Ledger.com/start – The Official Way to Set Up Your Ledger Wallet

When it comes to crypto, one rule stands above the rest: not your keys, not your coins. If you've made the decision to secure your assets with a Ledger hardware wallet, you've already taken a powerful step toward full control and self-custody. But setting up your wallet properly is just as important as owning one—and that's where the official starting point, Ledger.com/start, comes in.

This isn’t just a setup page—it’s your gateway to a secure, private, and future-proofed crypto journey. From downloading the right version of Ledger Live to initializing your device safely, everything starts here. And doing it right matters more than ever.

Why the Setup Process Matters So Much

Every crypto owner hears about scams, but they often underestimate how those scams begin. Most successful attacks don’t come from brute force or hacking the hardware. They come from user mistakes—like downloading fake wallet software or trusting unofficial websites.

That’s why Ledger directs every customer to begin their journey in one place. The setup process ensures you’re installing genuine Ledger Live software, connecting a verified device, and generating your 24-word recovery phrase securely—offline and under your control.

In other words, it’s not just setup—it’s the foundation of your personal security in the crypto world.

Before You Begin: A Quick Preparation Checklist

Before you unbox your Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Stax, take a moment to prepare your environment.

Choose a computer or mobile device you trust—ideally one that’s updated, clean from suspicious apps or extensions, and connected to a secure network. Make sure you have a pen and paper ready (Ledger provides a recovery sheet in the box), and that you won’t be interrupted for the next 10–15 minutes.

This is not something to rush. It’s your digital vault.

Installing Ledger Live and Setting Up Your Wallet

Once you’re ready, go to the official start page. From there, download Ledger Live, the app you’ll use to manage your crypto portfolio, install coin-specific apps, and approve transactions through your hardware wallet.

The software is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It auto-detects your system and gives you the right version—no guesswork involved.

Once installed, Ledger Live will walk you through a guided setup. You'll select "Set up a new device," then choose your specific model. The process continues on the device itself, where you’ll power it on, confirm it’s genuine (a built-in security check verifies this), and move on to the most important step: generating your 24-word recovery phrase.

This phrase is your lifeline. It’s the only way to recover your funds if your device is lost or damaged. It must never be stored online, shared with anyone, or entered into a computer or website. Write it down carefully, in the correct order, and triple-check it.

After that, you’ll choose a PIN code for local access to the device. Once complete, your wallet is initialized. No one—not even Ledger—can access your wallet or funds without that recovery phrase.

Adding Accounts and Managing Assets

With your device ready, Ledger Live will allow you to install specific crypto apps—such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana—depending on which coins you plan to hold. You can then create corresponding accounts and receive your wallet addresses.

At this point, you’re in full control. You can receive crypto, send it, stake it, view NFTs, and interact with decentralized apps using your Ledger as the secure key-signing tool. Every action that involves funds must be approved on the physical device, which adds an extra layer of security that software wallets simply can't match.

Ongoing Security and Maintenance

Setting up a Ledger wallet is not just a one-time event—it’s the beginning of a secure lifestyle. Keeping your Ledger Live software and device firmware up to date is essential. These updates often include important security patches and performance improvements.

Your recovery phrase should be stored securely—ideally not just on paper but in a more resilient medium, such as a fireproof metal backup. And under no circumstances should it ever be typed into a phone, computer, or online form.

Be aware of phishing attempts, too. No real Ledger representative or support channel will ever ask for your 24 words. If someone does, it’s a scam—every time.

Common Questions New Users Ask

Is Ledger Live free?
Yes, it’s completely free to use. Ledger makes money from hardware sales and optional in-app services like crypto buying and staking. The basic wallet management is fully functional without any fees.

What if I lose my device?
As long as you have your recovery phrase, you can recover your wallet on a new Ledger device or any other wallet that supports the same standard. Your funds are tied to the phrase, not the hardware itself.

Do I need internet access to use Ledger?
Ledger Live needs an internet connection to sync with blockchains, but your private keys never leave the device. All signing and key generation happen offline.

Conclusion: Start Strong, Stay Secure

The moment you visit the official setup environment, you're taking control of your financial future. Setting up your Ledger wallet is more than just a technical process—it’s the beginning of your independence from centralized platforms and custodial risk.