Start your Ledger setup at ledger.com/start — follow this secure, step-by-step guide for a smooth onboarding.
This high-quality guide walks you through setting up your Ledger hardware wallet safely using ledger.com/start. Follow these steps to protect your recovery phrase, understand basic usage, and avoid common setup mistakes.
Ledger devices require a secure initialization flow. The official web portal ledger.com/start provides verified instructions, firmware checks, and the Ledger Live download to ensure your device is genuine and up-to-date. Using the official path reduces the risk of tampered software or misleading guides.
Important: always type ledger.com/start directly into your browser or click the official link. Avoid search-engine ads or third-party download pages that mimic the official site.
When you're ready, open your browser and go to ledger.com/start. This will guide you to download Ledger Live and run the official onboarding steps that match your device model.
1. Visit ledger.com/start and select your device model. The site will deliver specific instructions for Nano S Plus, Nano X, or other Ledger models.
2. Download and install Ledger Live from the official page linked by ledger.com/start. Ledger Live is the companion app used to manage accounts and install apps on your device.
3. Power on your device and follow on-device prompts. Choose to set up as a new device (create a new wallet) or restore from an existing recovery phrase if you already have one.
4. Write down your recovery phrase exactly as shown. Ledger devices will show the 24-word recovery phrase on the device screen — never trust words displayed on your computer screen. Store the written recovery phrase offline and in a safe place.
5. Confirm the recovery phrase on the device when requested. This ensures you have an accurate recording.
6. Finish initialization and connect Ledger Live to add accounts, install apps, and begin managing assets securely.
Always run the official flow from ledger.com/start and verify firmware updates via Ledger Live. Never share your recovery phrase, never enter it into a computer or phone, and never disclose it to anyone, even if they claim to be Ledger support.
If your device is unresponsive during setup, try a different USB cable or computer and ensure Ledger Live is up-to-date. If firmware fails to install, follow the error-specific guidance on the official support pages reached via ledger.com/start.
If you believe your recovery phrase may have been exposed, create a new wallet on a new device immediately and transfer funds to the new address. Never continue using a device after a suspected compromise.
For users seeking extra resilience, consider splitting your recovery information across multiple secure locations or using metal backup plates designed for recovery phrase storage. If you choose to use a passphrase, document storage and redundancy become even more critical — losing a passphrase can permanently lock access to funds.
Remember: the only place the full, correct recovery phrase should exist is on paper or metal you control physically; never digitize it in cloud storage or photos.