Ledger.com/start – Official Guide to Setting Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Welcome to Ledger.com/start, the official and trusted starting point for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you’re new to cryptocurrency or an experienced investor, protecting your digital assets begins with proper setup and secure key management. This page is designed to help you understand the importance of self-custody, guide you through the Ledger setup process, and ensure you follow best practices from day one.
Taking control of your crypto starts here.
Understanding Self-Custody and Why It Matters
Cryptocurrency is built on the principle of decentralization. Unlike traditional banks, there is no central authority holding your funds on your behalf. Instead, ownership is determined by private keys—cryptographic credentials that give access to your assets.
When your crypto is stored on an exchange or online wallet, you do not fully control these private keys. This exposes you to risks such as hacking, platform shutdowns, or account freezes. Self-custody means you control your private keys, and therefore, your funds.
Ledger hardware wallets are designed to make self-custody secure, practical, and accessible by storing private keys offline in a highly secure environment.
What Is Ledger and How Does It Work?
Ledger is a leading provider of hardware wallets that protect digital assets using advanced security technology. A Ledger device stores your private keys inside a Secure Element chip, similar to what is used in credit cards and biometric passports.
Key features include:
Offline storage of private keys
Protection against malware and phishing attacks
Physical confirmation of transactions
Compatibility with thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens
Ledger devices work in combination with Ledger Live, an application that allows you to manage your crypto portfolio while keeping your private keys safely offline.
Why Start at Ledger.com/start?
Because hardware wallets are security tools, it’s essential to begin at the correct and official source. Ledger.com/start ensures that:
You download the authentic Ledger Live application
Your device is set up securely and correctly
You learn how to safely generate and store your recovery phrase
You avoid counterfeit software or phishing websites
Starting anywhere else can put your assets at risk. Ledger.com/start exists to protect users from mistakes that could lead to irreversible losses.
What You Need Before Setup
Before beginning the setup process, make sure you have:
A new Ledger hardware wallet (sealed and untampered)
A computer or smartphone with a secure internet connection
A private, distraction-free environment
Pen and paper for writing down your recovery phrase
Security begins with preparation. Never rush the setup process.
Step 1: Download Ledger Live
The first step at Ledger.com/start is downloading Ledger Live, the official application for managing your Ledger wallet.
Ledger Live allows you to:
Initialize and configure your Ledger device
Install apps for different cryptocurrencies
Create and manage accounts
Send, receive, and track crypto assets
Update device firmware securely
Always download Ledger Live directly through Ledger.com/start. Avoid third-party download sites or links sent through email or social media.
Step 2: Initialize Your Ledger Device
Once Ledger Live is installed, connect your Ledger device and follow the on-screen instructions.
You will be prompted to choose between:
Set up as a new device, or
Restore from recovery phrase
For new users, select Set up as a new device. Your Ledger will generate a unique wallet by creating a recovery phrase directly on the device screen. This ensures that the private keys are never exposed online.
Step 3: Set a Secure PIN Code
You will be asked to create a PIN code for your Ledger device.
The PIN code:
Prevents unauthorized access if the device is lost or stolen
Is required each time the device is unlocked
Adds an extra layer of physical security
Choose a PIN that is difficult to guess and do not share it with anyone. Ledger will never ask for your PIN.
Step 4: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
This is the most critical step in the entire setup process.
Your Ledger device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (sometimes 12 words depending on configuration). This phrase is the master backup for your wallet and is the only way to recover your assets if your device is lost, damaged, or replaced.
Important rules for your recovery phrase:
Write it down exactly as shown, in the correct order
Never take photos or store it digitally
Never share it with anyone
Store it in a safe, offline location
Anyone with access to your recovery phrase can control your crypto. Ledger will never ask you for it.
Step 5: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase
To ensure accuracy, the device will ask you to confirm your recovery phrase by selecting words in the correct order. This step verifies that your backup is correct before your wallet becomes active.
Do not skip this step. It is your final safeguard against setup errors.
Step 6: Add Cryptocurrency Accounts
Once your Ledger device is set up, you can start managing your digital assets.
Using Ledger Live, you can:
Install apps for blockchains such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others
Add accounts for each supported asset
Generate secure receiving addresses
Send crypto with physical transaction confirmation
Every transaction must be approved directly on your Ledger device, ensuring that malware or unauthorized software cannot move your funds.
Using Ledger Live for Daily Management
Ledger Live is designed to be user-friendly while maintaining a high level of security. It allows you to:
Monitor your portfolio in real time
Manage multiple assets in one interface
Send and receive crypto safely
Interact with supported services without exposing private keys
Even though Ledger Live connects to the internet, your private keys remain safely stored on your Ledger hardware wallet at all times.
Essential Security Best Practices
While Ledger provides strong protection, user behavior remains important. Always remember:
Never enter your recovery phrase on a website or computer
Ignore messages claiming your assets are “at risk”
Bookmark Ledger.com/start and Ledger Live
Keep your recovery phrase private and offline
Phishing attempts often rely on urgency and fear. Staying informed is your best defense.
Long-Term Confidence in Crypto Ownership
By setting up your wallet through Ledger.com/start, you establish a secure foundation for long-term crypto ownership. Whether you are holding assets, exploring decentralized applications, or managing NFTs, Ledger ensures that your private keys remain under your control.
Self-custody is about responsibility, independence, and peace of mind. Ledger makes that responsibility manageable without sacrificing security.
Begin Your Secure Journey Today
Ledger.com/start is your official gateway to secure crypto management. Follow each step carefully, protect your recovery phrase, and develop habits that prioritize safety.
With Ledger, you don’t just store crypto—you truly own it. Your journey into secure, independent digital asset management starts now.