ledger devices support:

Passphrases (advanced users)

Secure PIN entry

Device reset after incorrect PIN attempts

5. Keep Software Updated

Regularly update the Ledger firmware and Ledger Live app to stay protected.

Who Should Use a Ledger Wallet?

A Ledger wallet is ideal for:

Crypto investors holding long-term assets

NFT collectors needing safe storage

Users who frequently transact

Anyone concerned about online hacks

Individuals with multiple crypto assets

Whether you hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, or altcoins, a hardware wallet ensures your assets remain safe even if your phone or computer gets compromised.

Conclusion

Getting started with your Ledger hardware wallet through Ledger.com/Start® is the smartest first step toward taking full control of your digital assets. Ledger’s combination of secure hardware, user-friendly software, and strong privacy practices makes it one of the most trusted solutions for crypto security worldwide.

By following the setup process carefully, protecting your recovery phrase, and using official Ledger tools, you ensure that your crypto remains safe, accessible, and truly owned by you—no middlemen, no custodians, and no unnecessary risk.