Ledger Live Desktop Download & Setup via Ledger.com/Start®
Ledger.com/Start: The Complete Guide to Securely Setting Up Your Hardware Wallet
If you’ve just purchased a Ledger hardware wallet — such as the Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or other supported models — your first destination should be https://www.ledger.com/start. This page is the official onboarding portal provided by Ledger, designed to help both beginners and experienced users securely activate their devices, install Ledger’s software, and take full control of their cryptocurrency assets.
Ledger hardware wallets remain among the most trusted in the cryptocurrency world because they store your private keys offline and provide bank-grade security features that are fundamentally safer than keeping crypto on exchanges or “hot wallets.” This in-depth guide walks you through everything from why Ledger.com/start matters to step-by-step setup instructions and essential security practices.
What Is Ledger.com/start?
Ledger.com/start is the official setup hub for Ledger hardware wallets. It’s where you begin the secure, step-by-step process to:
Correlate your Ledger device with your computer or mobile
Download and install Ledger Live (the companion app for managing your crypto)
Initialize your wallet with a PIN and recovery seed
Add crypto accounts and begin managing your assets
Think of this page as your gateway into secure self-custody — with verified software, firmware checks, and instructional guidance. Ledger emphasizes that this URL is the only official starting point for setup — avoiding phishing sites and counterfeit software.
Important: Always type the address directly into your browser and ensure it begins with https://www.ledger.com/start. That’s your first line of defense against fraud.Why Setup at Ledger.com/start Matters
Before you even connect your hardware wallet, Ledger.com/start provides critical advantages:
Verified Downloads: Get Ledger Live directly from the official provider — never from third-party or untrusted sources.
Security Instructions: Security guidance is interwoven with the setup flow so you avoid common mistakes.
Firmware Checks: Ledger Live performs firmware and authenticity verification on your hardware device.
Device-Specific Guidance: Setup instructions tailored to the exact Ledger model you own.
This combination of official resources and security best practices ensures that your crypto is protected from the very first step.
Step-by-Step Ledger Wallet Setup
Here’s a clear walkthrough of the setup process you’ll complete after visiting https://www.ledger.com/start.
1. Unbox and Inspect Your Ledger Device
Start by inspecting the packaging for tampering. Ledger devices should arrive sealed and include:
The Ledger hardware wallet
A USB cable (and Bluetooth module if applicable)
Blank recovery cards
Quick-start guides
If anything looks wrong or is missing, do not continue — contact the seller or Ledger Support before proceeding.
2. Navigate to Ledger.com/start
Open your browser and enter this exact URL:
This takes you to the official Ledger setup portal where you’ll choose your specific hardware model and begin the onboarding process. Ensure the URL is correct to avoid phishing or scam sites.
3. Download and Install Ledger Live
Once you’re on the start page, you’ll be prompted to download Ledger Live — the companion application for managing accounts, balances, and transactions. Ledger Live is available for:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- iOS and Android
Installing Ledger Live from this page ensures you get an authentic, up-to-date version.
4. Connect Your Ledger Device
Use the included USB cable (or Bluetooth for compatible models) to connect your hardware wallet to your computer or phone. Ledger Live will detect the device and begin the initialization flow.
5. Set Your PIN Code
During setup, your Ledger device will prompt you to choose a secure PIN — typically 4 to 8 digits. This PIN protects the device itself from unauthorized access. Choose a memorable but not easily guessable number combination.
6. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
This is the most critical part of the entire setup:
Your Ledger will display a 24-word recovery phrase
Write it down carefully in the correct order
Store this offline — on paper or a metal backup, never digitally
This seed phrase is the ONLY way to restore your wallet if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Ledger never stores it, so loss of this phrase means loss of access.
7. Confirm and Finalize Setup
After you’ve written the recovery phrase, the device will ask you to confirm some of the words to ensure you did it correctly. Once confirmed, your Ledger wallet is initialized.
Ledger Live will now verify device authenticity and complete the integration.
8. Add Crypto Accounts and Begin
With your wallet set up and Ledger Live installed, you can:
Add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other assets
Send, receive, or stake tokens
Manage decentralized finances and tokens
Ledger Live gives you a unified dashboard to view all your assets securely.
Security Best Practices
Once setup is complete, good habits keep your assets safe:
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase — Ledger or support will never ask for it.
Always download software only from https://www.ledger.com/start.
Keep firmware updates current through Ledger Live.
Store your recovery phrase offline in multiple secure locations.
Never enter your seed phrase into any website or third-party app. (This is a common scam technique scammers may use.)
Final Thoughts
Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet through https://www.ledger.com/start is the securest and most reliable way to activate your device, protect your private keys, and begin managing your cryptocurrency with confidence. Whether you’re a crypto novice or an experienced investor, following the official setup steps — and maintaining strong security practices — will help ensure that your digital wealth stays safe.