Ledger.com/start is the official website to set up a Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger produces secure hardware devices, such as the Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, and Ledger Stax, designed to store cryptocurrency private keys offline. Using a Ledger wallet ensures that your crypto is protected from online threats, including hacks, malware, and phishing attacks. By keeping private keys offline, Ledger allows you to maintain full control of your assets and manage them safely.

When you purchase a Ledger device, check that the packaging is intact and has not been tampered with. The box should be sealed and include the device, a USB cable, recovery sheets, and a quick start guide. Ledger devices do not come with a pre-written recovery phrase. If you find a 24-word recovery phrase already provided in the box, the device may have been compromised, and you should not use it. The recovery phrase must be generated directly on your Ledger device to remain secure.

To begin setup, go to www.ledger.com/start
 using a web browser. Typing the address manually ensures you reach the official site and avoid phishing scams. On this page, you will select your Ledger device model and follow instructions to download Ledger Live. Ledger Live is the official app for managing your Ledger wallet and cryptocurrency portfolio. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Ledger Live allows you to view balances, send and receive cryptocurrency, install blockchain apps, and monitor transactions.

After downloading Ledger Live, install and open the app. Click “Get Started” and choose whether to set up a new device or restore an existing one from a recovery phrase. If this is your first Ledger wallet, select “Set up as new device.” Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the USB cable, or connect via Bluetooth if you have a Ledger Nano X. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully, both on your device and in Ledger Live.

The first step is to create a PIN code on your Ledger device. The PIN protects the wallet from unauthorized access. Choose a secure PIN that you can remember but that is difficult for others to guess. You will need to enter the PIN each time you access your device. If the wrong PIN is entered too many times, the device will reset to factory settings to prevent unauthorized use.

After creating a PIN, the device generates a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the most important part of your wallet. It acts as a backup of your private keys and allows you to recover your crypto if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Write down all 24 words in the exact order on the provided recovery sheet. Do not take a photo or store it digitally, and never share it with anyone. If someone obtains your recovery phrase, they can access your cryptocurrency. Ledger will never ask for this phrase, so always be vigilant against phishing attempts.

Once you have recorded your recovery phrase, confirm the words on the device to ensure they were written correctly. At this point, your Ledger wallet is ready for use. Open Ledger Live and connect your device. Ledger Live will verify that your device is genuine and that the firmware is up to date. Firmware updates are essential for maintaining security and adding new features.

Next, install apps for the cryptocurrencies you intend to use. Each blockchain requires a specific app. For example, Bitcoin requires the Bitcoin app, while Ethereum requires the Ethereum app. Install these apps through the “My Ledger” section in Ledger Live. After installing the apps, add accounts for each cryptocurrency. Ledger Live will display balances and transactions for each account, but your private keys remain securely stored on the device.

To receive cryptocurrency, select “Receive” in Ledger Live, choose the account, and verify the address on your Ledger device. Always check that the address displayed on your computer matches the address on your device. To send cryptocurrency, click “Send,” enter the recipient’s address and the amount, and confirm the transaction using your Ledger device. Transactions cannot be completed without physically approving them on the device, providing an extra layer of security.

For ongoing security, never share your recovery phrase or PIN, and always download Ledger Live from the official website. Keep your recovery sheet in a secure location, ideally using fireproof or waterproof storage. Regularly update Ledger Live and your device firmware to ensure you have the latest security features.

If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger device using your 24-word recovery phrase. Enter the words in order, and your cryptocurrency accounts will be restored. Your assets are stored on the blockchain, not on the device itself; the Ledger simply provides secure access to your private keys.

Ledger.com/start provides a secure, step-by-step process for setting up a Ledger hardware wallet. By following the instructions, you can safely download Ledger Live, create a PIN, record your recovery phrase, install apps, and add accounts. Using a Ledger wallet ensures your private keys remain offline, giving you complete control over your cryptocurrency. Remember the fundamental rule in crypto: not your keys, not your coins. With Ledger, your keys remain safe and fully under your control, providing peace of mind and protection against online threats.