Getting Started with Ledger: A Complete Guide to Ledger.io/start
Ledger is a leading name in the world of hardware wallets, known for offering secure solutions to store, manage, and protect your cryptocurrency assets. If you’ve just purchased a Ledger device like the Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X, the official setup process begins at ledger.io/start. This guide provides a complete, easy-to-follow overview of the process — without needing to click any links — to help you get started safely and confidently.
What is Ledger?
Ledger is a hardware wallet brand designed to keep your private keys offline and protected from hackers, malware, and phishing attempts. Unlike software wallets that are connected to the internet, Ledger devices offer an extra layer of security by isolating your private keys within a secure element chip. This makes it nearly impossible for attackers to access your funds unless they physically control the device and have your PIN and recovery phrase.
Unboxing and Preparing Your Ledger Device
Once your Ledger Nano device arrives, inspect the packaging to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with. Ledger wallets come in sealed boxes, and the device itself should never arrive pre-configured. Inside, you'll typically find:
Step-by-Step Setup Process
1. Visit the Official Setup Page
Your starting point is the manufacturer’s setup guide available through ledger.io/start. From there, you’ll be guided to download Ledger Live, the official app used to manage your Ledger device.
2. Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. This software is used to install apps for various cryptocurrencies, manage accounts, send and receive assets, and update firmware.
3. Initialize the Device
Plug your Ledger device into your computer or mobile device using the USB cable. Choose “Set up as new device” if this is your first time using it. You’ll then:
Select a PIN code (usually 4–8 digits)
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided card
Confirm your recovery phrase to verify you wrote it down correctly
Never save your recovery phrase digitally or share it with anyone. This phrase is your only backup if the device is lost or damaged.
4. Security Reminders
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Be cautious of scams that pretend to be official channels. The recovery phrase should only be entered on your device—not on a computer or website.
5. Install Crypto Apps via Ledger Live
Once the device is initialized, you can use Ledger Live to install specific apps for each cryptocurrency you want to store (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). The device has limited space, so you may install and uninstall apps without affecting your crypto balances.