Official Site® — Ledger.com/Start®

Welcome to Ledger.com/start — your official, step-by-step route to set up a Ledger® hardware wallet and begin managing crypto with confidence. This guide walks you through preparation, setup, security best practices, and troubleshooting.

Why Ledger.com/start matters

If you own or plan to buy a Ledger® device, Ledger.com/start is the recommended first destination. The pages under Ledger.com/start provide official setup instructions, verified firmware, and the Ledger Live manager application — all designed to keep your private keys offline and under your control.

Note: Always access Ledger.com/start exactly as typed (Ledger.com/start) and avoid links sent by email or social networks unless you verified the sender — phishing attempts often try to mimic setup instructions.

Before you start — preparation checklist

  1. Unbox carefully: Inspect the device packaging. Ledger® devices are delivered sealed. If the tamper-evident seal looks damaged, contact the seller.
  2. Use a secure computer: Prepare a clean device — preferably a personal computer you trust. Avoid public or shared computers during setup.
  3. Go to Ledger.com/start: Open your browser and type Ledger.com/start exactly. Bookmarks are fine after you verify the site once.
  4. Do not enter your recovery phrase: Ledger staff will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down on the supplied recovery sheet and keep it offline.
  5. Power & cable: Use the official cable provided. Avoid cheap adapters that may cause connectivity issues.

Step-by-step setup (quick)

These are the common steps you'll follow on Ledger.com/start and in Ledger Live to get your device ready.

  1. Visit Ledger.com/start and choose your device model — follow the official prompts to download Ledger Live from the official source. Confirm the page shows the Ledger® branding and HTTPS.
  2. Install Ledger Live on your computer or mobile device. Ledger Live is the companion app used to install apps, manage accounts, and perform transactions.
  3. Initialize your device by following on-screen prompts. Choose a secure PIN you will remember; avoid obvious sequences.
  4. Write down your recovery phrase exactly as shown. This is the only backup to restore your wallet. Store it offline in a secure location (e.g., a safe).
  5. Verify the recovery phrase when prompted by the device — this ensures you recorded it correctly.
  6. Install apps in Ledger Live for the blockchains you plan to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and add accounts to manage them.
  7. Receive test transaction first — before moving large funds, receive a small amount to confirm your setup.

Security best practices

Security is the primary reason to use a Ledger® hardware wallet. Follow these best practices to maximize protection:

  • Never share your recovery phrase: No legitimate service will ask for it. Keep it offline and offline-only.
  • Use Ledger Live official source: Only download the application from Ledger.com/start to avoid compromised software.
  • PIN & passphrase: Use a strong PIN and consider an optional passphrase (advanced users) for added account separation.
  • Backup redundancy: Consider storing the recovery sheet in two secure locations (e.g., safe deposit box + home safe) to protect against loss or disaster.
  • Keep firmware updated: Ledger occasionally releases firmware updates — apply them from within Ledger Live when prompted.

Common issues & troubleshooting

If something doesn't work during the Ledger.com/start flow, try these steps first.

  1. Connection problems: Try a different USB port or cable. Restart your computer and the device.
  2. Ledger Live doesn't detect device: Ensure the device is unlocked with your PIN. Update Ledger Live to the latest version downloaded from Ledger.com/start.
  3. Firmware update failed: Do not interrupt the device. Retry from Ledger Live; if problems persist, seek official support resources at Ledger.com/support (use the site search after confirming the domain).
  4. Lost recovery phrase: If you misplace or lose the 24 words, funds cannot be recovered without them. This is why secure backup is essential.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is Ledger.com/start the official setup site?
A: Yes. Ledger.com/start is the official starting point recommended by Ledger® to download Ledger Live and follow verified setup steps.
Q: Can Ledger® recover my lost recovery phrase?
A: No. Ledger cannot recover your recovery phrase. Your 24-word phrase is the ultimate key to your funds and must be kept secure by you.
Q: Should I ever type my recovery phrase into a website?
A: Never. Typing the recovery phrase into any website exposes it to theft. Only enter your recovery phrase on the device itself when prompted during the initial setup or restore process.
Q: Can I use Ledger with mobile wallets?
A: Yes. Ledger devices support mobile connections through Ledger Live Mobile and via supported third-party wallets that integrate with Ledger hardware for transaction signing.

Final steps & what to remember

After completing the steps on Ledger.com/start, test your setup with a small inbound transaction, keep your recovery phrase offline, and update Ledger Live and device firmware only through official channels. Regularly review your security posture and be cautious of phishing attempts that impersonate Ledger or Ledger.com/start.

Go to Ledger.com/start