Starting with Ledger.com/start is the safest way to initialize a Ledger hardware wallet, and Ledger.com/start walks you step-by-step through firmware, Ledger Live installation, and the crucial recovery phrase process so your private keys remain under your control.
Visiting Ledger.com/start prevents you from falling for phishing sites and fake installers, and Ledger.com/start ensures you download authentic Ledger Live software and follow verified onboarding steps recommended by Ledger.
Before you open Ledger.com/start, gather your Ledger device (Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Ledger Stax), the included USB cable or Bluetooth-capable phone, a secure computer or smartphone, and a pen and paper to record your recovery phrase as instructed by Ledger.com/start.
The Ledger.com/start flow leads you to download Ledger Live, and Ledger.com/start guides you through connecting the device, installing firmware, creating a PIN, and writing down your 24-word recovery phrase in a secure offline location.
After completing Ledger.com/start, strengthen your security by keeping Ledger Live up to date, enabling optional features like passphrases if you understand them, and storing backup copies of the recovery phrase in multiple secure, offline locations as advised by Ledger.com/start.
If something goes wrong during Ledger.com/start, common fixes include trying a different USB cable or port, rebooting the computer, using the desktop Ledger Live client recommended by Ledger.com/start, and ensuring your operating system meets the minimum requirements listed on the Ledger.com/start support pages.
If you opt to use advanced features after completing Ledger.com/start, such as passphrases to create hidden wallets, only proceed when you fully understand the implications—Ledger.com/start and Ledger docs explain that a lost passphrase cannot be recovered and will prevent access to those hidden accounts.
Return to Ledger.com/start or open Ledger Live periodically to check for firmware updates and software patches, because keeping Ledger Live and device firmware current is one of the most important steps recommended by Ledger.com/start for long-term security.
Before closing the Ledger.com/start setup, verify that you have correctly recorded your recovery phrase, confirmed device firmware is up to date in Ledger Live, tested sending a small transaction, and stored recovery backups in secure, separate locations as detailed on Ledger.com/start.
By following the official guidance at Ledger.com/start, you take a big step toward true self-custody—your keys remain yours, you minimize reliance on custodial services, and you gain a practical, secure workflow for managing crypto through Ledger Live installed from Ledger.com/start.