Ledger.com/start is the official website where new Ledger users can begin setting up their hardware wallet. Ledger is a company that creates hardware wallets used to store cryptocurrency private keys securely offline. The most popular devices include the Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, and Ledger Stax. These devices protect digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other cryptocurrencies from online threats. The main purpose of a Ledger device is to keep your private keys — the codes that give access to your crypto — safe and offline.

When you buy a Ledger device, the first and most important step is to check that it is genuine. A new Ledger package should include the device, a USB cable, a quick start guide, and recovery sheets. Ledger devices never come with a pre-written recovery phrase. If a device includes a recovery phrase or asks you to use one that came in the box, it may have been tampered with. Always create the recovery phrase yourself directly on the device during setup. The recovery phrase is a list of 24 words that acts as the backup for your wallet. Anyone who has access to those 24 words can access your funds, so they must be written down carefully, stored securely, and never shared with anyone.

To set up your device, go to Ledger.com/start in your browser. Always type the address manually to make sure you are on the official Ledger website. There are many fake websites pretending to be Ledger, so checking the web address carefully is important. On the official site, you can select your device and download Ledger Live, which is the official Ledger application. Ledger Live works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. It is used to manage your wallet, send and receive cryptocurrency, and view your portfolio. Ledger Live connects to your Ledger device but never stores or accesses your private keys. Those keys stay safely inside your hardware wallet.

Once you have downloaded Ledger Live, install it and open it. Click “Get Started”, and choose whether you want to set up a new device or restore an existing wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase. If this is your first Ledger, select “Set up as new device.” Connect your device to your computer with the included cable or via Bluetooth if you have the Ledger Nano X. The device’s screen will display instructions that match the steps shown in Ledger Live. Follow them carefully to complete the process securely.

The first thing the setup will ask you to do is create a PIN code. The PIN code prevents unauthorized access to your Ledger device. You’ll need to enter it each time you turn on the wallet. If the PIN is entered incorrectly three times, the device resets to protect your assets. Choose a PIN that you can remember easily but that others cannot guess.

After setting a PIN, your Ledger will generate your 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is extremely important because it is the only backup of your wallet. If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, the recovery phrase allows you to restore your wallet on a new Ledger device. Write the 24 words on the provided recovery sheet exactly as they appear and in the correct order. Do not take a picture of it or store it digitally. Ledger will then ask you to confirm a few of the words to make sure you wrote them down correctly. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone, not even with Ledger support.

Once setup is complete, open Ledger Live and connect your device. Ledger Live will check that your device is genuine and help you install the necessary firmware updates. Keeping your device updated ensures that you have the latest security improvements and features. After updates, you can install apps for each cryptocurrency you want to use. For example, if you want to store Bitcoin and Ethereum, you’ll install the Bitcoin and Ethereum apps on your Ledger. Each blockchain requires its own app, which you can find in the “My Ledger” section of Ledger Live.

To receive cryptocurrency, open Ledger Live, click “Receive”, and choose your account. Verify the receiving address both in Ledger Live and on your Ledger device screen. The address must match on both. This ensures that the transaction is safe and has not been altered by malware. To send cryptocurrency, click “Send”, enter the recipient’s address and amount, and confirm the transaction physically on your device. Because the transaction must be approved on the Ledger device itself, hackers cannot send funds without your permission.

Security is the top priority when using a Ledger wallet. Always keep your recovery phrase secret and offline. Do not type it on any computer or share it online. Store your recovery sheet in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof location. Only download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start to avoid fake or infected versions. Regularly check for software and firmware updates, as these updates help keep your wallet secure.

If your Ledger wallet is lost, stolen, or damaged, don’t worry. Your cryptocurrency is not actually stored on the device but on the blockchain. The Ledger only stores the keys that allow access to your funds. Using your 24-word recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet on any new Ledger device and regain full access to your assets.

Ledger.com/start offers complete step-by-step instructions for every part of the setup process, from downloading Ledger Live and setting up your device to creating a PIN and recording your recovery phrase. By following these steps exactly, users can be confident that their wallets are set up correctly and securely. Ledger wallets make it possible to manage your cryptocurrency safely, keeping your private keys offline and under your control. The key idea behind Ledger is that you own your crypto completely — as long as you keep your recovery phrase safe. The phrase “not your keys, not your coins” perfectly explains why hardware wallets like Ledger are essential. By using Ledger.com/start, users can easily and safely take full control of their digital assets.