Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started with Ledger Wallet

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— 3 min read

A Complete Guide to Hardware Wallet Setup & Protection

The journey to true cryptocurrency ownership begins with a single, crucial step: navigating to the official setup portal. Ledger.com/start is your exclusive gateway to initializing the Ledger hardware wallet ecosystem—the only process endorsed by Ledger SAS to guarantee security from the moment you unbox your device. This guide provides the comprehensive, step-by-step instructions you need to transform a new Ledger Nano from a piece of hardware into your personal, ultra-secure vault for digital assets. Always initiate your setup at the authentic ledger.com/start to avoid dangerous imitation sites; beware of common typos like ledger.com/strat used by malicious actors.

Phase 1: Foundation – Downloading Authentic Software

Security is built on authenticity. The first action is to acquire the genuine companion software.

  1. Access the Correct Portal: In your web browser, manually and carefully type: https://www.ledger.com/start. Double-check the URL before pressing enter. Phishing sites often use subtle misspellings (e.g., ledger.com/strat, ledger-start.com) to trick users.
  2. Download Ledger Live: Ledger Live is the official, free application for managing your portfolio, buying crypto, and installing apps on your device. On the start page, select the version for your computer's operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  3. Install & Launch: Run the downloaded installer, follow the on-screen prompts, and launch the Ledger Live application on your computer. It will guide you through the initial setup.

Phase 2: Initialization – Creating Your Offline Identity

This phase creates the unique, cryptographic foundation of your wallet on the device itself.

  1. Connect and Configure: Using the supplied USB cable, connect your Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X to your computer. Press both buttons to wake it, and when prompted, choose "Configure as new device."
  2. Set a Strong PIN: Create a PIN code (4-8 digits) that you will use to unlock the physical device. This PIN protects against physical theft. The device will wipe itself after three consecutive incorrect entries.
  3. Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase: This is the single most important step in self-custody.
    • Your device will generate a unique 24-word list—your Secret Recovery Phrase. This phrase is a human-readable representation of your private keys.
    • Crucial Action: Write each word by hand, in the exact order, on the included Recovery Sheet. Never digitize these words. No photos, no text files, no cloud storage.
  4. Verify the Phrase: The device will ask you to confirm random words from your list. This ensures you have recorded it accurately and legibly. Store this sheet like the key to a safe deposit box.

Phase 3: Operation – Managing Assets with Confidence

With your vault created, learn the secure workflow for daily use.

  1. Pass the Genuine Check: Ledger Live will automatically perform a cryptographic check to verify your device is authentic and hasn't been tampered with. This is a one-time, essential security feature.
  2. Install Blockchain Apps: Go to "My Ledger" in the app. Here, you can install small apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) onto your device. These allow it to manage different cryptocurrencies. Your private keys remain safely offline during this process.
  3. Create Your First Account: Click "Add account," select a cryptocurrency, and follow the prompts. Ledger Live will derive a public receiving address for you. You can safely share this address to receive funds at any time.
  4. The Secure Transaction Protocol: To send crypto, you will:
    • Construct the transaction in Ledger Live (specify amount and recipient).
    • Review and physically approve the transaction details on your Ledger device's screen.
    • Press the buttons on the device to sign the transaction offline.
      This two-step confirmation—review on PC, approve on device—ensures even a malware-infected computer cannot alter a transaction you verify on your Ledger's screen. This proactive model is a defining feature of using Ledger® for secure asset management.

Conclusion: Establishing Unbreachable Security

Correctly initiating your setup at ledger.com/start establishes a security posture far superior to software wallets or exchange-held assets. You are not just "logging in"; you are personally authorizing every action from an air-gapped device. By following this guide, you take sovereign control, ensuring your private keys—the actual cryptocurrency—are generated offline, stored offline, and never exposed to the internet.

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