Ledger.com/start is the official onboarding portal designed by Ledger® to guide new users through the initial setup process of their Ledger hardware wallet (such as the Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax). This portal provides the essential resources, including the Ledger Live application, which serves as the interface between your device and the blockchain.
Using a Ledger® device moves your private keys—the critical pieces of information needed to authorize transactions—off your vulnerable internet-connected devices and into a secure, offline hardware wallet. The Ledger.com/start process ensures you do this correctly from day one.
Visit Ledger.com/start and select your device. You will be directed to download Ledger Live, the companion application available for Ledger Live Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and as a Ledger Live App for mobile (iOS & Android). Always ensure you download it directly from the official Ledger® website to avoid phishing scams.
Connect your device via USB (for Nano models) or use Bluetooth for the Nano X. Your device will prompt you to either set up as a new device or restore an existing one. For a new setup, it will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase.
This is the most critical security step. Write down the 24 words in the exact order on your provided Recovery Sheet. Never digitize this phrase—no photos, cloud storage, or text files. This phrase is the master key to your crypto assets.
Open Ledger Live and follow the prompts. Use the "Manager" tab within Ledger Live to install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you wish to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Then, you can add accounts for each cryptocurrency.
Unlike online exchanges, there is no traditional "Ledger login" username and password for your hardware wallet. Access is physically secured by your device. You connect your device and enter your PIN to access your accounts via Ledger Live. Your identity is verified directly on the device for every transaction.
While Ledger Live is the official and recommended application, some Ledger® devices are also compatible with third-party wallets like MetaMask (for Ethereum) and Electrum (for Bitcoin) through the "Connect Hardware Wallet" feature, offering you flexibility.
If you still have access to your device and know your PIN, you should immediately transfer your assets to a new wallet with a new recovery phrase that you have securely backed up. Without the recovery phrase, you cannot recover your funds if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Your PIN is a short code that unlocks your specific physical device. Your 24-word recovery phrase is a universal backup that can restore access to all your crypto assets on any compatible hardware wallet, independent of the PIN or the original device.
Yes, your Ledger® device is portable. You can install Ledger Live on multiple computers and simply connect your device to manage your assets. Your keys never leave the device, so it remains secure.
Yes, regularly. Firmware updates, managed through Ledger Live, are crucial for security. They patch vulnerabilities and add new features. Always ensure your device firmware and Ledger Live application are up to date.
Always use official channels. Visit the Ledger Support page or the help section within Ledger Live. Be wary of fake support accounts on social media; Ledger® support will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase.
Security Reminder: Ledger® will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. Anyone requesting it is a scammer. Your phrase should remain offline and private at all times.