Cryptocurrency is built around the principle of decentralization, where individuals maintain control of their assets without relying on banks or custodians. While this freedom is powerful, it also comes with responsibility — keeping your digital assets safe from hackers, phishing attacks, and accidental loss. That’s where Ledger hardware wallets come in.
The official place to begin setting up your Ledger device is Ledger.com/start . This page guides you through downloading Ledger Live, installing apps, managing coins, and securing your wallet. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step 1320+ word guide to setting up and using your Ledger hardware wallet securely.
Ledger.com/start is the official onboarding portal for new Ledger users. If you just bought a Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X, this is the website you should visit first. It helps you:
Download Ledger Live, the companion desktop and mobile app.
Initialize your hardware wallet (create a new wallet or restore an existing one).
Install apps for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and more.
Learn about safety practices such as the 24-word recovery phrase.
⚠️ Important Security Note: Always type “ledger.com/start” directly in your browser — do not use search engine ads or third-party links, as phishing sites often try to steal recovery phrases.
When you receive your Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X, check the packaging carefully. Ledger devices are shipped without a pre-set PIN or recovery phrase. If your box already has a seed phrase written down, it is compromised — do not use it.
Inside the box, you’ll typically find:
The Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus or Nano X).
A USB-C or USB-A cable for connecting to your computer.
“Recovery sheets” for writing down your 24-word recovery phrase.
A quick start guide and sometimes keychain accessories.
The first real step at ledger.com/start is downloading Ledger Live, available for:
Desktop: Windows, macOS, Linux
Mobile: iOS, Android
Ledger Live is your control center for managing assets. Through this app, you’ll:
Initialize and update your device’s firmware.
Install crypto apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on the hardware wallet.
View balances, send/receive crypto, and stake coins.
Connect to third-party apps like MetaMask for DeFi and NFTs.
After installing Ledger Live, open it and select “Get Started.”
When you first power on your Ledger, you’ll see two buttons at the top (for Nano S Plus) or on the side (for Nano X). These buttons are used for:
Left/Right → navigate menus.
Both buttons together → confirm selections.
In Ledger Live, follow the prompts:
If this is your first Ledger, pick new wallet.
If you already had a Ledger and want to recover your old wallet, select Restore from Recovery Phrase.
Choose a 4–8 digit PIN directly on the hardware wallet.
This PIN must be entered every time you connect the device.
This is the most important step. The device will display 24 random words in sequence. Write them down on the provided recovery sheet.
Double-check spelling and order.
Never take photos or store it online.
Keep multiple copies in secure, separate locations.
⚠️ If you lose your Ledger but still have your recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet on any Ledger or another BIP39-compatible wallet.
The Ledger hardware wallet doesn’t store coins itself — it stores private keys. To interact with different blockchains, you need to install apps via Ledger Live:
Go to Manager in Ledger Live.
Connect and unlock your device.
Search for the crypto app you want (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana).
Click Install.
Each cryptocurrency requires its own app. The Ledger Nano S Plus supports over 5,500 coins and tokens.
After installing an app, you need to create an account in Ledger Live:
Go to Accounts → Add Account.
Select the cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin).
Verify the wallet address on your Ledger screen.
Now you can send and receive coins securely.
Accounts in Ledger Live are like “wallet views” — they track your balances but don’t store coins (the private keys always stay on your Ledger device).
In Ledger Live, click Receive.
Select the correct account (e.g., Ethereum).
Verify the address on your Ledger’s screen.
Copy/share the address with the sender.
Click Send in Ledger Live.
Paste the recipient’s address.
Enter the amount.
Confirm the transaction on the Ledger device (buttons).
This final confirmation step ensures that even if your computer is hacked, funds cannot leave without physical approval on the Ledger.
Ledger frequently releases firmware updates to improve security and add new features.
In Ledger Live, go to Manager → Firmware Update.
Follow instructions and keep your device connected.
Always confirm updates only through Ledger Live (never from unofficial sources).
If your Ledger is lost, stolen, or broken, you can restore your crypto using the 24-word recovery phrase.
Get a new Ledger device.
Choose Restore from Recovery Phrase during setup.
Enter the 24 words exactly as written.
Create a new PIN.
Your funds will reappear in Ledger Live once accounts are re-synced.
Ledger Live supports staking for coins like Ethereum, Tezos, Polkadot, Solana, and more. This allows you to earn passive income while keeping your assets secured in your wallet.
You can connect your Ledger to MetaMask or other Web3 wallets for DeFi trading, yield farming, or NFT storage. This protects your keys while interacting with dApps.
Ledger introduced an optional paid service to back up your recovery phrase in encrypted form. However, many users prefer self-custody and do not use this feature.
Buy from official sources: Only purchase from Ledger.com or authorized resellers.
Never share recovery phrase: Ledger will never ask for it.
Double-check addresses: Always verify receiving addresses on the hardware screen.
Use a strong PIN: Avoid simple numbers like 1234.
Consider a backup device: Some users keep two Ledgers for redundancy.
Device not detected: Try a different USB cable/port.
PIN blocked after 3 wrong attempts: Device resets; you must restore using recovery phrase.
Not enough storage for apps: Ledger Nano S Plus has more memory than the older Nano S, but you can uninstall and reinstall apps without losing funds.
While mobile apps like MetaMask or Trust Wallet are convenient, they store keys on internet-connected devices, making them vulnerable. A Ledger stores private keys offline in a secure chip (CC EAL5+ certified), similar to the technology used in passports and credit cards.
This means:
Even if your PC is hacked, your crypto stays safe.
Transactions must be confirmed physically on the device.
Long-term holders (“HODLers”) get peace of mind.
Ledger.com/start is the official and safest way to set up your Ledger hardware wallet. With a few steps — downloading Ledger Live, setting a PIN, writing down the recovery phrase, and adding accounts — you gain full control over your digital wealth.
A Ledger wallet is not just a device; it’s your personal digital vault. By following the setup guide carefully and practicing good security hygiene, you’ll ensure your crypto stays safe for years to come.