How to Get Started with Ledger — A Complete Guide

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— 3 min read

Security is one of the most important aspects of owning cryptocurrency. With hacks and scams increasing year after year, many crypto holders choose hardware wallets to keep their digital assets safe. Ledger is one of the most trusted hardware wallet brands in the world.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting started with Ledger, including how to use Ledger.com/start — the official Ledger setup page — and how to avoid unofficial or unsafe versions of the site.

What Is Ledger and Why It Matters

Ledger is a company that makes hardware wallets designed to securely store cryptocurrency private keys offline. These devices — like the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X — protect your assets from online threats because they never expose private keys to the internet.

Unlike software wallets or exchanges, a Ledger device keeps your crypto keys in a secure element. That means even if your computer or phone is compromised, your keys remain safe. For this reason, Ledger is widely recommended by security experts.

Official Setup: Ledger.com/start

To initialize and set up a Ledger wallet, you must use the official setup page provided by Ledger. The correct URL for this is:

➡️ https://www.ledger.com/start

This page guides you step‑by‑step through setting up your Ledger device. Using Ledger.com/start ensures you are accessing legitimate instructions and software from Ledger directly, not a third‑party or unsafe clone site.

💡 Important: Only follow setup instructions from official Ledger sources. Fake or unofficial sites can steal your recovery phrase or trick you into giving access to your funds.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Use Ledger.com/start

Here’s a clear breakdown of what you’ll do when you visit Ledger.com/start:

1. Choose Your Device

Ledger offers multiple devices, including:

  • Ledger Nano S Plus
  • Ledger Nano X

Each model has different features, such as Bluetooth connectivity (X model) or more storage for apps.

You can decide based on how many assets you plan to hold and whether you want mobile support.

2. Download Ledger Live

After clicking Ledger.com/start, you’ll be guided to download Ledger Live — the official app to manage your device.

Ledger Live is where you:

  • Install cryptocurrency apps on your Ledger device
  • Send and receive crypto
  • Check balances
  • Update your device firmware

Always download Ledger Live from the official site at https://www.ledger.com/ledger‑live.

3. Initialize Your Ledger Device

Once Ledger Live is installed:

  1. Connect your Ledger hardware wallet.
  2. Choose a PIN.
  3. Write down your recovery phrase (typically 24 words).

This recovery phrase is critically important. It is the only way to restore your wallet if your device is lost or damaged. Ledger will show you how to do this step by step.

⚠️ Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or phone. Only write it down on the physical sheet provided.

4. Add Accounts and Install Apps

After setup, you can open Ledger Live and install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage, such as:

  • Bitcoin
  • Ethereum
  • Solana
  • XRP
  • And many others

Each asset usually requires its own app on the device.

Why You Should Trust Ledger and Ledger.com/start

Ledger is a reputable company with a strong track record in hardware security. Their official resources — such as Ledger.com/start and the Ledger Live app — are distributed directly through Ledger’s website, reducing the risk of fraud.

Here are reasons to only follow official Ledger setup steps:

  • Direct from the source: Instructions and downloads come from Ledger, not third parties.
  • Security updates: Ledger regularly updates firmware and software to patch vulnerabilities.
  • No middlemen: You avoid risky redirects to clone or scam sites.
  • Official support: If you need help, Ledger Support can assist if you used official tools.

Always verify the URL — it should begin with https://www.ledger.com/ before you enter any sensitive setup steps.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While setting up your Ledger device, avoid these common errors:

❌ Downloading from Unofficial Sites

Never download Ledger Live or setup instructions from third‑party sites. Only use Ledger.com/start or Ledger’s official download page.

❌ Sharing Your Recovery Phrase

No official, legitimate service — Ledger included — will ever ask you to type or share your recovery phrase online. Keep it offline and secure.

❌ Using Search Engines for Setup

Attackers sometimes place fake setup guides at the top of search results. Instead of searching “how to set up Ledger,” type the URL directly or use bookmarks to return to the official site.

Advanced Tips: Maximizing Security

Once your Ledger device is set up, consider these additional tips:

Use Passphrases

Ledger devices let you enable an optional passphrase on top of your recovery phrase. This creates an extra layer of security — but also means you must remember the passphrase.

Update Ledger Firmware Regularly

Security updates are important. Always update your device firmware and Ledger Live when prompted, using the official interface.

Backup Multiple Copies

Keep more than one physical copy of your recovery phrase in secure locations — but never store it digitally.

Official Ledger Resources (for Safe Reference)

Here are the most important links directly from Ledger:

These resources will give you the safest and most accurate instructions for managing your Ledger wallet.

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