Ledger.com/Start — Official Setup & Security Guide
A practical, step-by-step walkthrough for safely initializing your Ledger hardware wallet, installing Ledger Live, and protecting your private keys.
Why start at Ledger.com/Start?
Ledger.com/start is the canonical onboarding portal for Ledger hardware wallets (Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax). Begin here to download the authentic Ledger Live application, verify firmware signatures, and initialize your device without exposing your recovery seed to risk. In the crypto world, the first click matters — it determines whether your private keys are safe in cold storage or leaked to a scammer.
Quick Checklist — Before you begin
- Buy from an authorized Ledger reseller (avoid marketplaces).
- Type ledger.com/start manually — don't click unexpected links.
- Have a pen and the included recovery card ready (never take photos).
- Use a clean computer and avoid public Wi-Fi during setup.
Think of Ledger.com/start as the verified address of a bank branch — the only one that issues your unique safe deposit box. If you follow directions from elsewhere, you might be led into a fake branch where attackers ask for your master key. That master key in crypto terms is your 24-word seed phrase — the single root that opens every account derived from your wallet. Keep it offline like a bank vault key.
Step 1 — Visit Ledger.com/start
Type https://ledger.com/start into your browser address bar. Look for the padlock icon and exact domain spelling to avoid phishing clones.
Step 2 — Download Ledger Live
Choose your OS (Windows / macOS / Linux / Android / iOS) and download the official Ledger Live installer. Never run a Ledger installer from an email attachment or unknown site.
Step 3 — Connect & Initialize
Plug your Ledger device into USB (or pair via Bluetooth for Nano X/Stax). Ledger Live will guide you to create a PIN and generate your recovery seed — done on the device screen, not your computer.
Step 4 — Secure the Recovery Seed
Write your 24 words on the supplied card or a metal backup. Store it physically, in at least two secure locations. Never photograph, scan, or store the seed digitally.
What the setup does (under the hood)
When you initialize a Ledger device, the device generates a cryptographic root (the seed) within its Secure Element. That seed derives your private keys for all blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) using industry standards (BIP-39 / BIP-44). Because generation and signing occur on the device, your keys never leave the hardware — this is true cold storage. Ledger Live acts as the friendly UI and transaction relay; it never stores your private keys.
Important security concepts
- Private Key: secret value that signs transactions — never reveal it.
- Seed Phrase: human-readable backup (12/24 words) — the master key to all accounts.
- Firmware: signed device software; only install official updates via Ledger Live.
- Self-custody: you control the keys — not exchanges or custodians.
Why firmware matters
Firmware verifies the device's internal logic and cryptography. Ledger signs firmware updates; Ledger Live validates those signatures during update — tampered firmware would fail verification. Always update firmware through Ledger Live only.
Ledger.com/Start (Official) vs. Fake Setup Pages
| Feature | Ledger.com/Start | Phishing / Scam Sites |
|---|---|---|
| Installer Source | Official signed Ledger Live installers | Unknown files; often modified |
| Firmware Validation | Cryptographically verified | May be replaced or malicious |
| Recovery Seed Requests | Never requested online | Often solicits seed to steal funds |
| Support Channels | Official Ledger support (no seed requests) | Fake support, social engineering |
How to Protect Your Recovery Seed — a short checklist
- Write the seed by hand on dedicated paper or a metal plate — never photograph or screenshot it.
- Store copies in different secure locations (safe deposit box, trusted safe at home).
- Consider a steel seed backup for fire & water resistance.
- Do not share the seed — not even with "support" or friends.
- Optionally use a passphrase (BIP-39 passphrase) for an extra hidden wallet — understand recovery implications first.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ledger.com/start
Yes — always use Ledger.com/start. If you got a link from an ad, search result, or forum, verify it manually before downloading.
No. Ledger support will never ask for your seed. If asked, stop and consider it a scam attempt.
Yes, using your 24-word recovery seed you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger (or compatible BIP-39 wallet), provided the seed was kept secure.
Yes — updates often include security patches. Only update through Ledger Live and double-check that the update is signed by Ledger.
Yes — Ledger Live supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. For Nano X and Stax you can pair via Bluetooth where supported; Nano S Plus is USB only.
“Own your keys. Ledger.com/start helps you create them safely — because in crypto, trust begins with control.” — Security note
Common setup scenarios (and what to do)
Follow Ledger Live to generate a new seed on device. Record the seed in order and verify the words when asked.
Only restore on a trusted device. Enter the seed on the device input — never paste or type the seed into a computer.
Use Ledger Live. If Ledger Live warns about an incompatible or unsigned firmware, stop and verify with official channels.
Never use a pre-initialized device. Factory reset it and initialize as a new device so the seed is generated fresh on your hardware.
Conclusion — Start safely at Ledger.com/start
Starting your Ledger experience at Ledger.com/start is the simplest and safest path to true self-custody. By downloading Ledger Live only from that portal, initializing your device so the seed is generated inside the Secure Element, and protecting your recovery phrase offline, you dramatically reduce the risk of theft. Remember the core principles: never share your seed, update firmware through Ledger Live, and verify URLs and device prompts. These few careful habits keep your crypto secure for years to come.