In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, self-custody has become one of the most vital aspects of digital asset protection. Ledger.com/start serves as the official and safest starting point for setting up, managing, and securing your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you own a Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Ledger Stax, this guide provides a clear overview of how to begin safely, manage assets, and maintain the highest level of security.

Getting Started with Ledger.com/start

The first step in using your Ledger device is visiting the official Ledger setup portal at Ledger.com/start. This page guides you through the installation of Ledger Live, the companion software for managing your cryptocurrency portfolio. Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It provides a single interface to view balances, send and receive crypto, and access decentralized apps securely.

When you visit Ledger.com/start, you’ll be prompted to download Ledger Live directly from the official source. Always verify the website URL carefully — fake or modified downloads are a common phishing tactic used by attackers to compromise wallets.

Installing and Setting Up Ledger Live

After downloading Ledger Live, install the application and connect your Ledger device via USB or Bluetooth (for Ledger Nano X or Stax). The setup wizard will detect your device and offer two options:

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  Set up as a new device, or
  

  
  


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  Restore from recovery phrase (if you already have one).
  

  
  

For new users, select Set up as new device. You’ll then be guided to create a PIN code, which acts as the first layer of protection. Choose a unique 4–8 digit PIN that isn’t easy to guess. Losing your PIN doesn’t mean losing your crypto, but anyone with both your device and PIN could access your funds, so handle it with care.

Creating and Storing Your Recovery Phrase

Next, your Ledger.com/start device will display a 24-word recovery phrase—the single most important element of your crypto security. These words represent your private keys, the cryptographic proof of ownership of your assets. Write the phrase down exactly as shown, in the correct order, and store it offline in a secure, private location.

Ledger will ask you to confirm your recovery phrase to ensure it’s recorded correctly. Never take photos, store it digitally, or share it online. For extra resilience, many users engrave or etch their recovery phrase on metal backup plates to protect against fire or water damage.