Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started with Ledger Wallet – Complete Guide for New Users
In the world of cryptocurrency, security is everything. Whether you're investing a small amount or managing a large portfolio, protecting your digital assets should be your top priority. That’s where the Ledger hardware wallet comes in—an internationally trusted cold-storage solution that keeps your crypto safe offline. The official onboarding portal Ledger.com/Start is where every new Ledger user should begin. If you’ve just purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Stax, then navigating ledger.com/start is the essential first step.
This comprehensive guide explains how to get started with your Ledger wallet using the official Ledger.com/Start portal, how to set up ledger live, how to install ledger live desktop, and how to ensure your device is secure right from the start. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crypto user, following the official setup instructions ensures the highest level of protection for your digital assets.
Why Ledger.com/Start® Is the Official Setup Guide for Ledger Wallet Users
When starting your Ledger journey, it is critical to use only the official website. That official starting point is:
This page is designed by Ledger to walk new users through device activation, secure initialization, software installation, and crypto account setup. Because phishing websites and fake software downloads are common risks in the crypto space, ledger.com/start ensures you receive the correct, authentic instructions and verified download files for ledger live and ledger live desktop.
By beginning at the official Ledger.com/Start page, you can:
Download legitimate versions of ledger live
Install ledger live desktop safely
Learn how to initialize your Ledger wallet correctly
Set up accounts for supported cryptocurrencies
Check your device authenticity
Get troubleshooting help directly from Ledger
Access firmware updates and security notices
No matter which Ledger device you own, your setup begins with ledger.com/start.
Understanding Ledger Wallets – What They Do and How They Work
Ledger hardware wallets are designed to store your private keys offline in a secure element chip. This ensures that even if your computer or smartphone is compromised, your crypto assets remain safe.
Key benefits of using a Ledger wallet:
Offline private key storage (cold storage)
Protection from malware, phishing, and online hacks
Support for 5,500+ cryptocurrencies
Ability to manage NFTs securely
Staking and Web3 capabilities
Secure integration with ledger live
Your Ledger device works hand-in-hand with the Ledger Live app, which is downloaded directly from the official ledger.com/start portal.
What Is Ledger Live? – Your Crypto Management Hub
Ledger Live is the official app used to manage your Ledger hardware wallet. It connects your device to the blockchain while keeping your private keys offline.
When visiting ledger.com/start, you’ll see download links for:
Ledger Live Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Ledger Live Mobile (iOS & Android)
Because crypto scams often involve fake app downloads, you must download ledger live desktop only from the official Ledger.com/Start page.
What Ledger Live can do:
Track your crypto portfolio
Buy, sell, swap, and stake crypto
Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of altcoins
Manage NFTs
Connect to Web3 dApps securely
Securely send and receive crypto
Update your device firmware
Install blockchain apps on your Ledger wallet
This makes ledger live essential for using your Ledger device.
Step-by-Step: Getting Started with Ledger Wallet Using Ledger.com/Start
Below is a complete walkthrough for new Ledger users using the Ledger.com/Start setup guide.
Step 1: Visit the Official Ledger Setup Page
Go to:
👉 https://ledger.com/start
Here, you’ll select your device:
Ledger Nano S Plus
Ledger Nano X
Ledger Stax
Each option links to a dedicated setup flow, ensuring you receive the correct instructions.
Step 2: Download Ledger Live
Click the download link directly from ledger.com/start to install ledger live desktop.
Supported versions:
Windows (10+)
macOS (10.14+)
Linux (Ubuntu-based)
Avoid downloading Ledger Live from third-party websites or search engine ads. Fake installers are one of the most common crypto scams.
Step 3: Install Ledger Live Desktop
Once downloaded, install ledger live desktop by opening the file and following the on-screen instructions. After installation, launch the app.
Step 4: Set Up Your Ledger Wallet Device
Ledger Live will guide you step-by-step through:
1. Initializing your device
You will choose:
A secure PIN
A new 24-word recovery phrase
2. Writing down your recovery phrase
Your recovery phrase is the master key to your crypto wallet. Store it safely and never share it.
