Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started With Ledger Wallet
Setting up a Ledger hardware wallet is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your cryptocurrency. If you are new to hardware wallets, the official onboarding process at ledger.com/start provides everything you need to get your Ledger device up and running safely. Whether you are using a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or a future Ledger device, the setup path through ledger.com/start ensures that your wallet is configured correctly. This guide explains the complete setup process while incorporating key actions such as downloading ledger live, installing ledger live desktop, and learning how to use the Ledger ecosystem for ongoing asset management.
Why Use Ledger Hardware Wallets?
Before diving into the steps at ledger.com/start, it helps to understand why Ledger wallets have become one of the leading security tools in the crypto world. A hardware wallet stores your private keys inside a certified secure element chip, isolated from online threats. Unlike software wallets that stay exposed to digital environments, a Ledger wallet keeps your keys offline. This means hackers, phishing attacks, and malware have almost no way to compromise your assets. When you combine the device with ledger live or ledger live desktop, you get both top-tier security and user-friendly portfolio management.
Go to Ledger.com/Start — The Official Setup Portal
Your first step is to visit ledger.com/start, the official starting point for all Ledger users. At ledger.com/start, you’ll find step-by-step setup instructions tailored to your exact device model. This resource ensures you never rely on third-party information that may be outdated or unsafe. The page also links directly to the official download sources for ledger live and ledger live desktop, which is crucial because downloading Ledger software from unofficial sources can expose you to security risks.
Download Ledger Live or Ledger Live Desktop
Once you reach ledger.com/start, the site will direct you to download ledger live, the companion application for your hardware wallet. Ledger live desktop is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, while ledger live for mobile supports iOS and Android. Both versions provide full support for managing cryptocurrencies, verifying addresses, installing apps on your Ledger device, and approving transactions securely.
It’s essential to follow the download link from ledger.com/start to ensure that your ledger live desktop installation is authentic. Counterfeit or modified software is a major threat in the crypto space, and using the correct link keeps your system protected.
Install Ledger Live Desktop and Connect Your Device
After downloading ledger live desktop, install it on your computer. The setup wizard will guide you through the installation process. Once installed, launch the application and choose the option to set up a new Ledger device. At this stage, ledger live desktop will communicate with your hardware wallet to ensure it is genuine. Ledger uses a secure attestation protocol to verify that your device has not been tampered with.
When prompted, connect your Ledger wallet via USB. If you’re using a Ledger Nano X, you can also connect via Bluetooth on mobile using ledger live. The device’s screen will display confirmation messages you must approve.
Initialize Your Ledger Device
The ledger.com/start instructions will guide you through device initialization. This includes:
Choosing a PIN code
Your PIN ensures that only you can physically access the device. Choose a PIN you can remember but that others cannot guess.Writing down your recovery phrase
Your recovery phrase is the most important part of your wallet security. Ledger devices provide a 24-word recovery phrase that allows you to restore your wallet if the device is lost, damaged, or stolen. Never store your recovery phrase digitally. Write it down on paper and keep it in a safe place.Confirming your recovery phrase
Ledger will walk you through confirming the words in exact order. This ensures you recorded the phrase accurately.Securing your recovery sheet
Never take a picture, upload it online, or store it in a digital file. ledger.com/start strongly emphasizes this because digital storage can expose your keys to hacking.
Install Crypto Apps via Ledger Live Desktop
Once your device is initialized, use ledger live desktop to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. For example, if you want to store Bitcoin, install the Bitcoin app. If you want to manage Ethereum, install the Ethereum app. Each supported blockchain requires its own app. The ledger live interface makes this simple with its “Manager” tab, which communicates with your device.
Add Accounts in Ledger Live
With the apps installed, the next step in the ledger.com/start process is adding accounts. Accounts in ledger live desktop act as your blockchain addresses and transaction history managers.
To add an account:
Open ledger live desktop
Select Accounts
Click Add Account
Choose your asset
Follow the prompts to open the corresponding app on your device
This connects your Ledger wallet securely to the blockchain through ledger live without exposing your private keys.
Receive Crypto Safely
When receiving cryptocurrency, ledger live desktop verifies your wallet address directly on the Ledger device screen. Always confirm that the address shown in ledger live matches the address displayed on your Ledger device. This is one of the key security features emphasized at ledger.com/start, as it prevents address-manipulation malware from redirecting your funds.
Send Crypto with Maximum Security
Sending cryptocurrency is just as easy and secure. Ledger live desktop prompts you to confirm the transaction details on your hardware wallet. You must approve the amount, the recipient address, and the fees. Because your private keys never leave the device, all signing occurs within the secure element. This protects your transaction even if your computer is compromised.
Use Ledger Live for Portfolio Tracking
With everything configured via ledger.com/start, you can use ledger live to monitor your assets. Ledger live desktop provides real-time price charts, staking opportunities, DeFi integrations, and a clear view of your entire portfolio. You can also update apps, manage firmware, and explore Web3 services safely.
Conclusion
Following ledger.com/start is the best way to ensure your Ledger hardware wallet is configured securely. Using ledger live and ledger live desktop provides a powerful, secure, and intuitive environment for managing cryptocurrency. Whether you are a new crypto user or an experienced investor, the tools available through ledger.com/start and the reliability of ledger live make asset management safer than ever.