In the world of cryptocurrencies, security is everything. Whether you're holding Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, or altcoins, protecting your digital assets requires more than a software wallet or exchange account. That's why Ledger hardware wallets—combined with the official onboarding at Ledger.com/Start®—are trusted by millions worldwide. This guide will walk you through every step of setting up your Ledger device securely and confidently.
Ledger.com/Start® is the official onboarding and setup page for Ledger hardware wallets. Whether you’re setting up a Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X, this is the safest starting point to download Ledger Live, initialize your wallet, and begin securing your crypto.
By starting at the official site, you eliminate the risk of using counterfeit apps or phishing links, ensuring a trusted and secure setup environment.
Ledger currently offers two main hardware wallet models:
Both devices use a Secure Element chip to keep your private keys offline and inaccessible to hackers or malware.
Follow these essential steps to set up your wallet the right way.
Open your browser and go to https://www.ledger.com/start. Always double-check the URL to avoid phishing attacks.
Ledger Live is the companion app used to manage your crypto, check balances, install apps, and interact with your hardware wallet. Download the correct version for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android) from the official site only.
Plug in your Ledger device via USB or Bluetooth (Nano X only). Follow on-screen instructions in Ledger Live and on the device display.
Select "Set up as new device" if you’re starting fresh. Ledger will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase—this is your private backup. Write it down carefully and never store it digitally.
Ledger will ask you to confirm the 24 words in random order to ensure you wrote them down correctly. This is your one and only backup if your device is lost or stolen.
Create a 4–8 digit PIN that will be required every time the device is used. Avoid common or simple combinations.
Use Ledger Live to install coin-specific apps like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc. Your device has limited storage, but you can uninstall/reinstall apps without affecting stored crypto.
After installing an app, add an account for that cryptocurrency. This enables sending, receiving, and managing that coin within Ledger Live.
You can now receive crypto to your wallet addresses. Always verify the receiving address on your hardware device screen before sharing or using it.
Ledger regularly issues updates to fix bugs and improve security. Make sure to update your device firmware and Ledger Live when prompted.
Compare the safety and control Ledger provides over hot wallets or exchanges: