📘 Official® “Getting Started” Guide — Ledger.com/Start®

Introduction
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to properly set up your Ledger hardware wallet using the official onboarding portal at Ledger.com/Start®. Starting here ensures you follow secure, step‑by‑step instructions from unboxing your device to managing your cryptocurrencies with confidence and safety. This guide is structured with clear headings and interlinked sections to help you understand each phase of setup without confusion.

🔗 Index of Sections

1. What is Ledger.com/Start®?
2. Why Use the Official Onboarding Portal
3. Preparation Before Setup
4. Accessing the Official Ledger Setup
5. Installing Ledger Live
6. Initializing Your Ledger Device
7. Setting Your PIN Code
8. Generating and Securing Your Recovery Phrase
9. Confirming the Recovery Phrase
10. Verifying Device Authenticity
11. Linking with Ledger Live
12. Adding Accounts & Managing Assets
13. Daily Use: Sending, Receiving & Monitoring
14. Security Best Practices
15. Troubleshooting Common Issues
16. Conclusion

1. 📍 What is Ledger.com/Start®?

Ledger.com/Start® is the official onboarding portal provided by Ledger — the trusted hardware wallet manufacturer — designed to guide you safely through the setup and configuration of your Ledger device. Whether you’re setting up a brand‑new hardware wallet or restoring an existing one, this portal provides step‑by‑step setup instructions, verified software links, and security advice.

This page is the only verified start point for new Ledger users — do not follow links from random emails, ads, or search results that are not Ledger.com/Start.

2. 🔒 Why Use the Official Onboarding Portal

Starting at Ledger.com/Start® ensures you:

• Download Legitimate Ledger Live Software
• Avoid counterfeit firmware or phishing risks
• Get official security guidance
• Properly initialize your device
• Manage your private keys safely

These advantages are critical to ensuring your crypto assets remain secure. Fake setup pages and unofficial downloads are a common scam method targeting crypto users.

3. 🧰 Preparation Before Setup

Before you begin, prepare the following:

• Your Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Nano S Plus, Nano X)
• A computer or smartphone with internet access
• The USB cable included with your device
• A pen and notebook for writing your recovery phrase
• A comfortable, private space for setup

Importantly, check the packaging for signs of tampering and never start if the seal looks broken. Ledger devices should never arrive with pre‑set recovery phrases — that’s a red flag.

4. 🌐 Accessing the Official Ledger Setup

Open your web browser and enter the exact URL:

https://www.ledger.com/start

Bookmark this page so future visits are safe from typos or phishing redirects. Once loaded, select your Ledger device model to begin the guided setup process.

🚫 Avoid links in ads, emails, or random search results — they may be unsafe.

5. 📥 Installing Ledger Live

The next step is to download Ledger Live, the official companion app used to manage your wallet, install apps, and interact with blockchain accounts.

Supported Platforms

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• iOS
• Android

Once downloaded:

1. Install the app on your device.
2. Open Ledger Live.
3. Follow on‑screen prompts to prepare for device connection.

Ledger Live is not a wallet itself — it connects securely to your hardware wallet to display balances and assist in transactions.

6. 🔌 Initializing Your Ledger Device

Now, connect the hardware wallet:

1. Use the provided USB cable to connect to your computer (or Bluetooth for compatible models).
2. Power on your Ledger device.
3. You’ll see a welcome screen — follow the prompts on the device to begin setup.

During this initial phase, you can choose to create a new wallet or restore an existing one (if you already have a recovery phrase). For most first‑time users, choose “Set up as new device”.

7. 🔑 Setting Your PIN Code

Your PIN is the first layer of security protecting your Ledger device. Choose a PIN between 4 and 8 digits that you can remember but isn’t easy to guess.

Important Tips

• Avoid simple patterns like 1234 or 0000
• Do not write your PIN down anywhere digital
• Enter this PIN whenever you connect your Ledger

After three incorrect attempts, the device will reset itself as a security measure.

8. 📝 Generating and Securing Your Recovery Phrase

After setting the PIN, your Ledger will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase). This is the ultimate backup for your crypto wallet.

Your Recovery Phrase Is Critical:

• It alone can restore your crypto wallets
• Ledger does not store it on any server
• You must write it down physically

Use the provided sheet — never type it on a computer or phone, and never photograph it. Digital storage is unsafe.

9. ✔️ Confirming Your Recovery Words

After writing all 24 words in order, Ledger will ask you to confirm specific words to ensure it was recorded correctly. This is mandatory, and skipping it means you cannot complete setup.

Once confirmed, you’re ready to continue.

10. 🔍 Verifying Device Authenticity

Ledger Live will perform an authenticity check — this ensures that:

• The device is genuine
• Firmware hasn’t been tampered with
• The device meets Ledger’s security standards

If the check fails, do not proceed and contact official Ledger Support immediately.

11. 🔗 Linking with Ledger Live

With the device initialized and authenticated:

1. Open Ledger Live
2. Connect your device
3. Follow on‑screen instructions

Ledger Live will help you:

• Update firmware
• Manage cryptocurrency applications
• Add blockchain accounts

12. 📊 Adding Accounts & Managing Assets

Once linked:

• Go to the Accounts tab in Ledger Live
• Choose a blockchain (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana)
• Install the associated app on your device
• Add the account to view balances

Ledger supports thousands of cryptocurrencies. Remember, the private keys remain offline in your hardware wallet — Ledger Live only manages visibility.

13. 📤 Daily Use: Sending, Receiving & Monitoring

In Ledger Live:

• Send crypto — confirm transactions on your device screen
• Receive crypto — share your address safely
• Portfolio view — track total value and performance

Every transaction must be confirmed physically on the Ledger device — this ensures your private keys never leave secure hardware.

14. 🛡️ Security Best Practices

To keep your funds safe:

• Always start at Ledger.com/Start®
• Never input your recovery phrase online
• Keep your recovery phrase offline and hidden
• Update Ledger Live and firmware regularly

Your recovery phrase is the only backup — if it’s lost or stolen, your crypto may be irretrievable or compromised.

15. 🧠 Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: You can’t connect Ledger to Ledger Live
→ Try another USB cable or USB port.

Issue: Ledger Live asks for a recovery phrase
→ Ledger Live never requests your 24 words. If it does, it’s a scam.

Issue: Authenticity check fails
→ Do not continue setup. Contact Ledger official support.

If you encounter unusual messages, always refer back to Ledger.com/Start and follow official steps.

16. 🏁 Conclusion: Your Secure Crypto Journey

By following the steps above from Ledger.com/Start®, you’ve set up a secure, offline cryptocurrency wallet. You’ve learned how to:

✔ Access the official setup portal
✔ Install Ledger Live
✔ Initialize your device and PIN
✔ Secure your recovery phrase
✔ Link to Ledger Live and add accounts
✔ Send, receive, and manage crypto
✔ Follow best security practices

Your Ledger wallet now acts as a hardware safeguard for your private keys — you control your crypto. Always stick with the official onboarding steps and protect your recovery phrase at all costs.