Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started — Ledger Support (Complete 2025 Guide)

Getting started with your Ledger hardware wallet is one of the most important steps you’ll take in securing your cryptocurrency. Ledger devices such as the Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and Ledger Stax have earned a strong reputation for offering industry-leading cold-storage protection. But the real magic begins once you complete the guided setup at ledger.com/start, the official onboarding page designed to help users safely initialize their devices and connect them to the ledger live ecosystem.

Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned investor exploring new blockchain networks, ledger.com/start provides a secure, structured setup process. It ensures you’re downloading the authentic ledger live desktop version, learning how to protect your 24-word recovery phrase, and activating your hardware wallet correctly.

This in-depth guide breaks down everything you need to know about using ledger.com/start, setting up your device, enhancing security, and managing cryptocurrency through the ledger live and ledger live desktop applications.

What Is Ledger.com/Start and Why Is It Important?

ledger.com/start is the official starting point for all new Ledger devices. It exists to protect new users from fake websites, malware, and phishing attacks that could compromise their crypto funds. The page offers:

  • Official ledger live desktop and mobile download links

  • Step-by-step device setup

  • Firmware update instructions

  • Security guidelines

  • Tutorials on using ledger live

  • Wallet safety best practices

Because hardware wallets rely heavily on correct initialization, Ledger created ledger.com/start to serve as the secure gateway for all first-time users.

Why You MUST Use ledger.com/start When Setting Up a Ledger Device

  1. Ensures an authentic software download — Fake versions of ledger live exist online.

  2. Verifies your device authenticity — Ledger teaches you how to check that your device hasn’t been tampered with.

  3. Protects the recovery phrase process — Critical security steps are clearly explained.

  4. Avoids phishing — No risk of entering your seed phrase on fake sites.

  5. Guides new users safely — Non-technical users get a simple, structured onboarding experience.

Put simply, visiting ledger.com/start is the safest and only recommended way to initialize your Ledger hardware wallet.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started Using Ledger.com/Start®

Here is a detailed breakdown of the setup process users encounter at ledger.com/start.

Step 1: Choose Your Ledger Device

The page lists supported models such as:

  • Ledger Nano S Plus

  • Ledger Nano X

  • Ledger Stax

Selecting your device directs you to its specific setup instructions.

Step 2: Download Ledger Live (Desktop or Mobile)

Once you select your device, you will be prompted to download ledger live or ledger live desktop depending on your operating system.

ledger live desktop is available for:

  • Windows

  • macOS

  • Linux

ledger live mobile is available for:

  • Android

  • iOS

Downloading from the authentic ledger.com/start link guarantees you are installing the genuine software.

Step 3: Open Ledger Live and Begin Setup

After installation, ledger live guides you through:

  • Device initialization

  • PIN code creation

  • Recovery phrase instructions

  • Security verification steps

  • Connecting the hardware wallet

  • Installing firmware

  • Adding crypto accounts

Ledger Live acts as your main command center for all crypto activity.

Step 4: Secure Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

This is the most important step of the entire setup process.

Key rules explained at ledger.com/start:

  • Write your recovery phrase on paper, not on your phone or computer.

  • Never take a photo of your recovery phrase.

  • Never save it in cloud storage.

  • Ledger will NEVER ask you to type your phrase into ledger live.

  • Anyone who gets your phrase can steal all your crypto.

During setup, your Ledger device will generate the 24-word phrase. You confirm each word on the physical device — ensuring it is never exposed online.

Step 5: Install Firmware and Apps

Once your device is initialized, ledger live desktop will prompt you to:

  • Install the latest firmware

  • Add coin-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana)

  • Install Web3 applications needed for specific networks

Each blockchain requires its own app installed on your device.

Step 6: Add Crypto Accounts

Through ledger live or ledger live desktop, you can now add accounts for:

  • Bitcoin

  • Ethereum & ERC-20 tokens

  • Ripple

  • Litecoin

  • Cardano

  • Solana

  • Tron

  • Polkadot

  • Avalanche

  • Many more supported networks

Once added, you can monitor balances and transaction histories directly within the app.

