Ledger.com/Start: The Official Setup Guide for Your New Ledger

Congratulations on acquiring a Ledger hardware wallet, one of the most trusted names in cryptocurrency security. The process of setting up your device is a critical step in protecting your digital assets, and it all begins at Ledger.com/Start. This is the only official entry point to download the necessary software and start your secure crypto journey. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from unboxing to securing your first crypto, ensuring you follow all best practices.

Your Ledger device is designed to keep your private keys—the secret codes that prove ownership of your crypto—completely offline and secure. The Ledger Live app, which you will install, acts as a user-friendly interface that lets you view your balance, send and receive funds, and interact with the decentralized world, all while your keys remain safe on the hardware wallet. Let's begin the setup process and create an unshakeable foundation for your security.

What You'll Need to Begin Your Setup

Before you even open the box, gather these items to ensure a smooth and secure setup experience:

Critical Security Alert: Always ensure you are on the official URL: https://www.ledger.com/start. Do not use a search engine to find the setup page, as malicious phishing sites often mimic the official one with slightly different URLs. Be vigilant.

Step 1: Unboxing and Physical Verification

Before you proceed, it is vital to verify that your Ledger device has not been tampered with. Ledger ships its devices in secure packaging designed to show clear signs if they have been opened. Here’s what to look for:

  1. Examine the box. It should be sealed and show no signs of tampering.
  2. The device itself should have a clear plastic wrap. For the Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X, there is a clear, unbroken plastic film around the box.
  3. The device should not have a pre-configured PIN or recovery phrase. Your device will only ask you to set these up during this official process. If your device prompts for a PIN or shows a phrase immediately upon plugging it in, do not proceed. Contact Ledger Support immediately.

Step 2: Downloading and Installing Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion app for your hardware wallet. It’s a secure, user-friendly interface that lets you manage your portfolio and perform transactions. It must be downloaded directly from the official Ledger website to ensure its integrity.

  1. Go to Ledger.com/Start.
  2. Click the "Download Ledger Live" button. The website will automatically detect your operating system.
  3. Choose your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS) and download the file.
  4. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Once installed, open Ledger Live. It will prompt you to begin the setup of your new device. This process will guide you through all the steps on both the application and your physical Ledger device.

Step 3: Setting a PIN Code on Your Device

The first security step on your device itself is to set a PIN code. This PIN is a 4- to 8-digit number that you will use to unlock your device every time you access it. It protects your device from unauthorized physical access.

  1. On your Ledger device, navigate using the two buttons. When you see "Set up as new device," press both buttons simultaneously to select it.
  2. The device will prompt you to "Choose PIN code." Press both buttons to confirm.
  3. Use the left and right buttons to scroll through numbers and press both buttons to select a digit. Repeat this to create a PIN between 4 and 8 digits long. An 8-digit PIN offers optimal security.
  4. After choosing your PIN, you will be asked to confirm it by entering it a second time.

Step 4: Writing Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase (Secret Recovery Phrase)

This is the most crucial step of the entire process. Your 24-word recovery phrase is the master backup of your private keys. It is the only way to restore your crypto assets if your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or damaged. This phrase is generated by the device itself and will only be displayed once.

DO NOT COMPROMISE: Your recovery phrase is your crypto. Anyone with these 24 words can take your funds. NEVER take a photo of it. NEVER store it on a computer or cloud. NEVER share it with anyone, not even Ledger Support. Write it down on the provided Recovery Sheets and store it in a secure, offline location.

  1. Your Ledger device will prompt you to "Write down your recovery phrase." Press both buttons to continue.
  2. The device will display the words one by one. Write each word down carefully and in the exact order it appears on one of the Recovery Sheets.
  3. After writing down all 24 words, the device will ask you to confirm a few words to ensure you wrote them down correctly. This is a critical verification step.
  4. Once the confirmation is complete, the device will display "Your recovery phrase is set." Store the Recovery Sheets in a fireproof safe, a safe deposit box, or another secure location.

Step 5: Verifying Your Device is Genuine

After setting up your PIN and recovery phrase, Ledger Live will perform an official "Genuine Check." This cryptographic check is an essential security measure that verifies your device is a genuine Ledger product and has not been tampered with. This process is fully secure and happens in the background.

  1. In Ledger Live, click "Check my Nano."
  2. The application will establish a secure connection with Ledger’s servers.
  3. Your Ledger device will display "Allow Ledger Manager." Press both buttons to allow the check to proceed.
  4. If the check is successful, Ledger Live will display a confirmation message: "Your Ledger device is genuine."

Important Note: This Genuine Check can only be performed by the official Ledger Live app. If any other website or application asks you for your recovery phrase, it is a scam. Ledger Live will never ask for your phrase.

Step 6: Installing Apps and Adding Accounts

To start using your Ledger, you need to install the applications for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. These apps do not store your crypto; they are simply the interfaces that allow your Ledger to interact with a specific blockchain.

  1. In Ledger Live, go to the "Manager" tab.
  2. Connect and unlock your Ledger device if it's not already connected.
  3. You will see a list of supported apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). Find the ones you want to use and click "Install."
  4. After the app is installed, go to the "Accounts" tab in Ledger Live and click "Add account."
  5. Select the cryptocurrency app you just installed and follow the prompts to create an account. Your Ledger will generate a new, unique address for you to receive funds.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: My Ledger device is not being detected.

A: Ensure you are using the original USB cable. Try a different USB port on your computer. Make sure no other cryptocurrency-related software is running in the background. A simple restart of your computer can also resolve temporary driver issues.

Q: What if my device is lost or stolen?

A: As long as you have your 24-word recovery phrase securely stored, your funds are safe. You can buy a new Ledger or any compatible hardware wallet and restore your accounts using the phrase. This is the power of self-custody.

Q: Do I need to update the firmware?

A: Yes. Firmware updates are released to add new features, support more cryptocurrencies, and improve security. Ledger Live will notify you when an update is available. Always follow the instructions in Ledger Live for a safe update.

Q: Why is the on-device screen so important?

A: The screen on your Ledger is your "source of truth." When you send a transaction, the Ledger Live app might show the details, but you must always verify the address and amount on the device's secure screen. This prevents malware from changing the destination address on your computer's screen without your knowledge.

Conclusion: Your Crypto Is Now Secure

By following the official steps at Ledger.com/start and this guide, you have successfully set up your Ledger hardware wallet and taken complete control of your digital assets. You now have a world-class security device that keeps your private keys offline, protecting them from online threats. Welcome to the world of secure, self-custodial finance.

Download Ledger Live and Secure Your Crypto