Ledger.com/start — Official Steps to Activate & Protect Your Ledger Wallet

Introduction to Ledger.com/start

Ledger.com/start is the official activation guide for all Ledger hardware wallets, designed to help new users set up their devices safely and confidently. Whether you're preparing to store Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, or thousands of supported tokens, this dedicated guide ensures you follow authenticated, secure, and verified procedures.

With the increasing risks of online breaches, phishing scams, and wallet hacks, using a hardware wallet has become essential for anyone wanting real ownership of their digital wealth. Ledger.com/start walks you through every step with clarity—removing guesswork and minimizing security mistakes.

Confirming Your Ledger Device Is Genuine

Before beginning the setup process, you must verify the authenticity of your Ledger wallet. Every Ledger device includes a secure chip and internal integrity check that confirms the device has never been manipulated. When you power it on for the first time, it should not contain a pre-written recovery phrase nor any pre-configured settings.

If your packaging appears tampered with, or if someone provided a handwritten recovery phrase, stop immediately. A genuine Ledger wallet will always generate the 24-word phrase directly on the screen during initial setup.

Setting Up as a New Device

Once your device is confirmed genuine, select "Set up as new device" on the Ledger screen. This process creates a new private key stored securely inside the hardware wallet's Secure Element chip. No external server, app, or Ledger staff can access it.

The next steps include:

• Creating a PIN between 4–8 digits that only you know.
• Writing down the 24-word recovery phrase shown on screen.
• Validating the phrase by selecting the correct words when asked.
• Confirming that the device is ready for Ledger Live connection.

Your PIN protects the device from unauthorized access, while the recovery phrase is a backup that restores your assets if the device is lost or damaged.

Understanding Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

The recovery phrase is the master key to your crypto assets. It is unique, unrecoverable if lost, and must never be shared. Unlike passwords, Ledger cannot reset or restore this phrase for you. The phrase is generated directly within the device and never touches the internet.

Important rules for your recovery phrase include:

• Write it on the provided recovery sheet—never on a phone or computer.
• Store it in a secure, private location.
• Never upload it online or enter it into any website.
• No Ledger employee will ever ask for it.
• Consider using a steel backup for fire and water protection.

Installing Ledger Live: Your Crypto Control Center

After setting up the device, visit the official Ledger website to download Ledger Live. This software allows you to manage accounts, install blockchain apps, check real-time balances, send and receive payments, view portfolio growth, and update firmware securely.

Once installed, connect your Ledger device and follow the on-screen instructions to pair and synchronize it. Ledger Live will automatically detect your device model, check authenticity, and guide you through setting up accounts for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more.

Using Ledger Wallet Safely

Security does not end after setup. To maintain long-term protection, follow these recommended best practices:

• Always verify transaction details on the device screen before confirming.
• Update Ledger Live regularly to access the latest features and security patches.
• Enable additional protections like password lock and authentication prompts.
• Store your wallet in a safe location when not in use.
• Use only the official Ledger website and avoid third-party download links.

By forming these habits early, you ensure maximum safety for your digital assets, regardless of market volatility or device changes.

Why Ledger Wallets Are Trusted Worldwide

Ledger has become a leader in crypto security because it blends ease of use with advanced protection. The secure hardware element, constant firmware updates, and intuitive Ledger Live interface deliver a unified ecosystem for managing crypto with confidence.

Whether you're buying your first cryptocurrency or managing a diverse portfolio across multiple chains, Ledger gives you complete control over your private keys. With Ledger.com/start, even beginners can complete a fully secure setup in minutes.