Ledger.com/Start® | Official Site | Getting Started

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— 2 min read

Getting started with a hardware wallet is the single most important step in securing your digital assets. If you’ve just unboxed a new Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Ledger Stax, you likely saw a card directing you toLedger.com/start.

This URL is the official gateway to the Ledger ecosystem. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to use this portal to set up your device, verify its authenticity, and ensure your crypto remains "cold" and secure.

What isLedger.com/start?

Ledger.com/startis the official landing page designed to help users download Ledger Live—the all-in-one companion app for Ledger hardware wallets.

Because the crypto space is unfortunately prone to phishing, Ledger uses this dedicated "Start" page to ensure you are downloading the genuine software. From this portal, you can access the setup interface for every Ledger model, including the Nano series and the newer touchscreen devices like the Ledger Flex.

How to Set Up Your Device viaLedger.com/start

Follow these five essential steps to go from unboxing to your first secure transaction:

1. Download Ledger Live

Navigate to the official site and download the Ledger Live application for your OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux). You can also find the mobile version on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

2. Connect and Power On

Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable. On a Nano X or Stax, you can also use Bluetooth for mobile pairing. Once the device powers on, follow the on-screen prompts to "Set up as new device."

3. Choose a PIN Code

Security starts with your PIN. You will choose a code between 4 and 8 digits.

  • Pro Tip: Avoid simple sequences like "1234" or "0000." A longer, 8-digit PIN offers the highest level of physical security.

4. Record Your Secret Recovery Phrase

This is the most critical step. Your Ledger will generate a 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase. This is the master key to your funds.

  • Write it down on the physical recovery sheets provided in the box.
  • Never store it digitally (no photos, no cloud storage, no emails).
  • Never share it with anyone—even someone claiming to be from Ledger Support.

5. The Genuine Check

Once your device is initialized, Ledger Live will perform a "Genuine Check." The software will communicate with Ledger’s secure servers to verify that your hardware hasn't been tampered with and is an authentic Ledger product.

Safety First: Red Flags to Watch For

When usingLedger.com/start, keep these security rules in mind to protect your assets:

  • No Pre-set PINs: If your device came with a PIN already set, or the box contains a "pre-filled" recovery card, do not use it. Genuine devices always allow you to generate these yourself during setup.
  • Verify the URL: Always double-check that you are on ledger.com. Scammers often use "typo-squatting" (e.g., legder.com) to trick users into downloading fake software.
  • Cold Storage Stays Cold: Your 24 words should only ever be entered into the physical Ledger device itself, never into a keyboard or a phone app.

Conclusion

VisitingLedger.com/startis the beginning of your journey toward true financial sovereignty. By moving your assets from an exchange to a Ledger hardware wallet, you are taking full ownership of your private keys.

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