Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started™ | Ledger®

Ledger.com/Start is the official entry point for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet, the industry-leading cold storage solution trusted by millions of cryptocurrency holders worldwide. Whether you've just unboxed a new Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Ledger Stax, this guide walks you through every step of the setup process—from downloading the official Ledger Wallet™ application to securely recording your recovery phrase and managing your digital assets.

Why Start at Ledger.com/Start?

Security begins with authenticity. Visiting the official Ledger.com/Start page ensures you download genuine software directly from the manufacturer, avoiding phishing sites that impersonate Ledger's branding to steal your recovery seed. Fake setup pages are a common attack vector in the crypto space, and even experienced users can be fooled by convincing replicas.

Ledger Wallet™ (formerly Ledger Live™) is your all-in-one companion application for managing crypto assets while keeping private keys offline and out of reach from hackers . The application stores data directly on your smartphone or computer, requiring no email registration or password login—only your Ledger device .

System Requirements

Before downloading, verify your computer meets the minimum specifications. Windows users need Windows 10 (64-bit) or later. macOS requires version 12.0 (Monterey) or higher. Linux users need Ubuntu 20.04 (64-bit) or later . The minimum screen resolution is 1024x768. Note that Ledger Wallet is not compatible with virtual machines or Surface Pro devices, and ARM-based Windows and Ubuntu systems are not supported .

For mobile users, the Ledger Wallet app requires iOS 15 or above or Android 10 or above .

Downloading Ledger Wallet

Navigate to Ledger.com/start or ledger.com/ledger-wallet to download the official application. Choose the version matching your operating system—desktop for computers, mobile for smartphones .

Windows Installation: After downloading the executable, double-click to run it. You may see a message stating "The app you're trying to install isn't a Microsoft-verified app" if your system is configured to install only from the Microsoft Store. This is expected—proceed with installation. If you have doubts, Ledger provides instructions for verifying the authenticity of the application .

macOS Installation: Download the .dmg file, double-click it, and drag the Ledger Wallet app to your Applications folder. Launch from Launchpad or Spotlight. Depending on your macOS version, click "Open" to permit installation of an app downloaded from the internet .

Linux Installation: Ledger Wallet is distributed as an AppImage. Install AppImageLauncher and add UDEV rules for USB access to your Ledger device. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS users may need to install libfuse2. If you encounter a sandboxing error, run the AppImage with the --no-sandbox flag .

Connecting and Setting Up Your Device

After installing Ledger Wallet, connect your Ledger device using the supplied USB cable. The application will detect the device and guide you through setup.

Step 1: Power On and Connect — Press and hold the device button to power on. Connect via USB cable (Bluetooth is available on Nano X, Flex, Stax, and Nano Gen5) .

Step 2: Choose Setup Method — Select "Set it up as a new Ledger" to generate new private keys, or "Restore with your Secret Recovery Phrase" to recover an existing wallet .

Step 3: Set Your PIN — Choose a PIN of 4 to 8 digits directly on your device. An 8-digit PIN offers optimal security. Never use a device supplied with a pre-set PIN .

Step 4: Record Your Recovery Phrase — Your device will display a 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase. Write each word in exact order on the supplied Recovery Sheet. This phrase is the only backup of your private keys and the sole way to restore access if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Never photograph it or store it digitally .

Step 5: Verify Your Backup — The device will ask you to confirm specific words to verify your backup is accurate .

Managing Crypto with Ledger Wallet

Once setup is complete, Ledger Wallet displays your accounts and balances. Install blockchain apps for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana through the My Ledger section. Adding or removing apps does not affect your funds—private keys remain securely stored on the device.

Receiving Crypto: Select an account, click Receive, and verify the address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it.

Sending Crypto: Select Send, enter the recipient address and amount, then confirm the transaction on your Ledger device. Every transaction requires physical approval, ensuring protection even if your computer is compromised.

Security Best Practices

Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger will never ask for it. Anyone requesting it is attempting a scam .

Verify transactions on your device screen before approving. Reading transaction details on the device prevents blind-signing attacks.

Keep firmware and Ledger Wallet updated to benefit from the latest security patches.

Purchase devices only from official sources to avoid tampered hardware.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If Ledger Wallet does not detect your device, try a different USB cable (some are charge-only), use another USB port, or restart the application. On Windows, run Ledger Wallet as administrator to resolve permission issues . For Bluetooth connection problems, reset pairing on both your Nano X and phone .

Summary

Starting at Ledger.com/Start ensures you download the official Ledger Wallet application, verify your device, and set up your hardware wallet securely. The process involves installing the app for your operating system, connecting your Ledger device, creating a PIN, and recording your 24-word recovery phrase offline. With Ledger Wallet and your Ledger device, you gain full self-custody over your digital assets with industry-leading security.