Ledger.com/Start® | Starting Up Your Device®

Getting Started with Ledger.com/Start®

Welcome to Ledger.com/Start® — the official gateway to initializing and securing your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you own a Ledger Nano X, S Plus, or Stax, this setup portal ensures that you configure your device properly, download the official software, and understand the fundamentals of crypto security.

The Ledger ecosystem revolves around security and simplicity. By using Ledger.com/Start, you avoid counterfeit sites, fake software, and potential malware. Every instruction, update, and download originates directly from Ledger’s servers to ensure authenticity and protection.

Introducing Ledger Live

Once your device is unboxed, the next essential step is installing Ledger Live — the all-in-one application designed for managing your digital assets. Available for both desktop and mobile, Ledger Live connects seamlessly with your hardware device, giving you total control over your portfolio.

With Ledger Live Desktop, users can manage multiple wallets, monitor price movements, send or receive crypto, stake assets, and even access Web3 services safely. The desktop interface provides deeper analytics and a secure environment that integrates hardware and software-level protection.

Step-by-Step Device Setup

To ensure your wallet is properly secured, follow these verified steps from Ledger.com/Start®:

1. Open Your Box: Verify that your Ledger device packaging is sealed and untampered. Counterfeit or opened packaging can compromise your wallet’s integrity.
2. Connect to Your Computer: Use the included USB cable to plug your Ledger into your computer. Your device will power on automatically.
3. Go to Ledger.com/Start: On your browser, type Ledger.com/Start and follow the guided installation process.
4. Download Ledger Live: Choose your operating system and install Ledger Live Desktop or the mobile version for your smartphone.
5. Initialize Your Device: Follow on-screen prompts to create a new wallet or restore an existing one using your 24-word recovery phrase.
6. Create a PIN Code: Set a unique PIN directly on your device. This prevents unauthorized access if your device is lost or stolen.
7. Secure Your Recovery Phrase: Write your recovery words carefully on the provided recovery sheet. Store it offline and never take digital photos of it.
8. Verify Setup: Confirm that Ledger Live recognizes your device and firmware as genuine.

Exploring Ledger Live Desktop

The Ledger Live Desktop experience provides a powerful dashboard for managing your crypto portfolio. Users can add multiple accounts, check transaction histories, stake supported assets, and access decentralized finance (DeFi) applications — all without exposing their private keys.

• 📈 Portfolio Overview: Track all your crypto assets in one place with real-time price data.
• 🔐 Secure Transactions: Each transaction must be physically confirmed on your Ledger device.
• 🪙 App Management: Install or remove blockchain applications easily from within Ledger Live.
• 💰 Staking Rewards: Earn passive income by staking coins like Tezos or Polkadot.
• 🌐 Web3 Integration: Connect safely to DeFi and NFT marketplaces without risking your seed phrase.

Security and Peace of Mind

Ledger hardware wallets use a Secure Element (SE) chip — the same technology found in passports and credit cards — to protect private keys. Your keys never leave your device, meaning even a compromised computer cannot access your funds.

To maximize your protection:

• Only download from Ledger.com/Start®.
• Keep your 24-word recovery phrase offline at all times.
• Regularly update your device’s firmware through Ledger Live.
• Beware of phishing emails pretending to be Ledger support.
• Use the “Genuine Check” in Ledger Live to verify your hardware.

Ledger Live Desktop vs Mobile

Both the desktop and mobile versions of Ledger Live are built with the same security standards, but they serve different needs. Ledger Live Desktop offers advanced analytics and portfolio customization, while the mobile app allows for quick transactions on the go. You can even pair your Ledger Nano X with your smartphone via Bluetooth for a fully mobile experience.

Common Setup Questions

Q: My Ledger device isn’t being recognized by Ledger Live Desktop. What should I do?
A: Try another USB port or cable, ensure Ledger Live is updated, and check that your device is unlocked with your PIN.

Q: Can I recover my wallet without my recovery phrase?
A: No. Your 24-word recovery phrase is the only way to restore your funds. Ledger cannot recover it for you.

Q: Is it safe to buy Ledger devices from marketplaces?
A: Always purchase directly from the official Ledger store or authorized partners listed on Ledger.com/Start.

Advanced Tips for Experienced Users

• Enable “Developer Mode” in Ledger Live Desktop for testing new blockchain integrations.
• Use passphrases for an added layer of protection beyond the 24 words.
• Explore DeFi and NFT applications using the Ledger Connect feature.
• Sync your portfolio data securely across devices with encrypted backups.

Your Journey to Digital Sovereignty

Setting up your Ledger device through Ledger.com/Start® isn’t just a technical step — it’s the beginning of your journey toward financial independence and self-custody. By combining the hardware security of Ledger wallets with the powerful interface of Ledger Live Desktop, you can safely navigate the digital economy.