Step 7: Send & Receive Crypto Safely

ledger live ensures that:

  • All outgoing transactions must be physically approved on the hardware wallet

  • No private keys are ever stored on your computer

  • Incoming transactions are verified on the blockchain

  • QR codes and addresses reduce human error

This system dramatically reduces the risk of theft or fraud.

Features Available Through Ledger Live and Ledger Live Desktop

Using ledger live or ledger live desktop gives you access to a wide range of secure crypto tools.

1. Real-Time Portfolio Tracking

The dashboard shows:

  • Total portfolio value

  • Individual asset distribution

  • Performance charts

  • Price updates

  • Historical balance changes

You can customize your portfolio view using filters and sorting tools.

2. Buy, Sell, and Swap Crypto

Through integrated third-party providers, users can:

  • Buy crypto directly using fiat

  • Sell supported coins

  • Swap one crypto for another

All actions still require hardware confirmation, ensuring maximum security.

3. Staking and Earning Rewards

Staking options inside ledger live desktop include:

  • Ethereum

  • Solana

  • Polkadot

  • Cosmos

  • Tezos

  • Cardano

  • Avalanche

Rewards appear directly in your ledger live account interface.

4. Manage NFTs

ledger live supports NFT viewing for:

  • Ethereum ERC-721

  • Polygon NFTs

  • Solana NFTs (depending on version)

Users can track their NFT portfolio securely through the desktop interface.

5. Device Manager

ledger live includes a Manager section where users can:

  • Install blockchain apps

  • Update firmware

  • Remove unused apps

  • Verify device authenticity

This is essential for multi-chain users.

Security Principles Emphasized at Ledger.com/Start

ledger.com/start teaches users the fundamentals of hardware wallet safety.

1. The Recovery Phrase Is the Most Important Thing You Own

Ledger does not store your phrase. You and only you control it.

2. Keep Your Device and ledger live Updated

Firmware updates include new features and security patches.

3. Turn On Ledger Live Password Lock

This protects local access to the application.

4. Never Share Your Screen During Transactions

Malware can monitor sensitive steps.

5. Bookmark ledger.com/start

This prevents accidental visits to fake clone sites.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make (And How Ledger.com/Start Prevents Them)

Mistake 1: Searching for “ledger live download” on Google

Fake ads sometimes appear in search results.
ledger.com/start prevents this risk entirely.

Mistake 2: Entering the recovery phrase on a computer

Ledger warns users NEVER to enter their recovery phrase online.

Mistake 3: Not checking the device packaging for tampering

Ledger teaches users to verify the integrity of their device.

Mistake 4: Skipping firmware updates

Users often mistake updates for optional steps, but they’re crucial.

Final Thoughts

ledger.com/start is the trusted, official entry point for anyone setting up a Ledger hardware wallet. It provides everything users need—from authentic downloads of ledger live and ledger live desktop, to proper security guidance and firmware instructions. Ledger’s ecosystem gives users complete control over their crypto with hardware-backed protection, ensuring private keys remain secure offline at all times.

Whether you’re storing Bitcoin for the first time or managing a large multi-chain portfolio, the combination of a Ledger device with the ledger live app remains one of the most secure crypto solutions available today.

FAQs

1. What is ledger.com/start?

It’s the official Ledger setup page for initializing hardware wallets and downloading ledger live.

2. Is ledger live safe to download?

Yes — but only when downloaded directly from ledger.com/start.

3. What is ledger live desktop?

It’s the desktop version of the ledger live app for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

4. Do I need a Ledger device to use ledger live?

Most features require a Ledger hardware wallet.

5. Does Ledger store my recovery phrase?

No, your 24-word phrase is generated offline on the device.

6. Can I stake crypto using ledger live?

Yes, several networks support staking.

7. How do I update my Ledger device?

Use the Manager tab in ledger live after downloading via ledger.com/start.

8. Can Ledger see my funds?

No — ledger live connects to the blockchain; Ledger has no access to your assets.

9. Does Ledger support NFTs?

Yes, for Ethereum and some other networks.

10. What happens if I lose my device?

You can recover your funds using your 24-word recovery phrase.

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