Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet is straightforward and secure. This guide explains everything you need to know when you visit Ledger.com/Start to begin using your Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax device. The process takes only a few minutes and helps you create a safe place to store your cryptocurrency.
Ledger.com/Start is the official starting page created by Ledger to help new users set up their hardware wallet for the first time. When you receive your Ledger device, you go to this page on your computer or phone to download Ledger Live, the free app that manages your wallet. The page guides you step by step so you never feel lost.
Open the box carefully. Inside you will find the Ledger device, a USB cable, recovery sheets, and a quick start guide. Ledger packages everything securely and never includes a pre-filled recovery phrase. If you see any paper with words already written on it, do not use the device. Contact Ledger support immediately because it might be tampered with.
Visit Ledger.com/Start in your web browser. The page detects your device type automatically. Choose "Set up a new device" if this is your first time. The website shows clear pictures and simple instructions. Follow each step exactly as shown.
First, connect your Ledger device to your computer with the USB cable. For Ledger Nano X or Stax users who prefer Bluetooth, you can pair later inside the Ledger Live app. When the device powers on, you will see the Ledger logo and then a welcome screen.
Press both buttons together when the screen says "Set up as new device". The device asks you to create a PIN code. Choose a PIN between 4 and 8 digits that only you know. Write it down somewhere safe, but never store it digitally. If you forget the PIN, you can still recover your funds with the recovery phrase you create next.
The most important part comes now. Your Ledger device shows 24 secret words one by one. These words are your recovery phrase. Write them exactly in order on the recovery sheet provided in the box. Never take a photo or type them on your computer. Never share them with anyone. This phrase is the only way to recover your funds if your device is lost or damaged.
After writing the words, the device asks you to confirm some of them. Press the correct buttons to select each word. When everything matches, your device is ready and shows "Your device is ready".
Back on Ledger.com/Start, click the button to download Ledger Live for your computer. Choose Windows, macOS, or Linux. The file is small and downloads quickly. Open the file and follow the simple installation steps. When Ledger Live opens for the first time, choose "Get Started" and then "Set up a new device".
Connect your Ledger again if needed. Ledger Live recognizes your device instantly. Follow the on-screen checks to make sure everything works properly. The app tests the connection and confirms your device is genuine.
Ledger Live is your main dashboard. From here you can add cryptocurrency accounts, send and receive money, check balances, and install apps on your device. The left menu shows Portfolio, Accounts, Send, Receive, and Manager sections. Everything is clearly labeled with large buttons.
To add your first account, click "Add account". Choose Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency you own. The app installs a small Bitcoin app on your Ledger device. Confirm the installation on the device screen. Then Ledger Live creates a receive address. Always verify the address on your Ledger screen matches what you see in the app before receiving funds.
Receiving money is safe and easy. Click "Receive" in Ledger Live, choose the account, and copy the address. Or show the QR code to the sender. Always open the correct app on your Ledger device and confirm the address on the screen. This step protects you from malware that might change addresses on your computer.
To send money, click "Send", enter the recipient address, amount, and fees. Review everything carefully. Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device by pressing both buttons. Your private keys never leave the secure chip inside the device.
Your Ledger device keeps your private keys offline. Even if your computer has viruses, your funds stay safe because every transaction needs physical confirmation on the device. Store your recovery phrase in a safe place away from your home if possible. Consider using a fireproof bag or safe deposit box. Never enter your recovery phrase on any website or app except when restoring on a new Ledger device.
From time to time, Ledger releases firmware updates. Ledger Live notifies you when an update is ready. Follow the instructions exactly. Never unplug the device during an update. The process takes a few minutes and keeps your device protected against new threats.
Many users ask if they can use Ledger with mobile phones. Yes, Ledger Nano X and Stax connect via Bluetooth to the Ledger Live mobile app on iOS and Android. Ledger Nano S and Nano S Plus work with mobile phones using an OTG cable.
Another common question is about supported cryptocurrencies. Ledger supports thousands of coins and tokens including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and most major networks. You can also manage NFTs and connect to popular DeFi applications safely.
Once everything works, practice sending a small amount of cryptocurrency to your Ledger address. Wait for confirmation on the blockchain. Then try sending a tiny amount back to another wallet. This practice helps you understand the process before moving larger amounts.
Congratulations. You now have one of the safest ways to store cryptocurrency. Your funds are under your control, not on an exchange where they can be hacked or frozen.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not official documentation from Ledger SAS. Always refer to the official website Ledger.com and follow instructions directly from Ledger Live for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance. Cryptocurrency investments carry risk, and you are responsible for your own security. Never share your 24-word recovery phrase or PIN with anyone. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. If you encounter any issues, contact Ledger support only through official channels at support.ledger.com. The author and publisher are not responsible for any loss of funds resulting from following this guide. Always verify you are on the genuine website Ledger.com before downloading software or entering information.