Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started with Ledger Wallet – Beginner’s Guide (1000 words)
Welcome to Ledger.com/Start®, the official guide to setting up and securing your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you’re new to cryptocurrency or a seasoned user looking to upgrade your security, this step-by-step tutorial will help you get started quickly and safely. Ledger devices, including Ledger Nano S Plus® and Ledger Nano X®, are trusted worldwide for providing industry-leading protection for digital assets. With secure offline storage and private-key control, Ledger ensures that you—not an exchange—are the true owner of your crypto.
This guide will walk you through unboxing your Ledger wallet, installing Ledger Live, creating and recovering accounts, and safely managing crypto transactions.
Why Choose Ledger for Crypto Security?
Cryptocurrency ownership requires responsibility and protection. When you store your digital assets on an exchange, you rely on a centralized platform vulnerable to hacking, shutdowns, or restrictions. Ledger hardware wallets give you full sovereignty, storing your private keys offline where they cannot be accessed by online attackers. Combined with the Ledger Live® app, you can securely manage your assets, access DeFi, stake tokens, and buy or swap cryptocurrencies—all from one trusted interface.
Ledger security features include:
Secure Element Chip to protect keys and transactions
PIN code access to prevent unauthorized use
Offline cold storage protection
Recovery phrase backup for emergency access
Firmware security updates
Compatibility with thousands of crypto assets
Unboxing Your Ledger Device
Inside your Ledger package, you will find:
Ledger hardware wallet (Nano X or Nano S Plus)
USB cable
Recovery phrase cards
Instruction card
Keychain or accessories (model dependent)
Before proceeding, ensure:
Packaging is sealed and undamaged
The device is purchased from an official retailer
You never buy a wallet pre-configured or with a written recovery phrase included
If anything looks suspicious, contact Ledger support immediately.
Step 1: Visit the Official Setup Page
Go to Ledger.com/Start® using a secure device and trusted internet connection. This page ensures you are downloading the authentic software and following verified setup instructions. Avoid searching for downloads through search engines, as fake wallet installers may attempt to steal your assets.
On the start page, select your Ledger model and click “Install Ledger Live”.
Step 2: Install Ledger Live®
Ledger Live is the official application used to manage your hardware wallet. It works on desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android depending on model).
After installation:
Open Ledger Live.
Choose “Get Started”.
Select your Ledger device.
Read and confirm security checklist.
Ledger Live automatically detects firmware updates and guides you through secure setup steps.
Step 3: Set Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or smartphone. Follow on-screen instructions to:
Create a new wallet
Set a PIN code (never share it)
Generate your 24-word recovery phrase
Important Security Warning
Your 24-word recovery phrase is the only backup of your wallet. If your device is lost, damaged, or reset, you can recover your assets using this phrase. Write it down carefully and store it offline in a secure location. Never save it digitally, never take a photo, and never share it with anyone—not even Ledger. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Once confirmed, your wallet is ready to use.
Step 4: Add Accounts and Manage Crypto
In Ledger Live, navigate to “Accounts” and choose the cryptocurrency you want to manage such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, or others. Ledger supports more than 5,500 coins and tokens.
To add an account:
Click “Add Account”
Select asset type
Connect and unlock your Ledger device
Approve account creation
You can now:
Receive crypto into your account
Send crypto securely
Swap, buy & sell through integrated partners
Track your portfolio value in real time
Step 5: Make Your First Transaction
To receive crypto:
Open an account in Ledger Live
Click “Receive”
Verify and confirm address on your Ledger screen
Share the address with the sender
To send crypto:
Click “Send”
Enter destination address and amount
Verify details on Ledger device screen
Approve transaction manually
Ledger’s hardware confirmation ensures no malicious changes occur on the computer or network.
Step 6: Stay Secure
To maintain maximum protection:
Keep your PIN and recovery phrase offline & private
Update firmware when Ledger Live notifies you
Enable password lock and optional security settings
Never enter your recovery phrase on a website or PC
If anyone asks for your phrase, it is a scam.
Additional Ledger Live Features
Ledger Live offers several powerful tools:
Portfolio tracking to monitor asset performance
Crypto staking (ETH, SOL, DOT, ATOM and more)
Buy and sell crypto through verified providers
Swap and exchange coin-to-coin
NFT management for Ethereum, Polygon, Solana
DeFi access through integrations
Ledger continues to expand support for blockchain innovation while prioritizing safety.
Get Help and Support
For official support resources:
Ledger.com/Support
Help center articles & troubleshooting
Secure ticket system for inquiries
Never trust emails or messages asking for funds or personal keys.
Conclusion
Ledger.com/Start® is the official and safest way to begin using your Ledger hardware wallet. With Ledger Nano devices and Ledger Live, you maintain true ownership of your crypto through secure offline storage. Whether you manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, or DeFi assets, Ledger delivers reliability, convenience, and unmatched protection.
Owning crypto means protecting crypto. Ledger helps you do that with confidence.