Loading
Welcome to Ledger.com/Start®, your gateway to securely setting up your Ledger hardware wallet and connecting it to Ledger Live and Ledger Live Desktop. Whether you’re a beginner in crypto or upgrading your security setup, this complete guide will walk you through everything—from unboxing to secure configuration—so you can manage your cryptocurrencies with confidence.
Introduction to Ledger and Ledger Live
Ledger is a leading provider of hardware wallets designed for long‑term secure storage of digital assets. When you get a Ledger device—such as a Ledger Nano S Plus or a Ledger Nano X—the first step is visiting Ledger.com/Start® to begin the setup process.
At Ledger.com/Start®, you’ll be introduced to Ledger Live, which is the essential software application that allows you to:
Manage your cryptocurrency portfolios
Send and receive assets
Install and update apps on your Ledger device
Connect securely to the blockchain
There are two main ways to access this powerful interface:
Ledger Live (Mobile) — for iOS and Android devices
Ledger Live Desktop — for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Both versions sync seamlessly with your Ledger hardware, giving you full control over your crypto assets.
Why Visit Ledger.com/Start® First
When starting your Ledger journey, many users make the mistake of downloading software from unverified websites. To avoid scams and phishing, always begin at Ledger.com/Start®. This page is the official and secure starting point provided by Ledger, ensuring:
You only install genuine Ledger software
You’re guided through security best practices
Your recovery phrase and private keys stay protected
Once you land on Ledger.com/Start®, you’ll be prompted to select your device model, and the site will automatically direct you to the correct version of Ledger Live or Ledger Live Desktop to download.
Unboxing Your Ledger Device
Before we jump into software installation, let’s recap what you’ll likely find inside your Ledger box:
Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
USB cable (for connecting to your computer or mobile)
Recovery phrase cards
Instruction guide
Your recovery phrase is the most important part of your crypto security. This 24‑word phrase is your master key to accessing your funds if your device is lost or damaged. At no point should you share your recovery phrase with anyone or store it digitally.
Step‑by‑Step Guide: Starting Up Your Device
Open your web browser and go to https://www.ledger.com/start . You will see a setup wizard prompting you to choose your device model. Click “Get Started” and follow the instructions.
Always check that the URL begins with https://www.ledger.com to verify you’re on the official site.
After confirming your device model on Ledger.com/Start®, you’ll be asked whether you want to download:
Ledger Live (for mobile)
Ledger Live Desktop (for your computer)
Choose the suitable version for your device. We recommend Ledger Live Desktop if you primarily manage your wallet from a computer, as it provides a wider range of features and better performance.
Once downloaded:
For mobile, install via the App Store or Google Play
For desktop, open the installer and complete the installation process
After opening Ledger Live or Ledger Live Desktop for the first time, you’ll be prompted to accept terms and choose your language.
Use the USB cable to connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile (via USB‑C adapter if needed). The device should power on and display a welcome message.
Ledger Live will prompt you to:
Choose a PIN code (secure and memorable)
Write down your recovery phrase on the provided recovery cards
This recovery phrase is essential. Without it, there is no way to recover your crypto if your device is lost.
Your Ledger device will ask you to confirm your recovery phrase by selecting words in the correct order. This step is critical to ensure your recovery phrase is correctly recorded.
Once your PIN and recovery phrase are confirmed, your device is ready. Ledger Live will now let you install apps for different cryptocurrencies directly onto your Ledger hardware.
Installing Apps in Ledger Live Desktop
Ledger Live Desktop includes an App Catalog. From here:
Open Ledger Live Desktop
Go to the Manager tab
Connect and unlock your Ledger device
Install apps for the coins you want to manage (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.)
Each app corresponds to one blockchain network. Make sure to install all relevant apps to receive and manage assets securely.
Adding Accounts and Managing Assets
Once apps are installed:
Navigate to the Accounts tab in Ledger Live Desktop
Click Add Account
Select the cryptocurrency
Wait for Ledger Live to synchronize with the blockchain
You can now view your balances, send and receive funds, and monitor price changes—all inside Ledger Live Desktop.
Stay Updated: Firmware & App Updates
Ledger regularly releases firmware updates to improve performance and security. Whenever an update is available, you will see a notification inside Ledger Live or Ledger Live Desktop.
Important: Always update your device firmware when prompted, but only through official Ledger software after visiting Ledger.com/Start®.
Security Best Practices
Security is the core reason clients choose Ledger hardware wallets. Follow these essential practices:
Only download Ledger Live or Ledger Live Desktop via Ledger.com/Start®
Never share your recovery phrase
Keep your hardware wallet firmware up to date
Only connect your device to trusted computers or mobile devices
Never enter your recovery phrase into software or online
Hackers may use fake sites, so always check the URL before proceeding.
Troubleshooting Common Issues “Ledger Live Desktop Won’t Connect to Device”
Ensure your cable is connected firmly
Try a different USB port
Restart Ledger Live and your computer
Update your device firmware
“I Lost My Recovery Phrase”
If you've lost your recovery phrase but still have access to your Ledger device, create a new wallet immediately and record a new recovery phrase securely. You cannot access your funds without the recovery phrase if the device is reset.
“App Not Installing in Ledger Live Desktop”
Update Ledger Live
Update device firmware
Restart Ledger Live
Always check that you’re on Ledger.com/Start® if you need a fresh download.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing your recovery phrase digitally (phone notes, cloud storage, etc.)
Downloading Ledger software from third‑party sites
Sharing your recovery phrase with anyone
These mistakes can result in permanent loss of funds.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. What is Ledger Live? A1. Ledger Live is the official app interface to manage your crypto, view balances, send/receive assets, and install apps on your Ledger device.
Q2. Do I need Ledger Live Desktop? A2. Ledger Live Desktop is recommended for full functionality and is often more stable than the mobile version.
Q3. Is Ledger.com/Start® safe? A3. Yes. Ledger.com/Start® is the official setup portal provided by Ledger to ensure you install authentic software.
Q4. What if my Ledger device isn’t recognized? A4. Try a different USB cable or port, update Ledger Live, or restart your computer.
Q5. Can Ledger Live be used on mobile and desktop? A5. Yes. Ledger Live is available on both mobile and desktop platforms.
Q6. How often should I update my firmware? A6. Update when prompted in Ledger Live to maintain security.
Q7. What is a recovery phrase? A7. It’s a 24‑word master key that recovers your wallet if your device is lost or damaged.
Q8. Can I manage multiple cryptos in Ledger Live Desktop? A8. Yes. You can install multiple blockchain apps and manage various assets.
Q9. What if I lose my Ledger device? A9. Use your recovery phrase to restore your wallet on a new Ledger device.
Q10. Is my crypto safe with Ledger? A10. Yes. Ledger hardware wallets utilize robust security measures to protect private keys.
Final Thought
Setting up your hardware wallet is the most important step in securing your digital assets. Always start at Ledger.com/Start® and download Ledger Live or Ledger Live Desktop only from the official source. By following the steps above, you ensure your crypto journey is safe, secure, and stress‑free.
Your Ledger device is more than hardware—it’s peace of mind for your crypto future.