Ledger.com/Start – Complete Ledger Wallet Setup Guide
Welcome to Ledger.com/start, your official guide for safely setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger devices store your private keys offline in a secure element, giving you complete control over your cryptocurrency while protecting it from online threats. This guide will walk you through every step—from unboxing, setting up, and securing your wallet to managing accounts, receiving, sending crypto, staking, swapping, and portfolio tracking. Following these instructions ensures a smooth and secure experience.
1. Unboxing Your Ledger Device
Begin by checking that the packaging is intact and untampered. Power on your Ledger device and follow the on-screen instructions. Choose to set up a new wallet or restore an existing one. Always operate directly on your device to prevent phishing attempts or tampering. Verify that the device displays official Ledger branding.
2. Access Ledger.com/Start
Open your browser and go to Ledger.com/start. This is the official source to download Ledger Live, the software companion for your hardware wallet. Ledger Live allows you to manage, send, receive, swap, stake crypto, and monitor your portfolio. Always confirm the URL to ensure you are on the official Ledger website.
3. Installing Ledger Live
Download Ledger Live for your operating system. Launch the app and choose “Initialize new device” if this is your first setup. Ledger Live will guide you through firmware installation and PIN creation. Use a secure PIN that is memorable but difficult for others to guess. This protects your device from unauthorized access.
4. Securing Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
During setup, the device generates a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is crucial for restoring your wallet if the device is lost or damaged. Write it carefully on the recovery sheet and store it offline in a secure place. Never save it digitally or share it with anyone. Ledger will never request your recovery phrase.
5. Installing Cryptocurrency Apps
Each blockchain requires a separate app on your Ledger device. Navigate to “My Ledger” in Ledger Live to install apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and other supported coins. Apps enable the device to sign transactions securely while keeping private keys offline.
6. Adding Accounts
After installing apps, create accounts in Ledger Live. Each account generates unique receiving addresses. Always verify addresses on the device before sending or receiving crypto. Ledger Live allows efficient management of multiple accounts.
7. Receiving and Sending Crypto
With accounts ready, you can safely receive crypto. Ledger Live provides verified addresses. Sending crypto is secure because all transactions are signed on-device. Always double-check recipient addresses on the Ledger device screen before confirming to prevent errors or fraud.
8. Staking, Swapping, and Portfolio Monitoring
Ledger Live supports staking coins like Ethereum, DOT, and ATOM. You can swap tokens within the app and monitor your portfolio in real-time. All operations are verified on the device, combining convenience with top-level security.
9. Security Best Practices
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase.
- Download Ledger Live only from Ledger.com/start.
- Verify addresses on your device before sending or receiving crypto.
- Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated.
- Store your recovery phrase offline in a secure location.