Ledger Start®: The Complete Guide to Getting Started With Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Cryptocurrency ownership has grown rapidly in recent years, but so have cyber-attacks, phishing scams, and exchange hacks. In a digital environment where security is more important than ever, hardware wallets have become the gold standard for safeguarding digital assets. Ledger®, a global leader in crypto security, offers some of the most trusted hardware wallets in the world—including the Ledger Nano S Plus® and Ledger Nano X®.
If you’re new to Ledger or trying to set up your device for the first time, Ledger Start® is your gateway to getting started safely. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from setting up your device to securing your recovery phrase, installing apps, transferring crypto, and maintaining maximum security over the long term.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced investor, this guide will make your Ledger experience smooth, secure, and successful.
What Is Ledger Start®?
Ledger Start® is Ledger’s official onboarding process designed to help new users safely set up their hardware wallet. It ensures that every step—from initialization to first use—follows best-practice security standards.
Through Ledger Start®, users will:
Confirm their device is genuine
Learn how to create and secure a recovery phrase
Install Ledger Live®
Add crypto accounts
Start sending and receiving assets
Think of Ledger Start® as your personal checklist for getting everything configured securely from day one.
Why Use a Ledger Hardware Wallet?
Unlike software wallets or exchanges, Ledger devices store your private keys offline inside a certified secure chip. This cold-storage approach dramatically reduces the risk of:
Malware
Remote hacking
Unauthorized key access
Exchange failures
Phishing attacks
Key benefits of using Ledger include:
1. Industry-Leading Security
Ledger devices are built with a CC EAL5+ certified secure element, the same standard used in passports and credit cards.
2. Full Ownership of Your Keys
Your private keys never leave the device. Ledger never stores them and cannot access them.
3. Compatibility With 5,000+ Coins
Ledger supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, Cardano, Polygon, Avalanche, and thousands more.
4. Ledger Live® Integration
Manage assets, track your portfolio, stake coins, and swap tokens—all in one secure app.
5. Protection Against Exchange Risks
If an exchange shuts down or is hacked, your coins remain safe inside your hardware wallet.
How to Get Started With Ledger Start®: Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Below is the complete setup process every new user should follow.
Step 1: Unbox Your Ledger Device Safely
When you open your Ledger Nano S Plus® or Ledger Nano X®, you should find:
The Ledger device
USB cable
Recovery sheet cards
Instructions
Keychain accessories (varies by model)
Important:
Ledger devices never come pre-configured. If your device already shows a recovery phrase or looks initialized, do not use it—return it immediately. A genuine device always starts fresh.
Step 2: Download Ledger Live® From the Official Source
Ledger Live is the official and only software you should use. Download it directly from:
ledger.com
(never from third-party links)
Ledger Live is available for:
Windows
MacOS
Linux
iOS
Android
After installing, open the app and select “Get Started”.
Step 3: Connect Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Plug in your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X on mobile).
Ledger Live will ask:
What device you have
Whether it’s new or already initialized
Select “Set up a new Ledger device” to begin Ledger Start®.
Step 4: Generate Your Recovery Phrase (The Most Important Step)
Your Ledger will display a 24-word recovery phrase, also known as your seed phrase. This is the only way to recover your wallet if the device is lost, damaged, or replaced.
Rules for securing your recovery phrase:
✔ Write the 24 words clearly on the included recovery sheet
✔ Store in a fireproof, waterproof location
✔ Never take a photo
✔ Never save it digitally
✔ Never share it with anyone—ever
✔ Ledger will never ask for it
If someone gets your recovery phrase, they can take your crypto. Treat it like the master key to your home.
Step 5: Set a Secure PIN Code
Next, choose a PIN for the device (4–8 digits).
This PIN protects your device from unauthorized physical access.
Use a PIN that:
Is not easily guessable
Does not match your phone or bank PIN
You can remember
If someone enters the wrong PIN three times, the device resets for your safety.
Step 6: Verify Your Device With Ledger’s Genuine Check
Through Ledger Live, run the Genuine Check to confirm:
The secure chip is authentic
The firmware is legitimate
Your device has not been tampered with
This step is critical for security.
Step 7: Install Apps for the Cryptos You Use
Ledger devices use small apps to manage different blockchains:
Install the Bitcoin app for BTC
Install the Ethereum app for ETH and ERC-20 tokens
Install the Solana app for SOL, etc.
Ledger Live makes installation simple with a one-click interface.
Step 8: Add Your Crypto Accounts
Crypto accounts are like folders that show balances and transactions for each asset.
After installing apps, click:
👉 “Accounts” → “Add Account”
Select the blockchain, open the app on your Ledger device, and Ledger Live will automatically create the account.
Step 9: Receive Crypto Into Your Ledger Wallet
Ledger Live will generate a receiving address.
Double-check on your Ledger device screen that the address exactly matches the one shown in Ledger Live—this prevents malware spoofing.
Once confirmed:
Copy the address
Paste it into your exchange or wallet
Withdraw your crypto
Your coins are now protected by your Ledger hardware wallet.
Step 10: Send Crypto Securely
Sending is just as easy:
Select the account
Click “Send”
Enter the recipient’s address
Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device screen
Your Ledger will require physical confirmation for every transaction, ensuring no malware can authorize transfers without your approval.
Advanced Tips for Ledger Owners
Once you’ve mastered the basics, these security practices will help you stay protected long-term.
1. Always Update Firmware
Ledger releases security improvements regularly.
You can update through:
Settings → Firmware Update
Your recovery phrase always stays safe during updates.
2. Use Clear Signing to Avoid Phishing
Clear Signing allows your device to show human-readable transaction details, reducing risk of:
Fake approvals
Hidden smart contract functions
Scam websites
This is especially important for DeFi and NFT activity.
3. Enable Password Manager or Passphrase (Advanced Users)
A passphrase acts as a 25th word to your seed phrase, creating a hidden layer of wallets.
This is optional but powerful for privacy and high-value protection.
4. Consider Steel Backup for Your Recovery Phrase
Paper can burn or fade.
A stainless-steel recovery plate adds long-term durability, ideal for long-term crypto holders.
5. Beware of Fake Ledger Sites
Always verify URLs carefully.
Common phishing tricks include:
Look-alike websites
Fake support emails
Apps posing as Ledger Live
Ledger will never ask you for your 24-word recovery phrase—ever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
You can recover everything using your 24-word phrase on a new Ledger wallet.
2. Can Ledger see my crypto?
No. Ledger never sees or stores your private keys.
3. Does Ledger support NFTs?
Yes—Ledger Live supports Ethereum, Polygon, and Tezos NFTs.
4. What if my computer is hacked?
Your keys remain safe because they never leave your Ledger device.
5. Can I store multiple cryptocurrencies at once?
Yes—Ledger supports thousands of assets across multiple blockchains simultaneously.
Final Thoughts: Why Ledger Start® Is the Best Way to Begin Your Crypto Security Journey
Ledger Start® provides new users with a clean, safe, and secure path to setting up their hardware wallet. In a world filled with cyber threats, scams, and exchange vulnerabilities, owning a Ledger device gives you true self-custody and complete control over your digital assets.
Whether you're securing Bitcoin for the long term, exploring Ethereum DeFi, or collecting NFTs, Ledger offers unmatched protection. By following this guide, you ensure your setup is safe, your recovery phrase is secure, and your crypto remains fully under your control—today and years into the future.