What is Ledger Start?

Ledger Start is the official onboarding flow for Ledger devices. It guides you through the essential steps that turn a brand‑new device into a secure gateway to your digital assets. Whether you own a Ledger Stax, Nano X, or Nano S Plus, the process is designed to be approachable for first‑timers while remaining rigorous about security. The goal is simple: help you create a tamper‑resistant setup, teach you how to safeguard your recovery phrase, and connect you to Ledger Live so you can transact, track balances, and explore supported networks with greater peace of mind.

Using a hardware wallet separates your private keys from internet‑connected devices. With Ledger, the keys remain inside the secure element of the device, and transactions are approved on the device screen. Ledger Start complements this by providing human‑readable steps, short explanations, and checks that reduce common mistakes during setup.

Before You Begin

  • Unbox your device and verify that the packaging looks intact. If anything seems unusual, contact support before proceeding.
  • Use a reliable USB cable and connect to a trusted computer. Avoid public computers or shared machines during setup.
  • Make sure you have pen and paper ready. You will write down a recovery phrase; storing it offline is essential for safety.
  • Update to the latest version of Ledger Live when prompted. Keeping software current helps you benefit from security improvements.

Tip: If you prefer mobile, some Ledger models allow pairing with a smartphone via Bluetooth using Ledger Live. Follow the on‑screen instructions.

Step‑by‑Step Setup Overview

  1. Initialize the device. Power on, choose Set up as new (unless you are recovering), and confirm actions on the device buttons.
  2. Create a PIN. Pick a PIN that you won’t forget but others won’t guess. Confirm it carefully on the device.
  3. Write down your recovery phrase. Ledger will display a sequence of words. Write them in order on paper and store them securely, offline.
  4. Verify the phrase. The device will ask you to confirm words. This ensures you captured them correctly.
  5. Install Ledger Live and apps. Connect the device to Ledger Live to add accounts for the assets you want to manage.
Important: Your recovery phrase is the master key to your assets. Ledger will never ask for it by email, chat, or phone. Never type it into a website or share photos of it.

Why Use a Hardware Wallet?

Self‑custody gives you full control of your funds by holding the private keys yourself. Software wallets are convenient, but they reside on general‑purpose devices that are frequently online and susceptible to malware, phishing, or accidental data exposure. A hardware wallet creates a strong boundary: private keys are generated and stored in a secure element, and critical approvals occur on the device itself. Even if your computer is compromised, attackers cannot sign a transaction without physical access to your device and your PIN.

Ledger Start helps you build good habits from day one: double‑checking addresses on the device screen, keeping firmware current, and understanding that the recovery phrase is a personal backup that must never be digitized. Over time, these habits reduce risk and increase your confidence in everyday operations like receiving funds, staking compatible assets, or simply monitoring your portfolio.

Best Practices for Your Recovery Phrase

  • Store the phrase offline and in at least two separated, private locations.
  • Do not take photos or store the words in cloud notes or email drafts.
  • Consider a fire‑ and water‑resistant medium for long‑term durability.
  • Share the existence of the backup with a trusted person, but not the words themselves.

Remember: anyone who has the phrase can control your assets. Treat it with the same care you would give to irreplaceable documents.

Connecting Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion application that lets you manage accounts for supported coins and tokens, check balances, and approve transactions securely. After completing the device initialization in Ledger Start, open Ledger Live to install the apps you need, add accounts, and receive your first deposit. When sending, verify the destination address on the device screen before confirming. The app will guide you through firmware updates and security reminders when relevant.

Pro tip: Enable the Experimental features section only if you understand the implications, and always keep your firmware and apps up to date.

Recovering an Existing Wallet

If you already have a recovery phrase from a previous Ledger device and need to restore access, choose Restore from recovery phrase during initialization. Enter each word carefully on the device. Once restored, connect to Ledger Live and reinstall the appropriate apps. After recovery, consider rotating to a new phrase if you suspect the old one was exposed, then move funds to accounts secured by the new phrase.

Common Questions

What happens if I forget my PIN?

You can reset the device and restore it using your recovery phrase. Without the phrase, funds cannot be recovered, which is why the backup is critical.

Can I use more than one computer?

Yes. Ledger Live can be installed on multiple devices. Your accounts can be re‑added by connecting the hardware wallet; the private keys never leave the device.

Is Bluetooth secure on compatible models?

The Bluetooth transport does not expose the private keys; approvals still occur on the device. As always, check addresses and prompts on the device screen.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If Ledger Live does not detect your device, try another USB port or cable and ensure you are on the latest version of Ledger Live.
  • For firmware updates, read the prompts carefully and keep the device connected until completion.
  • If an app install fails, close other applications that may interfere with USB access and retry.
  • When in doubt, disconnect, restart your computer, and reconnect the device before repeating a step.

Next Steps

Once you are comfortable with day‑to‑day use, explore additional features supported by Ledger Live for your assets. Some networks allow you to stake or delegate to earn rewards; others provide connections to decentralized applications through secure bridges or companion integrations. Always research protocols and risks before committing funds, and verify each transaction on the device screen before confirming.

Security is not a one‑time checkbox but a practice you build over time. Keep backups current, avoid installing unknown browser extensions, and be skeptical of unsolicited messages. Bookmark Ledger.com/Start so you can revisit official setup guidance whenever you add a new device or help a friend get started.

Get Started Now

Ready to take control of your crypto? Head to the official setup experience and follow the simple, secure steps tailored to your device. With your hardware wallet initialized, your recovery phrase safely stored, and Ledger Live connected, you’ll be prepared to receive, hold, and transact with clarity and confidence.

Open Ledger.com/Start

This page is an independent HTML template intended to summarize common onboarding concepts for hardware wallets. Always rely on official instructions within the Ledger Start flow for the most accurate, device‑specific steps.