Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started (Complete Beginner’s Guide)
Getting started with cryptocurrency requires a secure foundation—and that foundation begins at the Official Site®: Ledger.com/Start®. As the trusted onboarding portal for all Ledger hardware wallets, ledger.com/start guides you through setting up your device, installing ledger live, configuring ledger live desktop, managing your crypto assets, and protecting your private keys with industry-leading security.
Whether you own a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Stax, the setup journey always begins at the official onboarding page:
👉 https://www.ledger.com/start
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting started, staying secure, and using ledger live for full crypto management. This article is crafted to help beginners, experienced investors, and professionals understand exactly how to use their Ledger wallets securely and efficiently.
What Is Ledger.com/Start®?
Ledger.com/start is the official website provided by Ledger for safely setting up hardware wallets. It includes:
Verified software download links
Step-by-step device setup instructions
Guides for using ledger live
Tutorials for managing crypto, NFTs, and staking
Security best practices
This prevents users from downloading fake or malicious wallet applications. Many counterfeit websites attempt to impersonate Ledger, so always start setup ONLY from the official website:
👉 https://www.ledger.com/start
Why Begin at Ledger.com/Start®?
Here’s why experts always recommend starting at ledger.com/start:
1. Official and Authentic Setup
Ledger ensures all downloads and instructions on this website are safe and verified.
2. Hardware Wallet Initialization
The site guides users through:
Choosing a PIN
Writing the 24-word recovery phrase
Securing recovery sheets
Verifying the authenticity of the Ledger device
3. Safe Download of Ledger Live
You will only find legitimate links to download ledger live desktop and ledger live mobile from this page.
4. Avoiding Scams
Fake Ledger websites are a common phishing threat. Using ledger.com/start protects you from harmful downloads and wallet cloning scams.
How to Set Up Your Ledger Device Using Ledger.com/Start®
Here is the complete step-by-step guide for beginners.
Step 1: Go to the Official Ledger Website
Visit:
👉 https://www.ledger.com/start
You’ll see an option to choose your Ledger device model.
Select:
Ledger Nano X
Ledger Nano S Plus
Ledger Stax
Each option includes tailored setup instructions.
Step 2: Unbox Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Inside the box, you should find:
Ledger device
USB cable
Recovery phrase sheets
Instructions
Key ring or accessories (depending on the model)
Ensure the box is sealed and tamper-free.
Step 3: Power On and Choose PIN Code
When you power on your Ledger device:
Select Set up as a new device
Choose a PIN (4–8 digits)
Confirm the PIN
Your PIN protects access to your hardware wallet.
Step 4: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
Your Ledger device will show a 24-word recovery phrase.
This phrase is the key to your crypto wallet.
Write down all 24 words
Double check spelling
Store offline in a secure location
NEVER take photos
NEVER share with anyone
NEVER type it into any software, including ledger live
This phrase restores your wallet if your Ledger is lost or damaged.
Step 5: Confirm the Recovery Phrase on Device
Ledger will ask you to verify several words to ensure you wrote them down correctly.
This ensures no one else has access to your recovery phrase.
Step 6: Download Ledger Live (Desktop or Mobile)
Once your device is initialized, go back to ledger.com/start to download Ledger Live.
👉 Only download Ledger Live from the official site
Links available for:
ledger live desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)
ledger live for mobile (iOS, Android)
Using ledger live desktop is highly recommended for first-time setup.
What Is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is Ledger’s official software for crypto management.
It allows you to:
Buy & sell crypto
Send & receive coins
Stake assets (ETH, DOT, ATOM, etc.)
Swap tokens
Manage NFTs
Track portfolio performance
Install coin apps on your Ledger device
Both ledger live desktop and mobile versions sync seamlessly.
How to Install and Use Ledger Live Desktop
Many users prefer ledger live desktop for its advanced tools and bigger interface.
Here’s how to install it:
Choose Download Ledger Live
Select your OS
Install the application
Open Ledger Live
Choose Initialize a new device or Connect existing wallet
Follow instructions on-screen
Once installed, connect your Ledger device and begin managing crypto securely.
Key Features of Ledger Live Desktop
1. Account Management
Add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Ripple, and more.
2. Ledger Swap
Swap one crypto for another without using centralized exchanges.
3. Stake Crypto
Stake supported assets to earn passive rewards securely.
4. Buy Crypto
Purchase crypto via integrated partners like MoonPay, Ramp, Transak.
5. Portfolio Dashboard
View real-time charts, balances, and profit/loss insights.
6. Install/Uninstall Apps
Use the My Ledger tab to manage coin apps on your Ledger hardware.
7. NFT Manager
Browse Ethereum and Polygon NFTs directly in Ledger Live.
Managing Crypto Assets Through Ledger Live
Once setup is complete, you can begin transferring, receiving, and staking crypto.
How to Receive Crypto
Open ledger live
Click Receive
Select crypto
Connect your Ledger device
Verify the receiving address on hardware
Share address with sender
How to Send Crypto
Open Ledger Live
Choose the account
Click Send
Enter the receiver’s wallet address
Confirm transaction on Ledger device
How to Stake Crypto
Ledger Live supports staking for:
Ethereum
Polkadot
Tezos
Cosmos
Solana
Just tap Stake, choose a validator, and confirm on-device.
**Security Best Practices When Using Ledger.com/Start®
✔ Download software only from ledger.com/start
✔ Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
✔ Always verify addresses on your Ledger device
✔ Enable Ledger’s “Genuine Check” protection
✔ Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated
✔ Use a strong PIN code
✔ Store recovery phrase offline
Following these practices protects your crypto assets from the most common online attacks.
Final Thoughts
Getting started through the Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® ensures maximum security and authenticity when setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. By directing users to the official onboarding portal, Ledger eliminates the risk of downloading fake wallets or falling for phishing scams.
Once the device is initialized, ledger live and ledger live desktop become your central tools for managing all your crypto assets—buying, sending, receiving, staking, swapping, and monitoring your portfolio—all backed by the unmatched protection of a hardware wallet.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned crypto holder, always start at https://www.ledger.com/start and rely on Ledger Live for safe and seamless crypto management.
FAQs – Ledger.com/Start® & Ledger Live
1. Is Ledger.com/Start the official setup website?
Yes. It is the only official Ledger onboarding page for safe device setup.
2. Is Ledger Live required to use my Ledger wallet?
Yes. Ledger Live is needed to manage accounts and install crypto apps.
3. Can I use Ledger Live Desktop and Mobile together?
Absolutely. Both versions sync with your Ledger device.
4. Do I ever enter my 24-word recovery phrase into Ledger Live?
Never. It must ONLY be entered on your Ledger device when restoring a wallet.
5. Is Ledger Live Desktop more secure than mobile?
Both are secure, but the desktop version offers more advanced features.
6. Where do I download Ledger Live safely?
Only at https://www.ledger.com/start.
7. Does Ledger Live support NFTs?
Yes. Ethereum and Polygon NFTs are supported.
8. Can I buy crypto through Ledger Live?
Yes. It integrates with trusted payment providers.
9. What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
You can restore your wallet on a new device using your recovery phrase.
10. Does Ledger Live store my private keys?
No. Private keys remain secured inside your Ledger hardware wallet.