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Ledger.com/start is the official onboarding page for users who have purchased a Ledger hardware wallet and want to set it up safely and correctly. It serves as the verified starting point for initializing your device, installing the companion app, and learning the essential security steps required to protect your digital assets. Using the official start page ensures you avoid counterfeit instructions, malicious software, or phishing setups that could compromise your funds.
This guide-style web content walks you through everything a new user needs to know about getting started, from unboxing to first transaction readiness, while emphasizing security best practices at every stage.
When dealing with cryptocurrency security, the source of your setup instructions matters. Many scams attempt to trick users into downloading fake wallet software or entering recovery phrases into fraudulent websites. The official start page exists to prevent those risks.
By beginning at Ledger.com/start, you ensure that:
Never rely on third-party blogs or random video tutorials alone for wallet initialization. The official onboarding flow is designed to reduce user error and maximize protection.
Before visiting the start page and beginning setup, make sure you have everything ready. Preparing in advance makes the process smoother and prevents rushed mistakes.
You will need:
Do not begin setup in a public place or around people you do not trust. Privacy during wallet initialization is critical because you will generate sensitive recovery information.
Before connecting your device, inspect the packaging carefully. The box should be sealed and untampered. Inside, you should find:
Hardware wallets are built so that even if packaging is opened, the device still verifies authenticity during software connection. Never use a device that already contains a prewritten recovery phrase card — that is a major red flag. Recovery phrases must always be generated by the device during your own setup.
Open your browser and manually type the official start URL. Avoid clicking links from emails, ads, or messages. Typing the address yourself reduces the chance of landing on a fake site.
On the start page, you will be guided to download the official wallet management application. This application allows you to:
Always download software only from the official start page to avoid malware.
After reaching the start page, choose the correct version of the wallet app for your operating system. Installation usually takes only a few minutes.
During installation:
Once installed, open the application and select the option to initialize a new device if this is your first wallet.
Connect your Ledger hardware wallet using the provided cable. The device will power on and display setup instructions on its screen. You will use the physical buttons on the wallet to navigate and confirm choices.
You will be prompted to:
Choose a PIN that is hard to guess but easy for you to remember. Never share your PIN with anyone. The PIN protects your device if it is lost or stolen.
This is the most important step of the entire setup. Your device will generate a recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase). This is the master key to your crypto assets.
Key rules for handling your recovery phrase:
Anyone with this phrase can control your funds. The device will ask you to confirm several words to ensure you copied them correctly.
After initialization, the wallet app will perform a genuine device check. This confirms that your hardware wallet is authentic and has not been modified.
This check happens automatically through secure communication between the device and the official software. If authenticity fails, stop immediately and contact official support. Do not continue setup with a device that fails verification.
Hardware wallets support multiple blockchains through small device apps. Inside the wallet management software, you can install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you plan to use.
Examples include apps for:
Installing an app does not cost your funds — it simply enables account management for that blockchain on your device.
After installing blockchain apps, you can add accounts within the wallet software. Accounts let you organize assets by network and purpose.
You can create:
Each account is derived from your recovery phrase but separated for organization and tracking.
To receive crypto:
Always verify addresses on the hardware wallet screen, not just your computer display. This protects against clipboard malware and address-replacement attacks.
Your wallet is only as secure as your habits. Follow these ongoing safety rules:
Remember: legitimate support will never ask for your recovery phrase.
New users sometimes make preventable errors. Avoid these pitfalls:
Taking extra time during setup dramatically improves long-term security.
Ledger.com/start exists to provide a secure, official, and user-friendly path for initializing your hardware wallet. By following the guided steps, recording your recovery phrase correctly, and maintaining strong security habits, you create a solid foundation for protecting your digital assets.
Hardware wallets are powerful tools — but only when used properly. Start at the official onboarding page, follow each step carefully, and treat your recovery phrase like the master key it truly is.