Ledger.com/Start@ – Official Ledger Wallet Setup Guide®

A clear, secure walkthrough for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet, written for beginners and advanced users alike.

Introduction

Welcome to the Official Ledger Wallet Setup Guide®. This guide will walk you through each step at Ledger.com/Start to get your Ledger hardware wallet ready, secure your seed phrase, and connect to wallets and apps. The content below is written with security-first principles and practical advice. Use this as your reference while you set up your device.

Tip: Always follow Ledger.com/Start for firmware and software downloads — verify URLs and keep software up to date before transferring funds.

Why choose a Ledger hardware wallet?

A hardware wallet isolates your private keys from computers and phones. The Ledger device stores keys in a secure chip and requires physical confirmation on the device for every transaction. This drastically reduces the risk of remote hacks and phishing.

Before you begin (requirements)

What you need

  1. A genuine Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or supported model).
  2. Computer with a modern browser or Ledger Live mobile app.
  3. Secure, private space to record your recovery phrase.
  4. Optional: external backup device (like a FIPS-certified hardware key database) or metal backup plate.

Security checklist

  • Buy only from authorized sellers — counterfeit hardware exists.
  • Verify the seal and packaging, but rely primarily on the device’s initial setup behavior.
  • Never share your 24-word seed phrase with anyone or enter it on a website or app.

Step-by-step setup (Ledger.com/Start)

Follow these numbered steps in order. Take your time — rushing increases the chance of a mistake.

  1. 1. Unbox and inspect your Ledger device

    Confirm packaging appears factory sealed and you received the official Ledger box and accessories. If anything looks tampered with, contact Ledger support through official channels.

  2. 2. Visit Ledger.com/Start

    Open a browser on your computer and type Ledger.com/Start exactly. Do not click links from unknown sources. This page provides the Ledger Live download and verified setup instructions.

  3. 3. Install Ledger Live

    Download Ledger Live for your operating system from the official page. Install and open the app. Ledger Live will prompt you to choose a device model and follow firmware checks.

  4. 4. Initialize the device

    Power on your Ledger. Choose to Create a new wallet or Restore from recovery phrase (if you already have one). The device will ask you to set a PIN — pick a PIN you can remember but others cannot guess.

  5. 5. Write down your recovery phrase

    The device will show a 24-word recovery phrase (sometimes 12 for legacy wallets). Write the words down in the exact order on the provided card or a durable backup. This recovery phrase is the ultimate key to your funds — treat it as the highest security secret.

  6. 6. Confirm your recovery phrase

    Ledger will ask you to confirm several words to prove you recorded them correctly. If you cannot confirm, restart the process and write the words again carefully.

  7. 7. Install apps and accounts in Ledger Live

    Open Ledger Live, connect the device, and install apps for blockchains you plan to use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Add accounts in Ledger Live to view balances and send transactions.

  8. 8. Test with a small transaction

    Before moving large sums, send a small deposit to an address you control and confirm it appears in Ledger Live. Then try sending a small amount out to test the full flow.

  9. 9. Enable optional security features

    Consider adding a passphrase (25th word) for hidden accounts or using a multisig setup for high-value storage.

  10. 10. Maintain ongoing security

    Keep your firmware and Ledger Live updated, verify transaction details on the device screen before confirming, and be vigilant for phishing attempts.

Best practices and advanced tips

Physical backups

Consider using a metal backup plate to store your recovery phrase instead of paper — paper can burn, tear, or be damaged by moisture. Store backups in fireproof, waterproof locations and consider geographically distributed backups for disaster resilience.

Passphrase vs. seed phrase

A passphrase is an optional extra string you can use with your recovery phrase to create hidden wallets. If you use a passphrase, you must remember it; losing it can permanently lock access to funds associated with that hidden wallet.

Phishing & social engineering

Never enter your 24-word phrase into any website or app. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. If anyone asks for it, they are malicious.

Troubleshooting

If something goes wrong, take these measured steps:

  1. Restart Ledger Live and reconnect your device with a known-good cable.
  2. Check for firmware update prompts inside Ledger Live — only install firmware through official Ledger Live flows.
  3. If you lost your PIN, you can recover access using your recovery phrase on a new Ledger device. Never share the seed phrase to recover via phone or chat support.
  4. If you fear compromise, move funds to a new wallet after recovering on a clean device and generating a new seed phrase.
Example emergency action:
1) Obtain a new, factory-sealed Ledger device.
2) Restore your 24-word recovery phrase on the new device.
3) Generate new receiving addresses and transfer funds from the old wallet (after ensuring security).

FAQ

Is Ledger.com/Start the only official site for setup?

Yes — use the official start page and Ledger Live app for downloads. Avoid third-party download links or installers.

Can I recover my wallet from the recovery phrase?

Yes. The 24-word recovery phrase is sufficient to restore access to your accounts on a compatible hardware or software wallet, but only restore on devices you trust.

What if I lose my recovery phrase?

If you lose it and cannot access your device, you will permanently lose access to the funds. That is why secure backup management is essential.