📌 Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started with Ledger Wallet

Welcome! If you’ve just acquired a Ledger hardware wallet and are ready to securely set it up, this guide will walk you through every step — from unboxing to managing your first crypto assets. You’ll learn not just how, but why each step matters, and how to avoid common pitfalls. The only official place to start is: https://www.ledger.com/start ✔️ — don’t trust links from search results or third-party sites. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

🔥 What Is a Ledger Wallet and Why It Matters

A Ledger wallet is a hardware wallet designed to store your private crypto keys offline — meaning your crypto is protected from online hacks, malware, and phishing attacks while still letting you send, receive, and manage your assets with flexibility. Ledger devices support thousands of cryptocurrencies and integrate with the Ledger Live app for seamless portfolio management. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

🚨 Important: Always use the official site — Ledger.com/Start — to download software, get setup instructions, and avoid phishing scams. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

📦 Step 1 — Before You Begin: What You Need

Before setup, ensure you have:

• A genuine Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or similar).
• A computer or smartphone with internet access.
• A pen and the provided recovery sheet (not a photo or digital file!).
• A calm and secure place — your recovery phrase must be kept private. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

🛠️ Step 2 — Visit the Official Setup Page

In your browser’s address bar, **type** (don’t click unknown links): https://www.ledger.com/start — this loads the genuine onboarding hub designed by Ledger. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

On this page you’ll:

• Select your Ledger device model.
• Access the official Ledger Live download links.
• Follow secure, step-by-step setup instructions tailored to your device. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Remember: Some scammers create fake Ledger-like pages — always check that the URL begins exactly as shown above and includes a secure “🔒” icon in the address bar. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

⬇️ Step 3 — Download and Install Ledger Live

From the Ledger.com/Start page:

1. Choose your platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS.
2. Click “Download Ledger Live.”
3. Install and open the application on your device.

Ledger Live is the official software that lets you manage your wallet — including sending/receiving crypto, installing blockchain apps, and viewing portfolio balances. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

🔌 Step 4 — Initialize Your Ledger Wallet

Now it’s time to connect your Ledger device:

1. Use the USB cable (or Bluetooth if supported by your model) to connect the device to your computer/smartphone.
2. Select “Set up as new device” when prompted.
3. Choose a PIN code (4–8 digits) — this protects your device from unauthorized access. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

⚠️ Warning: If your device already has a recovery phrase displayed when you open it, do NOT proceed — this indicates the device might not be new or authentic. Contact Ledger Support instead. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

✍️ Step 5 — Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

After setting your PIN, your Ledger will generate a **24-word recovery phrase**. This is your master key — the only way to recover your wallet if the device is lost or damaged. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Follow these rules:

• Write it exactly on the provided recovery card.
• Store it somewhere safe and offline.
• Do NOT take photos or store it digitally.

Anyone with access to this phrase can access your crypto — protect it like a real key to your bank vault. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

✅ Step 6 — Confirm and Verify

The Ledger device will ask you to confirm certain words from your recovery phrase. This ensures you wrote it down correctly.

Once confirmed, Ledger Live will:

• Check your device’s authenticity.
• Ask you to install apps for cryptocurrencies you plan to use.

This verification process ensures your Ledger hasn’t been tampered with and that you’re running the correct firmware. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

📈 Step 7 — Managing Crypto in Ledger Live

Now you can:

• Add accounts for assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and more.
• Send and receive crypto securely.
• View balances and transaction history.
• Stake supported tokens. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Ledger Live also lets you integrate with Web3 apps and manage NFTs — all with private keys stored safely offline. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

🧠 Best Practices & Security Tips

• Always download software from the official Ledger.com domain. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Never share your 24-word phrase with anyone — Ledger Support will never ask for it. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Use strong, unique PINs and consider a secure metal backup for your recovery phrase.
• Try small transfers first to ensure everything works before moving larger amounts.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Setting up your Ledger wallet may seem detailed, but each step protects your lifetime of crypto savings. Start at the official setup page — https://www.ledger.com/start — and follow each instruction carefully to enjoy secure, self-custodied crypto ownership with peace of mind. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Safe crypto begins with secure setup — let Ledger protect what matters most. 🔐