Welcome to Ledger.com/Start® — the official and secure place to start up your Ledger® hardware wallet. Whether you own the Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, or the Ledger Stax, this guide will walk you through each step to safely initialize your device and protect your crypto assets.
1. Understanding Your Ledger® Hardware Wallet
A Ledger wallet is a trusted hardware device designed to secure your cryptocurrency private keys offline. It provides a robust layer of protection against online attacks, scams, and exchange vulnerabilities. Every transaction you approve must be verified directly on your Ledger screen — ensuring complete control and transparency.
2. Verify Authenticity Before Setup
Before you begin, ensure your device is brand new and purchased from the official Ledger website or an authorized reseller. Your box should be factory-sealed, and your recovery sheet must be blank. Never use a Ledger device that comes pre-initialized or contains a pre-written recovery phrase.
3. Download and Install Ledger Live
Go to Ledger.com/Start to download Ledger Live, the official desktop and mobile app for Ledger devices. Ledger Live is your secure platform for installing coin apps, managing crypto, and performing firmware updates.
Once installed, open the app and select “Set up a new device.” The app will guide you step by step through the initialization process.
4. Setting Up Your Device
Step 1: Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the included USB cable, or via Bluetooth if using Ledger Nano X.
Step 2: Power on the device and follow the on-screen prompts. Choose “Set up as new device.”
Step 3: Select and confirm your unique PIN code. This protects access to your wallet even if someone gets physical possession of it.
Step 4: Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet. This phrase is your ultimate backup. Never store it online, take photos of it, or share it with anyone — not even Ledger.
Step 5: Confirm the recovery phrase on your device to verify accuracy. This ensures that only you have control of your crypto keys.
5. Installing Apps and Adding Accounts
After initialization, open Ledger Live again and navigate to the “Manager” tab. Here you can install apps for specific cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana. Each crypto account you add will connect securely through your hardware wallet — keeping your private keys offline at all times.
6. Security and Verification
Ledger uses a certified Secure Element chip (CC EAL5+) to protect your keys from unauthorized access. Every device runs the exclusive Ledger OS and must pass authenticity verification through Ledger Live. Only devices verified as genuine should be used.
Remember: Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase, not via email, message, or website. Always ensure you are on the official URL — https://www.ledger.com/start — before entering any information.
7. Explore Ledger Live Features
With Ledger Live, you can buy, swap, and stake crypto assets safely. You can also manage NFTs and connect to DeFi applications through integrations — all while maintaining cold storage protection. Your private keys never leave your Ledger hardware wallet, even when performing complex blockchain interactions.
8. Troubleshooting and Support
If you encounter any issues while starting up your device, visit the Ledger Support Center. There you’ll find video tutorials, FAQs, and detailed troubleshooting steps. For further assistance, you can also contact the official Ledger support team directly through the Help Center.
9. Secure Your Future with Ledger®
By setting up your Ledger wallet properly, you’re taking full control of your financial freedom. Your keys, your crypto — safely protected by the most trusted hardware in the blockchain industry. Always back up your recovery phrase, update firmware regularly, and stay informed about the latest security practices through the official Ledger blog and channels.
Start confidently. Protect your assets. Manage everything securely — with Ledger.com/Start®.