This guide walks you through the official setup process for Ledger hardware wallets using the Ledger.com/Start page. It covers everything from unboxing and initial checks to security best practices, troubleshooting, and frequently asked questions. Follow each step carefully and always verify the official link: Ledger.com/Start.
Always verify the URL carefully before entering any seed or connecting a hardware device. Official site: https://ledger.com/start. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase over email or chat.
Open the packaging and inspect for tampering. Ensure the security seal is intact and the device appears brand new. If anything looks off, contact the vendor immediately and do not proceed.
Open your browser and visit Ledger.com/Start. The onboarding page will guide you to either download Ledger Live or follow the web-based setup.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or phone. On first boot, follow the on-screen prompts to choose a PIN. Choose a PIN you can remember but isn’t easy to guess. Never enter your PIN on an untrusted device or website.
The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (sometimes 12-word depending on model/config). Write them down in order on the official recovery sheet. Do not photograph or store digitally. Securely store this sheet in at least two different safe locations (for example, a fireproof safe and a bank deposit box). Consider a steel backup for extra durability.
The device will ask you to confirm a few words from the recovery phrase. This verifies you copied it correctly. If you get it wrong multiple times, carefully recheck the written words and repeat the process.
Open Ledger Live from the official page and follow the app's instructions to install blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on your device. Ledger Live manages account creation and synchronization while the seed remains on the device only.
In Ledger Live, click "Add account" to create software representations of your on-device wallets. Use these accounts to receive and send crypto while the private keys remain on your Ledger device.
Ledger support or any legitimate service will never ask for your 24-word seed. If someone asks for it — it is a scam. Do not enter your recovery phrase into any website or application that is not the device itself.
Regular firmware updates may include important security patches. Update firmware only through official Ledger channels and Ledger Live after verifying the website is the official Ledger.com/Start page.
Keep at least one offline backup of your recovery phrase. Don’t keep all backups in the same physical location. Consider steel backups for long-term durability.
Try a different USB cable/port, update Ledger Live, and ensure the device is unlocked. Restart your computer if necessary.
If you forget your PIN you will need to wipe the device and restore using the recovery phrase. This is why secure backups are essential.
If you suspect malware on your host device, move to a clean system before connecting your Ledger. Never enter recovery words on a computer.
Ledger hardware wallets are widely used and follow a security-first design. Their safety depends on following best practices: buy official devices, keep firmware updated, and never share your seed.
The official onboarding starts at Ledger.com/Start. Always verify the URL and SSL certificate.
For convenience, here are several visually distinct calls to the official start page. Use any of these buttons to open the same official URL: