Ledger Setup Guide — ledger.com/start

Introduction

The world of cryptocurrency offers exciting opportunities, but with great opportunity comes the need for security. Hardware wallets like the Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Plus are designed to protect your digital assets from online threats. This comprehensive 2025 Ledger setup guide explains exactly how to get started at ledger.com/start, step by step.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have your Ledger device initialized, your recovery phrase securely backed up, and your Ledger Live app connected so you can start managing and transacting with your crypto confidently.

What You’ll Need

• Your Ledger device (Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Stax)
• A computer or smartphone with internet access
• A USB cable or Bluetooth (Nano X only)
• Pen and paper for your recovery phrase backup

Before you begin, make sure your device is brand new and sealed. If it arrived already initialized or the box looked tampered with, do not use it — contact Ledger support immediately.

Step 1: Go to ledger.com/start

Open your web browser and go to ledger.com/start. This is the official Ledger setup page. Never download Ledger software from unofficial websites — it could contain malware designed to steal your crypto.

On the page, choose your Ledger model. You’ll then be guided to download Ledger Live, the official companion app used to initialize your device, manage crypto accounts, and install apps for supported blockchains.

Step 2: Download and Install Ledger Live

Click the download link that matches your operating system — Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android. Once downloaded, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Why Use Ledger Live?

• Device Initialization: It helps set up your device securely.
• Portfolio Management: Lets you track and manage all your crypto assets in one place.
• App Management: Enables installation of blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on your Ledger device.
• Secure Transactions: Transactions require physical confirmation on your Ledger device.

Step 3: Connect and Initialize Your Ledger Device

Now it’s time to connect your Ledger wallet to your computer or phone using the provided USB cable (or Bluetooth, for Nano X). When you first power it on, the device screen will display a welcome message.

Create a New Wallet

1. Choose “Set up as new device” using the physical buttons.
2. Set a PIN code (4–8 digits). You’ll use this PIN every time you unlock your Ledger.
3. Write down your 24-word recovery phrase — this is the only way to recover your wallet if it’s lost or reset.

Ledger will display 24 words, one at a time. Carefully write them down in order on the supplied recovery sheet and keep it in a secure, offline location. Never take a photo or store it digitally.

Step 4: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase

After writing down your 24 words, the device will ask you to confirm them by selecting each word in the correct order. This ensures you’ve backed them up accurately.

If you ever lose your Ledger or forget your PIN, your recovery phrase can restore all your funds on a new Ledger device. Anyone with your phrase can access your assets, so treat it like your most valuable possession.

Step 5: Open Ledger Live and Pair Your Device

Once your device setup is complete, open Ledger Live and click “Get Started.” Choose your Ledger model and connect it when prompted.

Ledger Live will verify the authenticity of your device. This process ensures it’s genuine and hasn’t been tampered with. Wait until you see the message: “Your device is genuine.”

Device Verification Steps:

• Follow on-screen instructions to connect and unlock your device.
• Approve the verification request on the Ledger screen.
• Wait for confirmation inside Ledger Live.

Step 6: Install Apps for Your Coins

In Ledger Live, go to the “My Ledger” tab. You can now install apps for the cryptocurrencies you plan to use — for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana. Each app allows your Ledger to manage that blockchain’s accounts and transactions.

Keep in mind your device has limited storage space, but you can uninstall and reinstall apps anytime without losing your funds. Your assets remain on the blockchain, secured by your private keys.

Step 7: Add Crypto Accounts

After installing blockchain apps, go to the “Accounts” tab in Ledger Live and click “Add Account.” Select the currency, open the corresponding app on your device, and confirm.

Ledger Live will synchronize with the blockchain and show your balance and transaction history. You can now receive, send, and monitor crypto securely.

Step 8: Receive and Send Crypto Safely

To receive crypto:

1. Open Ledger Live and go to Receive.
2. Select the account you want to receive funds to.
3. Verify the address displayed in Ledger Live matches the one on your Ledger device screen.
4. Only share the address once both match exactly.

To send crypto, select Send, enter the recipient’s address and amount, and confirm the transaction on your device. The physical confirmation prevents remote attackers from sending funds without your approval.

Important Security Tips

• Never share your recovery phrase. No one from Ledger will ever ask for it.
• Bookmark ledger.com/start to avoid phishing sites.
• Only download Ledger Live from the official website.
• Store your recovery phrase offline and consider using a metal backup for durability.
• Regularly update your Ledger firmware and Ledger Live to stay protected.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Ledger Not Detected

If Ledger Live doesn’t recognize your device, try another USB port, cable, or restart both your computer and Ledger. Make sure you’ve entered your PIN and unlocked it first.

Verification Failed

If authenticity verification fails, ensure you downloaded Ledger Live from the official site. If the issue persists, contact Ledger Support.

Forgot PIN Code

You can reset your device by entering the wrong PIN three times. This wipes the device — then restore it using your 24-word recovery phrase.

Advanced Features of Ledger Live

• Buy/Sell Crypto: Integrated partners let you purchase or cash out directly within Ledger Live.
• Staking: Earn passive rewards by staking supported coins like Ethereum, Solana, and Polkadot.
• Swap: Exchange one crypto for another using trusted Ledger partners.
• Discover Tab: Explore decentralized finance (DeFi) integrations safely within the app.

Maintaining Your Ledger Device

To ensure long-term safety of your digital assets, follow these maintenance practices:

• Regularly check for firmware updates via Ledger Live.
• Keep your recovery phrase secure and inaccessible to others.
• If your device shows physical damage, replace it immediately and restore using your recovery phrase.
• Always confirm transaction addresses on the device screen, not just in the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ledger Safe?

Yes. Ledger wallets are among the most secure hardware wallets in the world, with certified secure elements that keep your private keys isolated from online threats.

Can I Use Ledger With MetaMask?

Yes. You can connect your Ledger to MetaMask for Web3 access, allowing you to interact with decentralized apps while maintaining full private key control.

What Happens If I Lose My Ledger?

If your Ledger is lost, stolen, or damaged, simply purchase a new one and restore it using your 24-word recovery phrase. Never share that phrase with anyone.

Conclusion

Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet through ledger.com/start is one of the most important steps in securing your cryptocurrency investments. By following this 2025 Ledger Setup Guide carefully — downloading Ledger Live from the official site, safeguarding your recovery phrase, and verifying all transactions on your device — you protect yourself from most digital threats.

Remember, true crypto ownership means “not your keys, not your coins.” With your Ledger wallet, your private keys remain under your control — safely offline, and ready for the decentralized future.