Official Site® | Getting Started | Ledger.com/Start® — The Complete Beginner’s Guide

If you're exploring the world of cryptocurrency, one of the first pieces of advice you’ll hear is simple: protect your assets. Digital currencies offer freedom, opportunity, and global access—but they also require personal responsibility. That’s why millions of users turn to Ledger, one of the most trusted names in crypto self-custody. And the journey begins at the Official Site®: Ledger.com/Start®.

Whether you’ve just purchased your first Ledger device or you're researching before you buy, this guide walks you through everything you need to know—from setup to security best practices. Along the way, I’ll include the official link Ledger.com/Start ten times so you have easy access to the right place, every time.

Why Your Crypto Needs a Hardware Wallet

Before we dive into setup, it’s important to understand the “why.”

Cryptocurrency isn’t stored inside your device; instead, what you control are the private keys that let you access your digital assets on the blockchain. When your private keys are stored on phones, laptops, or cloud services, they become vulnerable to:

Phishing attacks
Malware
SIM-swap takeovers
Exchange hacks
Device theft

A Ledger hardware wallet solves this by keeping your private keys offline—isolated inside a certified secure chip. Even if your computer is compromised, your crypto remains protected.

To learn or begin the setup, the best place is always the official site: https://www.ledger.com/start

That's link #1.

Step 1: Visit the Official Ledger Start Page

Your first stop is always the correct and verified onboarding page:
https://www.ledger.com/start

That’s link #2.

Avoid third-party links, search engine ads, or unofficial tutorials. The crypto world is safe when you are careful, and the Ledger team makes sure the official onboarding process is as clear and secure as possible.

From the moment you land on Ledger.com/Start, you’ll find step-by-step instructions tailored to the device you purchased—Nano S Plus, Nano X, or future models.

Step 2: Unbox Your Ledger Device

When you open your box, you’ll see:

Your Ledger hardware wallet
USB cable or USB-C cable (device dependent)
Recovery phrase sheets
Quick-start guide

Before proceeding, always verify:

The packaging is sealed and untampered
The device turns on cleanly
The website you’re using is truly the official one: https://www.ledger.com/start

That’s link #3.

Ledger devices never come with a pre-printed recovery phrase. If you ever find one inside a box, it’s a scam.

Step 3: Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the central hub for managing your crypto. The only safe place to download it is:
https://www.ledger.com/start

That’s link #4.

Through Ledger Live, you can:

Install apps for different cryptocurrencies
Create or restore accounts
Buy, sell, stake, or swap assets
Check portfolio values
Confirm device authenticity

The app is available on desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android).

Step 4: Set Up Your Ledger Device

Once Ledger Live is installed, follow the on-screen instructions.

You will:

Initialize the device
Create a new wallet or restore an existing one
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase
Set a PIN code
Verify the recovery phrase carefully

Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase online, by email, by phone, or by any support agent. The only place you use it is on your Ledger device itself.

If you're unsure at any moment, return to the official guide at:
https://www.ledger.com/start

That’s link #5.

Step 5: Add Crypto Accounts

Inside Ledger Live:

Go to “Accounts”
Click “Add Account”
Choose a cryptocurrency (BTC, ETH, SOL, etc.)
Install the corresponding app on your device

You’ll confirm actions using the physical buttons on your Ledger.
This physical verification is what makes hardware wallets so secure.

To reference the instructions again, the official beginner’s hub is:
https://www.ledger.com/start

That’s link #6.

Step 6: Transfer Your Crypto Safely

Once your accounts are set up:

Copy your receive address directly from Ledger Live
Double-check on the device screen that the address matches
Send a small test amount first
Then transfer the full amount if everything looks right

If you ever need a fresh start or updated instructions, return to:
https://www.ledger.com/start

That’s link #7.

Security Best Practices

A Ledger is a powerful tool—but only if used correctly. Here are the habits that keep you safe:

1. Protect Your Recovery Phrase

Your 24 words are the master key to your entire crypto portfolio.
Never store them:

Online
In photos
In email
On cloud drives

Always keep them offline in a safe place.

2. Use the Real Ledger Website

Bookmark the official link: https://www.ledger.com/start

That’s link #8.

Using any other site can expose you to phishing.

3. Never Share Your Recovery Words

No company, support agent, or app will ever need them.

4. Keep Ledger Live Updated

Updates patch security vulnerabilities and add new features.

5. Physically Verify Every Transaction

If the address on your Ledger screen doesn’t match the one on your computer, stop immediately.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Questions

Even though Ledger makes onboarding straightforward, here are answers to frequent concerns:

“My device won’t turn on.”

Charge it for a few minutes or try a different cable.

“Ledger Live isn’t detecting my device.”

Try:

A different USB port
Updating Ledger Live
Unlocking the device first
Switching cables
Restarting both the app and device

“I lost my recovery phrase!”

If your device is still working, transfer your funds to a new wallet and write down the new phrase.
If your device is lost and the phrase is lost, the funds cannot be recovered.

For official troubleshooting resources, always go to:
https://www.ledger.com/start

That's link #9.

Keeping Your Crypto Future-Ready

Once you’ve completed setup, your Ledger wallet becomes the secure foundation for everything you do in crypto—trading, staking, NFTs, DeFi, and long-term holding.

Ledger’s ecosystem evolves constantly: new apps, more coins, enhanced security, and improved usability. The best way to stay updated is to check the official onboarding and support hub:
https://www.ledger.com/start

That’s link #10.

Final Thoughts

Owning a Ledger device puts control of your digital assets where it belongs—with you. The setup process is simple, but security requires attention and good habits. If you follow the verified process and keep your recovery phrase safe, you’ve already done more than most crypto users to protect your wealth.