Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started

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— 3 min read

The Ledger.com/Start page is the official, step-by-step onboarding and setup portal for all new Ledger hardware wallet devices (e.g., Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax). Its primary function is to guide users from unboxing to securing their crypto assets with confidence. The process is designed to be secure, user-friendly, and essential for ensuring the device functions correctly.

Core Content & Journey:

  1. Welcome & Device Verification: The page immediately emphasizes security, instructing users to verify their device is sealed and authentic. It warns against buying from unauthorized resellers and provides a link to verify genuine packaging.
  2. Initial Setup Instructions: Users are guided to:
    • Connect their Ledger device to a computer or mobile phone using the supplied USB cable.
    • Press the side buttons to power on the device.
    • Choose to "Set up as new device" or restore an existing recovery phrase.
  3. Generating the Recovery Phrase (Seed Phrase): This is the most critical step. The device screen will display a unique 24-word recovery phrase. The page stresses the absolute necessity of writing these words down by hand on the provided recovery sheet, in the correct order. It repeatedly warns: Never share these words with anyone, never digitize them (no photos, screenshots, cloud storage), and store the sheet physically and securely. This phrase is the master key to all assets.
  4. Setting a PIN Code: The user is prompted to create a 4-8 digit PIN code on the device itself. This PIN is required every time the device is connected, adding a first layer of physical security.
  5. Installing Ledger Live: The page directs users to download Ledger Live, the official companion application, from the official Ledger website only. It provides clear buttons for desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android) downloads.
  6. Connecting & Updating: Users learn to open Ledger Live, connect their device, and follow in-app instructions to install any necessary firmware updates to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
  7. Adding Accounts & Managing Assets: The final steps in Ledger Live involve installing "apps" for specific cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) onto the device and then creating accounts for each. This allows users to view balances in Ledger Live and generate receiving addresses to fund their secure wallet.

Key Themes of the Page:

  • Security-First: Every step reinforces self-custody and best practices for protecting the recovery phrase and PIN.
  • Clarity & Simplicity: Instructions are clear, sequential, and designed for both beginners and experienced users.
  • Official Guidance: It serves as the single source of truth, preventing users from following potentially malicious tutorials elsewhere.

5-6 FAQs Based on User Queries

1. I lost my 24-word recovery phrase. What can I do?
If you lose your recovery phrase, you cannot recover your assets if your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or reset. The recovery phrase is the only backup. If your device is still functional and you know the PIN, you must immediately reset your device and generate a new recovery phrase, then transfer all assets to the new wallet addresses. There is no Ledger customer service backup for your phrase.

2. Is it safe to buy a used Ledger device from a marketplace?
No, it is strongly discouraged. The Ledger.com/Start page emphasizes buying new from authorized retailers. A used device could be tampered with, pre-configured with a known recovery phrase, or have malicious firmware. Always buy new and verify the packaging is sealed.

3. Do I need to use Ledger Live, or can I use other wallets?
While Ledger Live is the official, recommended application for setup, updates, and managing many assets, your Ledger device is compatible with over 50 third-party wallets (like MetaMask, Phantom, Electrum) through the "Connect Hardware Wallet" feature. This allows you to manage assets on different chains while your private keys remain secure on the device.

4. I'm stuck on "Processing" or my device won't connect. What should I do?
First, try basic troubleshooting: use the original USB cable, try a different USB port, restart your computer/phone, and ensure Ledger Live is updated. If issues persist, consult the official help section on Ledger's website for detailed guides, as the problem could be driver-related (on Windows) or a browser conflict.

5. What happens if I enter my PIN incorrectly?
The device will temporarily lock after 3 incorrect PIN attempts. Further incorrect attempts will wipe the device's memory (protecting against brute-force attacks). Your crypto assets are safe on the blockchain, but you will need your 24-word recovery phrase to restore them onto a Ledger or compatible wallet.

6. Can I set up my Ledger on my phone without a computer?
Yes, for the Ledger Nano X and Nano S Plus, you can set up the device directly using the Ledger Live Mobile app (iOS/Android) via Bluetooth (Nano X) or USB-OTG cable (Nano S Plus). The process and security principles (recovery phrase, PIN) remain identical.

Conclusion

The Ledger.com/Start portal is the foundational gateway to true self-custody in the cryptocurrency world. It meticulously translates the powerful security of a hardware wallet into an actionable, user-friendly checklist. By faithfully following its instructions—particularly the sacred handling of the 24-word recovery phrase—users successfully anchor their digital wealth to a physical device they control, moving it off vulnerable exchanges and online wallets. This process doesn't just set up a product; it establishes a vital personal security standard for managing digital assets in the blockchain era.

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