Ledger.com/start — Your Step-by-Step Guide to Secure Wallet Setup

Introduction
Setting up a hardware wallet is the single most important step you can take to protect cryptocurrencies from online threats. Ledger.com/start is the official onboarding portal designed to guide you through installing Ledger Live, initializing your Ledger device, and creating a secure recovery backup. This guide gives a clear, practical walkthrough so you can complete setup with confidence and avoid common mistakes.

Why Begin at Ledger.com/start?

Using the official start page is about safety and accuracy. The crypto ecosystem is full of phishing attempts, fake downloads, and misleading setup instructions. Starting at Ledger.com/start means you follow verified procedures, download authentic software, and receive the most up-to-date security guidance. That reduces risk right from the moment you unbox your device.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

A computer or mobile device with a secure internet connection.
Your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or compatible model) and the USB cable included.
A quiet, private space to record your recovery phrase without interruption.
A pen and the provided recovery card (or another secure offline method) to write down the recovery phrase.

Step-by-Step Setup via Ledger.com/start

Open the official start page and choose the Ledger Live download for your platform. Use the provided installer and follow on-screen prompts to install the app.
Launch Ledger Live and choose "Get Started." The app walks you through device setup options: new device initialization or wallet recovery.
Initialize the device by creating a secure PIN on the hardware wallet. Never reuse easily guessable codes—longer, random PINs are safer.
Write down the recovery phrase exactly as shown on the device. This 24-word phrase is the only backup of your private keys. Keep it offline and store it in a safe place; do not take photos or save it digitally.
Verify the recovery phrase when prompted. The device will ask you to confirm certain words to ensure the seed was recorded correctly.
Install crypto apps in Ledger Live for the specific blockchains you want to use (for example, Bitcoin or Ethereum). Add accounts and sync balances.
Secure your workflow by enabling optional features like passphrase protection and by reviewing recommended security settings in Ledger Live.

Key Security Tips for New Users

Follow these best practices to keep your crypto secure long-term:

Never share your recovery phrase, PIN, or passphrase with anyone.
Keep the seed offline: store copies in secure, separate physical locations (e.g., safe or lockbox).
Avoid digital backups: do not photograph or type your seed into any device or cloud service.
Verify firmware and software updates through Ledger Live; update promptly when releases appear.
Use official sources: always follow the instructions provided by Ledger.com/start and the official Ledger Live app.

Common Setup Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even straightforward steps can lead to trouble if rushed. Watch out for these common issues:

Downloading from unofficial sources: fake installers can contain malware—always use the official start page.
Discarding the recovery phrase: losing the seed means losing access to funds if the device is lost or damaged.
Using public or shared computers: these can be infected with keyloggers—use a trusted personal device during setup.
Rushing the verification: take time to confirm seed words and test recovery if you are restoring a wallet.

After Setup — Managing Your Wallet Safely

Once your device is set up, Ledger Live becomes the hub for daily management. Use it to monitor balances, receive and send assets, and install blockchain-specific apps. Always confirm transaction details on the physical device screen before approving — this guarantees the transaction matches what you intended to sign.

Pro tip: For long-term holdings, consider a layered custody strategy: keep the majority of funds in cold storage and use a smaller hot or readily accessible balance for active trading.