Ledger.com/start is the official website that guides users through the process of setting up their Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger is a well-known company that creates secure devices for storing cryptocurrency private keys offline. These hardware wallets include models such as the Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and Ledger Stax. The main purpose of these devices is to protect your digital assets — like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies — from online threats such as hacking, malware, or phishing scams. By keeping your private keys offline inside a secure chip, a Ledger device ensures that no one can access your funds without your physical confirmation.

When you first receive your Ledger device, it is important to check the packaging carefully. A genuine Ledger package includes the hardware wallet, a USB cable, recovery sheets, and a quick start guide. Ledger devices never come with a pre-written or printed recovery phrase. If your device comes with one already filled in, it may have been tampered with and should not be used. The 24-word recovery phrase must always be generated by you, directly on your Ledger device during the setup process. This recovery phrase is extremely important because it acts as a backup to your wallet. If your Ledger is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can restore your wallet and access your funds using those 24 words.

To start the setup process, open a web browser and go to Ledger.com/start. Always type the address manually rather than clicking on links, to make sure you are on the official Ledger website. Many fake websites try to copy the official one to trick users into revealing their recovery phrases. Once on Ledger.com/start, select your specific Ledger device and download Ledger Live, the official software for managing your wallet.

Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It allows you to manage multiple cryptocurrencies, send and receive funds, install blockchain applications, and check your balances. Ledger Live does not store your private keys — it connects to your Ledger device, which keeps the keys securely offline. The software acts as an interface that lets you interact with the blockchain while maintaining strong security.

After downloading and installing Ledger Live, open the application. Click “Get Started” and choose whether to set up a new device or restore an existing wallet from a recovery phrase. If you are setting up your Ledger for the first time, select “Set up as new device.” Connect your Ledger wallet to your computer using the USB cable, or connect via Bluetooth if you have a Ledger Nano X.

The first step of the setup process is to create a PIN code. The PIN protects your device if someone tries to use it without your permission. Each time you use your Ledger, you must enter this PIN. If the wrong PIN is entered three times, the device will reset automatically to protect your data. Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess.

Once you’ve created your PIN, your Ledger will generate your 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the only backup of your wallet. Write down the 24 words exactly as shown on your device, in the correct order, using the recovery sheet provided in the box. Double-check that you have written every word correctly. Never store this phrase on your phone, computer, or cloud storage — keep it offline and safe. You will then be asked to confirm the recovery phrase by selecting specific words in the correct order. This step ensures that you’ve recorded it correctly.

After completing this step, your Ledger device setup is finished. Open Ledger Live again and connect your device. The software will verify that your device is genuine and may prompt you to install firmware updates. Updating firmware is an important step for maintaining strong security and accessing the latest features.

Once your device is verified and updated, you can begin installing apps for the cryptocurrencies you plan to use. Each blockchain, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana, requires its own app. These apps can be installed from the “My Ledger” section in Ledger Live. After installing the necessary apps, you can add accounts for each cryptocurrency. Ledger Live will then display your balances and transaction history.

To receive cryptocurrency, open Ledger Live, click “Receive,” choose the account, and check that the wallet address shown in the app matches the one displayed on your Ledger device screen. This step is important because it prevents address manipulation by malware. To send cryptocurrency, click “Send,” enter the recipient’s address and amount, and confirm the transaction physically on your Ledger device. This hardware confirmation ensures that only you can authorize outgoing transactions.

To keep your funds secure, follow a few important safety tips. Never share your recovery phrase or PIN with anyone — not even with Ledger’s support team. Ledger will never ask for them. Only download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start, and regularly check for firmware and software updates. Keep your recovery phrase stored in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof location. If your Ledger wallet is ever lost or damaged, you can restore your funds on a new device using the same 24-word recovery phrase. Remember, your cryptocurrency is stored on the blockchain, not inside the Ledger device — the device simply protects your access to it.

Ledger.com/start offers clear, step-by-step instructions for the entire setup process. By following these steps, users can make sure their wallets are configured properly, private keys are protected, and their cryptocurrency stays safe from online attacks. The combination of Ledger hardware and Ledger Live software gives users full control over their funds. This is why Ledger users often say, “Not your keys, not your coins.” When you store your crypto on an exchange, you don’t really own it. But when you use a Ledger wallet, you hold your private keys — and that means you truly own your cryptocurrency.

By visiting Ledger.com/start, downloading Ledger Live, setting up your device correctly, and keeping your recovery phrase safe, you can take complete control of your digital assets. Ledger provides one of the most secure and trusted ways to store crypto, giving you peace of mind that your funds are protected even in a digital world filled with security threats.