Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started with Ledger Wallet

gethelped

20 Jan 2026 — 4 min read

Ledger.com/Start: A Complete Guide to Getting Started with Ledger Hardware Wallets

In the world of cryptocurrency, security is everything. As digital assets grow in value and adoption, so do the risks associated with storing them online. This is where hardware wallets come into play, and Ledger has established itself as one of the most trusted names in this space. The official onboarding gateway for Ledger users is ledger.com/start, a dedicated page designed to guide users through the secure setup of their Ledger hardware wallet.

This article explains what ledger.com/start is, why it matters, and how it helps users safely manage their crypto assets from the very beginning.

What Is Ledger.com/Start?

Ledger.com/start is the official setup and onboarding page for Ledger hardware wallets such as the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X. Rather than downloading software or following instructions from unofficial sources, Ledger directs all new users to this page to ensure they begin their journey securely and correctly.

The page acts as a central hub for:

Downloading Ledger Live (Ledger’s official companion application)
Initializing a new hardware wallet
Creating and backing up a recovery phrase
Learning best security practices
Verifying device authenticity

By using ledger.com/start, users reduce the risk of phishing attacks, fake software downloads, and setup errors that could compromise their assets.

Why Using the Official Start Page Is Critical

One of the biggest threats in crypto is social engineering and phishing. Attackers often create fake websites that look similar to official ones, tricking users into downloading malicious software or revealing their recovery phrase. Ledger.com/start exists specifically to combat this risk by providing a single, verified entry point for setup.

Ledger strongly emphasizes that:

Recovery phrases should never be entered online
Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase
All official downloads and instructions originate from their verified domain

By starting at ledger.com/start, users ensure they are following legitimate steps provided directly by the manufacturer.

Step-by-Step Overview of the Setup Process

While the exact interface may evolve, the general setup process guided by ledger.com/start typically follows these stages:

Choosing Your Device
Users select the Ledger model they own, such as Nano S Plus or Nano X. This ensures the instructions match the device’s features and buttons.
Downloading Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application used to manage crypto assets. Through ledger.com/start, users are directed to download the correct version for their operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS).
Connecting the Device
The hardware wallet is connected to a computer or smartphone using a cable or Bluetooth (depending on the model). Ledger Live detects the device and begins the initialization process.
Initializing as a New Device
Users are prompted to set up the device as new or restore an existing wallet using a recovery phrase. For new users, this includes setting a PIN code directly on the device.
Generating the Recovery Phrase
The device generates a 24-word recovery phrase offline. This phrase is the single most important element of wallet security, as it is the only way to restore access if the device is lost or damaged.
Confirming the Recovery Phrase
Users must confirm the words in the correct order, ensuring they have written them down accurately.
Device Verification and Security Check
Ledger Live verifies the authenticity of the device, confirming it has not been tampered with and is running genuine Ledger firmware.

Understanding the Role of the Recovery Phrase

Ledger.com/start places strong emphasis on recovery phrase education. This is intentional. Unlike traditional financial systems, cryptocurrency wallets are self-custodial, meaning the user is fully responsible for their funds.

The recovery phrase:

Grants full access to all assets stored on the wallet
Must be kept offline and private
Should never be shared, photographed, or stored digitally

Ledger recommends storing the phrase in a secure physical location and, for advanced users, considering additional protection methods such as metal backup plates.

Using Ledger Live After Setup

Once setup is complete via ledger.com/start, users interact primarily with Ledger Live. This application allows users to:

Install and manage crypto apps on the device
Add accounts for different cryptocurrencies
Send and receive crypto securely
View portfolio balances
Access staking and supported third-party services

Importantly, private keys never leave the hardware wallet. Ledger Live acts as an interface, while all sensitive signing operations occur within the secure element of the device.

Supported Cryptocurrencies and Ecosystem

Ledger devices support thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many ERC-20 tokens. Through Ledger Live and compatible third-party wallets, users can interact with DeFi platforms, NFTs, and Web3 applications while maintaining hardware-level security.

Ledger.com/start introduces users to this broader ecosystem gradually, ensuring beginners are not overwhelmed while still giving advanced users room to expand.

Common Mistakes Ledger.com/Start Helps Prevent

By following the official start page, users avoid several common and costly mistakes:

Downloading fake Ledger Live software
Initializing a device with a compromised recovery phrase
Buying or using pre-initialized hardware wallets
Falling for phishing emails or clone websites

Ledger consistently advises users to only trust instructions that originate from ledger.com or Ledger Live.

Long-Term Security Best Practices

Ledger.com/start is not just about setup—it is about building a security mindset. Users are encouraged to:

Keep firmware up to date
Verify addresses on the device screen before confirming transactions
Never share recovery phrases or PINs
Stay informed about common crypto scams

This educational approach helps users protect their assets not just on day one, but over the long term.

Conclusion

Ledger.com/start is an essential starting point for anyone using a Ledger hardware wallet. It provides a secure, guided, and educational setup experience that prioritizes user safety and self-custody. In an industry where a single mistake can result in irreversible loss, having a trusted onboarding process makes a significant difference.

By beginning at ledger.com/start and following its instructions carefully, users take a critical first step toward secure, responsible cryptocurrency management. Whether you are new to crypto or a seasoned investor, the principles reinforced through this setup process form the foundation of long-term digital asset security.