Ledger

ledger.com/start — Official Onboarding Guide (HTML Reference)

A concise, copy-ready walkthrough for first-time Ledger users: download Ledger Live, initialize your device, secure your recovery phrase, pair safely, and avoid phishing. Use this as a single-page reference for the official start flow.

What is ledger.com/start?

ledger.com/start is Ledger’s official onboarding hub. It centralizes the verified Ledger Live installers, device initialization steps, firmware checks, and security advice for Ledger Nano devices. Follow it exactly to reduce phishing risk and ensure your first-run is secure.

Why start at ledger.com/start?

Many security incidents begin before a user even owns crypto — with wrong downloads, fake installers, or copied guides. Ledger’s start page provides only verified installers and step-by-step prompts that prioritize on-device confirmations and offline backups. Treat it as your single trusted source.

Quick safety checklist

Type ledger.com/start manually — do not click ads.
Download Ledger Live only from the official page.
Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase online.

Related terms

Ledger Live — Official app used to manage Ledger devices.

Recovery phrase — 24 words that backup your wallet.

PIN — Local device unlock code.

Firmware — Secure device software that should be updated via official channels.

Step-by-step: Using ledger.com/start

1 — Open ledger.com/start

Type the URL manually. Verify HTTPS and Ledger branding. Avoid search ads that could lead to phishing mirrors.

2 — Download Ledger Live

Select the correct installer for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux) or the mobile app for iOS/Android.

3 — Install & open Ledger Live

Run the installer, open Ledger Live, and follow the guided onboarding wizard.

4 — Initialize your device

Power on the device, choose "Set up as new device" or "Restore device", and follow on-device prompts. Firmware updates — if required — will be recommended by the Suite.

5 — Record recovery phrase

Write the 24 words exactly, in order, on the provided card or a metal backup. Store copies offline and geographically separated.

6 — Pair & add accounts

Connect the device via USB or Bluetooth (if supported), then add accounts for the chains you plan to use. Always confirm addresses on your Ledger screen.

Troubleshooting common start-flow issues

Device not detected: try a different USB cable/port, enable WebUSB if using browser flow, or use the desktop app for a more stable connection.

Firmware update failed: reconnect device, close other USB apps, and follow the on-screen recovery instructions in Ledger Live.

Lost recovery phrase: If you still control the device, generate a new wallet and transfer funds; otherwise, funds are irrecoverable without the seed.

Phishing prompts: if any page asks for your 24 words or to paste the seed into a field, close the site immediately — that’s a scam.

Comparison: ledger.com/start vs third-party guides

Best practices — protect your seed & device

Never store seeds digitally — no photos, no cloud, no password managers.
Use multiple, geographically separated physical backups (paper + metal plate recommended).
Consider a passphrase only if you understand the trade-off: extra security vs unrecoverable loss if forgotten.
Regularly update firmware and Ledger Live — but only when prompted by the official app.
Confirm every receiving address on the Ledger device screen before sending.

Final takeaway — start safe, stay safe

Use ledger.com/start as your canonical first step: it provides verified installers, firmware checks, and clear on-device verification guidance. These practices remove most beginner mistakes and dramatically reduce long-term risk. Your recovery phrase is the master key — protect it offline, verify everything on-device, and never trust unsolicited setup help.