Ledger will never ask for it—not on email, not on social media, and not on ledger.com/start.
3. Device verification
Ledger Live can check the authenticity of your device, ensuring it’s not tampered with.
Step 5: Install Apps for Your Coins
Using Ledger Live:
Go to Manager.
Select your cryptocurrency apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
Install them onto your device.
Each crypto requires its own app on your Ledger wallet.
Step 6: Add Accounts in Ledger Live
This step enables you to:
View balances
Track your portfolio
Send and receive crypto
Stake supported coins
You can add as many accounts as you want for coins supported by Ledger.
Step 7: Transfer Crypto to Your Ledger Device
Now that everything is set up:
Click Receive in Ledger Live
Verify the address on your device
Send funds from your exchange or wallet
Because your private keys never leave the device, your crypto remains protected whether you use ledger live desktop or mobile.
Step 8: Explore Advanced Features
Ledger not only secures your crypto, but also enables access to powerful Web3 features:
Staking
Earn rewards by staking assets like ETH, SOL, DOT, and ATOM using ledger live.
NFT Management
View and manage Ethereum and Polygon NFTs securely.
Web3 Integration
With Ledger Extension, you can connect your device to dApps, DeFi platforms, and marketplaces.
All of these advanced features connect through ledger live and the official ledger.com/start ecosystem.
Tips for Staying Safe When Using Ledger Wallets
To maximize the safety of your crypto holdings:
1. Only download from the official Ledger.com/Start
This prevents malware and phishing attacks.
2. Never share your recovery phrase
Even if a website pretends to be Ledger, never enter your 24 words online.
3. Keep Ledger Live Desktop updated
Updates include security patches and compatibility improvements.
4. Verify addresses on your Ledger device
This protects you from clipboard hijacking malware.
5. Use a secure computer
Avoid public Wi-Fi or shared devices when managing crypto.
Following these guidelines keeps your wallet safe, especially when working through ledger live or ledger live desktop.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Ledger Live not opening
Try reinstalling from ledger.com/start and clearing the app cache.
Device not detected
Use the original USB cable and ensure drivers are updated.
Firmware update fails
Restart both your device and Ledger Live, then retry.
Ledger Live desktop lagging
Update to the latest version or reinstall the app.
Final Thoughts
Setting up your Ledger wallet through Ledger.com/Start is the safest way to begin your crypto security journey. Using the official ledger live and ledger live desktop applications ensures your setup is legitimate and fully protected from online threats. Whether you're managing Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, or exploring Web3, your Ledger device paired with Ledger Live gives you full control of your digital assets.
Your crypto deserves the highest level of security, and that starts at the official ledger.com/start.
FAQ – Ledger.com/Start | Ledger Live | Ledger Wallet Setup
1. Is Ledger.com/Start the official website?
Yes, ledger.com/start is the official Ledger onboarding portal.
2. Where do I download Ledger Live Desktop?
Always download ledger live desktop from ledger.com/start.
3. What is Ledger Live used for?
Ledger Live manages your crypto accounts, transactions, NFTs, staking, and device updates.
4. Can I recover my wallet if my Ledger is lost?
Yes—using your 24-word recovery phrase.
5. Does Ledger Live support NFTs?
Yes, Ledger Live provides NFT viewing and management.
6. Can I stake crypto with Ledger?
Yes, you can stake ETH, SOL, DOT, ATOM, and more.
7. Does Ledger Live work on Linux?
Yes, Ledger Live Desktop supports most Linux distributions.
8. What should I do if I see a fake Ledger website?
Avoid interacting and report it. Only trust ledger.com/start.
9. Can Ledger Live be used without a Ledger device?
You can view prices, but you cannot manage crypto securely without the device.
10. Is Ledger Live free?
Yes, Ledger Live is completely free to download and use.