Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®

Ledger

Ledger.com/start — First Steps to a Secure Hardware Wallet

A hands-on, beginner-to-mid level guide to setting up Ledger, understanding seed phrases, and using the Ledger.com/start flow to keep your crypto truly your own.

Estimated read: 10–12 min

What is Ledger.com/start?

Ledger.com/start is the guided onboarding entry point most people use when they first set up a Ledger hardware wallet (Ledger Nano S, Nano X, or similar). It walks you through downloading Ledger Live, pairing your device, creating or restoring a wallet using a seed phrase (mnemonic), and learning core concepts like private keys, cold storage, and what it means to be non-custodial. Think of it as the road map from "I bought a shiny device" to "I control my crypto with confidence."

A quick story

Meet Ravi. He bought a Ledger to keep his savings safe after reading about exchange hacks. At first, the tiny device felt intimidating. Using Ledger.com/start, he followed clear steps: download Ledger Live, initialize the device, write down the seed words, set a PIN, and confirm recovery. That guided experience turned confusion into confidence — and that's the point: Ledger.com/start is meant to make lifelong security habits simple and repeatable.

Quick 8-step walkthrough (Ledger.com/start)

Go to Ledger.com/start — this page points you to the official Ledger Live app and offers safety notices. Always use official sources.

Download Ledger Live — the desktop/mobile app that manages device firmware, apps, and your portfolio locally on your machine.

Unbox and power your Ledger — connect with the USB/OTG cable. Check device integrity; seals or holograms (if present) should be intact.

Create a new wallet or restore — choose Set up as new device to generate a seed phrase, or Restore if you have an existing mnemonic.

Write down the seed phrase — this set of 12–24 words is the only backup of your private keys. Use pen & paper or, better, a metal backup. Do not store it digitally.

Set a PIN — adds an access layer to the device. The PIN is local to the device and prevents unauthorized use if stolen.

Install apps in Ledger Live — install a Bitcoin app, Ethereum app, etc., to manage specific chains (apps live on the device; Ledger Live orchestrates them).

Receive a small test amount — always test before sending large funds. Confirm the receiving address on the device screen before sharing it.

Why the flow matters: security by design

Ledger's onboarding sequence is intentionally linear: download official software, initialize the device, record the seed, and confirm everything on the device screen. This structure enforces crucial security habits that prevent common failures: phishing, accidental seed exposure, and using tampered firmware. The seed phrase (mnemonic) is the mathematical representation of your wallet; it derives all private keys and addresses. Protect it like cash in a safe — if someone finds your seed, they can rebuild your keys and steal funds.

Ledger (hardware) vs. Software Wallets — a short comparison

Feature

Ledger (Hardware)

Software Wallet

Private key storage

Inside device (cold)

On device or cloud (hot)

Phishing risk

Low — confirmations on device

Higher — keys can be copied

Ease of use

Moderate — physical device needed

High — instant access

Recovery

Seed phrase (mnemonic)

Backup file / seed (varies)

Practical security checklist (do these now)

Only download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start or the official Ledger website — never trust search-result downloads.
Record your recovery seed phrase on paper or a fireproof metal backup. Never store it digitally (no photos, no cloud).
Keep a separate, strong PIN on the device; use passphrases only if you understand how they alter recovery.
Confirm every address on the Ledger screen: malware can alter the address shown in your desktop app but not on the device itself.
Test recovery on a new device (with a small amount) to ensure your seed is correct and legible.

Common setup issues and fixes

Device not recognized: try a different USB cable or port, ensure Ledger Live is updated, and check your OS permissions (some systems need drivers).

Lost seed words: if you lose seed words and still have device access, create a new wallet and transfer funds immediately — never reuse a compromised seed.

Phishing prompts: Ledger will never ask for your seed in an app or email. If prompted, disconnect and verify downloads at Ledger.com/start.

“Your seed phrase is not a backup to copy — it’s the master key. Protect it physically, and your crypto stays private.”

— Practical Self-Custody Rule

FAQ — short answers

Q: Is Ledger.com/start the only safe place to set up Ledger?

A: It's the recommended starting point because it links directly to official Ledger Live downloads and safety guides. Always ensure you land on the official domain before downloading anything.

Q: What if someone asks for my seed phrase during setup?

A: Never share your seed. Ledger support will never ask for it. If asked, it's a phishing attempt — stop and verify immediately.

Q: Can I restore Ledger from a mobile phone?

A: Yes, many Ledger devices support mobile via Bluetooth or USB-C (Nano X supports Bluetooth). Use Ledger Live mobile and follow on-screen prompts with care.

Q: How do I test my backup?

A: Use a new device (or factory-reset device) and restore using your seed to confirm the words were recorded correctly — do this with a small test balance first.

Real-world scenario: sending ETH after using Ledger.com/start

After setup, open Ledger Live, select your Ethereum account, and choose "Send". Enter the recipient address and amount. Ledger Live prepares the transaction, then your Ledger device requests confirmation: you'll see the exact address and amount on the device screen. Only approve if it matches. The device signs the transaction internally (using your private key), and Ledger Live broadcasts it to the blockchain. This physical confirmation prevents automated malware from moving funds silently.

Conclusion — Ledger.com/start is more than a URL

Ledger.com/start is a guided gateway to secure self-custody. It’s crafted to teach you essential habits — verify official software, generate and protect your seed phrase, set a PIN, and always confirm operations on the device. The core vocabulary you’ll use from here on includes seed phrase, private key, mnemonic, cold storage, and non-custodial. Follow the steps intentionally, test with small amounts, and you’ll convert a small hardware purchase into lasting financial sovereignty.

Ledger.com/start — start smart, secure your keys, and own your crypto.

Guide for beginner → mid-level crypto users. Terms highlighted: seed phrase, private key, mnemonic, cold storage, non-custodial.