Ledger.com/start is the official setup page for Ledger hardware wallets. It is the website users should visit when they first receive a new Ledger device, such as the Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, or Ledger Stax. The Ledger wallet is a physical hardware device that stores your cryptocurrency private keys securely offline. Private keys are what allow you to access and control your cryptocurrency on the blockchain. Keeping those keys safe is extremely important because if they are exposed or stolen, your funds can be lost permanently. Ledger hardware wallets protect these keys by storing them inside a secure chip that is never connected to the internet.

When you buy a Ledger device, it’s essential to make sure it’s genuine and not tampered with. Inside the official box, you’ll find the Ledger device, a USB cable, a few recovery sheets, and a quick start guide. Ledger never provides a pre-written recovery phrase. If you receive a device that already includes a recovery phrase, do not use it — it’s a sign that the wallet has been compromised. The 24-word recovery phrase is something that must be created by you directly on your Ledger device during the setup process.

The recovery phrase is the most important part of your cryptocurrency security. It’s a sequence of 24 random words that acts as the master key to your crypto assets. If your device is ever lost, stolen, or damaged, you can use this recovery phrase to restore access to your wallet on another Ledger device. Because it gives full control of your assets, you must keep it private and offline. Never take a picture of it, never save it on your phone or computer, and never share it with anyone. Ledger will never ask you for your recovery phrase — anyone who does is likely trying to scam you.

To begin the setup process, open a secure web browser and go to Ledger.com/start. Always type the address manually instead of clicking on links from emails or social media. There are many phishing websites that imitate Ledger to steal recovery phrases from users, so it’s important to make sure you are on the official Ledger website. Once you reach the official site, choose your Ledger device model and follow the instructions to download Ledger Live, the official Ledger application used to manage your cryptocurrency.

Ledger Live is available for computers (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile devices (iOS and Android). It allows you to manage your coins, send and receive transactions, install blockchain apps, and view your portfolio. While you use Ledger Live, your private keys never leave the Ledger hardware device. This means that even if your computer or phone is infected with malware, your cryptocurrency stays safe because the private keys are always stored offline in the hardware wallet.

After downloading and installing Ledger Live, open the application and click “Get Started.” You’ll be asked if you want to set up a new device or restore an existing wallet. If this is your first time, choose “Set up as new device.” Connect your Ledger to your computer with the provided USB cable, or connect via Bluetooth if you have the Ledger Nano X. The device will show you instructions on its small screen, and Ledger Live will guide you step by step.

The first thing you will do is create a PIN code. This PIN code protects your wallet from unauthorized access. Each time you connect or turn on your Ledger, you’ll need to enter your PIN. If the wrong PIN is entered three times, the device will automatically reset for security reasons. Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess.

After setting your PIN, your Ledger will generate your 24-word recovery phrase. Write down each word carefully, in the exact order shown, on the recovery sheet that came with your device. Check your spelling and make sure the order is correct. Once you’ve written down all 24 words, confirm the phrase on your device by selecting a few random words as requested. This ensures that you have correctly recorded it. Keep this recovery phrase safe, private, and offline — it is the only backup of your wallet.

After completing the setup, open Ledger Live again and connect your device. The software will check that your Ledger is genuine and up to date. If necessary, it may ask you to install firmware updates. Always keep your Ledger Live app and device firmware updated for maximum security.

Next, you’ll need to install cryptocurrency apps for the coins you plan to use. Each blockchain requires its own app — for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana. You can install these apps in the “My Ledger” section of Ledger Live. After the apps are installed, you can add accounts for each currency. Ledger Live will then display your balances and transaction history.

To receive cryptocurrency, click “Receive” in Ledger Live, choose the account you want, and verify that the address shown on your computer matches the one displayed on your Ledger device’s screen. This verification step is crucial to make sure your address has not been changed by malware. To send cryptocurrency, click “Send,” enter the recipient’s address and the amount, and confirm the transaction physically on your Ledger device. By confirming transactions on the hardware wallet itself, you ensure that only you can move your funds.

For continued security, remember a few important rules. Never share your recovery phrase or PIN. Only download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start. Keep your recovery phrase stored safely in a secure place, like a safe or fireproof container. Never type your recovery phrase into a website, mobile app, or computer. Ledger will never contact you to ask for it.

If your Ledger device is ever lost or broken, you can restore your wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger device. Your cryptocurrency isn’t stored on the Ledger device itself — it exists on the blockchain. The Ledger simply protects your private keys, which give you access to your crypto.

Ledger.com/start offers easy, step-by-step guidance for this entire process. Following these instructions carefully ensures that your setup is safe, your recovery phrase is protected, and your assets remain secure. Using a Ledger wallet gives you full control of your funds, eliminating the need to rely on exchanges or online wallets that could be hacked. The common saying “Not your keys, not your coins” explains this perfectly — when you control your private keys with a Ledger, you truly own your crypto.

By visiting Ledger.com/start, downloading Ledger Live, setting up your device properly, and safely storing your recovery phrase, you can confidently manage your cryptocurrency while keeping it secure from digital threats. Ledger hardware wallets are trusted around the world because they combine strong offline security with simple, user-friendly design, allowing anyone to protect their digital assets with peace of mind.