Welcome to the official Ledger.com/Start® guide. If you’ve just received your new Ledger hardware wallet, this step-by-step article will help you set up your device, initialize the Ledger Live App, and start protecting your digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum using cold storage technology. This guide follows official best practices from Ledger.com/Start and is designed to help both beginners and experienced users create a secure offline environment for managing cryptocurrencies.
The process of setting up your device through Ledger.com/Start® is crucial because it ensures that you are using genuine software directly from Ledger and not a third-party source. Ledger’s reputation in the crypto community is built upon its advanced secure element technology, which isolates your private keys and keeps them offline, away from potential online threats. Let’s walk through the entire setup process to make sure your hardware wallet is configured correctly and safely.
To get started, open your browser and go directly to https://www.ledger.com/start. This is the verified entry point for downloading the official Ledger Live desktop app. Never rely on search engine results or advertisements for this download, as there are fake apps that mimic Ledger’s branding. From the Ledger.com/Start® page, select the version compatible with your operating system—Windows, macOS, or Linux—and begin the installation. Once the download completes, follow the installation prompts and launch the Ledger Live app.
After installing Ledger Live, connect your Ledger hardware wallet to your computer using the provided USB cable. Once the device powers on, it will display a welcome message on the small screen. You will be prompted to choose between setting up a new device or restoring an existing one. If you are a first-time user, choose “Set up as new device.” If you already have a 24-word recovery seed from a previous Ledger device, choose “Restore device from recovery phrase.”
Next, you will be guided through selecting a language and setting a PIN code. The PIN code acts as your first layer of protection—if someone physically obtains your device, they will need the PIN to access it. Make sure the PIN is something memorable but not easy to guess. Once you set it, confirm by entering it again on the device.
Once your device is initialized, it will display a list of 24 words, one at a time. This is your recovery seed phrase—the most important piece of information for your crypto security. These words represent the master key to your wallet and all associated funds. Write each word carefully, in order, on the recovery sheet provided in your Ledger box. Never take a photo, store it digitally, or type it into a computer or mobile device. The entire strength of a hardware wallet lies in keeping this phrase completely offline.
When you have finished writing down the words, your Ledger will ask you to confirm several of them to ensure accuracy. Once confirmed, your recovery seed is officially stored offline. Keep it somewhere secure—like a locked safe or metal seed backup—and never share it with anyone.
After you finish the initial setup, the Ledger Live app will automatically verify the authenticity of your hardware wallet. This step ensures that your device has not been tampered with or replaced. Ledger devices contain a unique cryptographic signature that confirms it was produced by Ledger. During this verification, the app might also suggest a firmware update. Approve it on your device and let it install to ensure you have the latest security patches and performance updates.
With your device now fully verified, you can install blockchain-specific apps to manage different cryptocurrencies. Open Ledger Live and go to the “Manager” tab. From there, you can install apps like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other supported coins. Once an app is installed on your device, you can add an account for that currency through the “Accounts” section in Ledger Live. Each account will generate unique wallet addresses directly from your device, ensuring all keys remain securely stored offline.
To receive cryptocurrency, open the Ledger Live app, click on “Receive,” and select the account you want to deposit into. Ledger Live will show you a receiving address, which will also appear on your device screen. Verify that both addresses match—this step prevents potential malware on your computer from changing your receiving address. Once confirmed, you can copy the address and send your crypto from an exchange or another wallet. Your funds will be stored offline in your Ledger device, protected by the secure element chip.
Ledger hardware wallets are built to create an environment where your private keys never touch an internet-connected device. This setup is known as cold storage. All transactions are signed inside the secure element chip, a tamper-resistant component used in passports and payment cards. Even if your computer is compromised, the attacker cannot access your private keys. This design provides one of the highest levels of protection for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of other supported assets.
Keeping your Ledger device safe involves regular updates and cautious behavior. Always update the Ledger Live app and device firmware when prompted. Avoid entering your recovery phrase anywhere except directly on your Ledger hardware wallet during recovery. If your device is ever lost or damaged, you can restore your crypto on a new device using your 24-word recovery seed. For additional protection, consider keeping multiple backups of your recovery phrase in separate secure locations, and never disclose your seed to anyone, including people claiming to be from Ledger support.
By following the official steps at Ledger.com/Start®, you ensure that your hardware wallet is genuine, up to date, and configured according to the highest security standards. You’ve learned how to initialize your device, record and protect your recovery phrase, verify authenticity, install apps, and manage assets using the Ledger Live app. Once completed, your digital assets are now stored securely offline, far beyond the reach of online hackers or exchange vulnerabilities.
Ledger.com/Start® provides a simple yet powerful process that transforms your crypto security from software-level protection to true hardware-based safety. With your Ledger device properly initialized and your recovery phrase stored securely, you can confidently manage your digital assets for years to come. Remember that in the crypto world, you are your own bank. Protecting your recovery seed and device integrity is your top priority. Ledger’s combination of hardware encryption, the secure element chip, and the Ledger Live management app ensures you have full control while maintaining peace of mind.