What is Ledger.com/start and why use it?
Ledger.com/start is the official starting point provided by Ledger for downloading Ledger Wallet (Ledger Live), setting up a Ledger hardware wallet, and following step-by-step manufacturer guidance. Using the official start page ensures you get authentic software, current instructions, and direct links to support resources — which dramatically reduces risk compared to third-party downloads.
Before you begin — checklist
- Buy a brand-new Ledger device from the official store or an authorized reseller — avoid second-hand units for cold storage.
- Use a secure, up-to-date computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and a reliable USB cable.
- Have a quiet, private workspace where you can write and safely store your recovery seed.
- Bookmark https://www.ledger.com/start as your trusted setup resource.
Step 1 — Download Ledger Wallet (Ledger Live)
From Ledger.com/start, choose the correct download for your operating system and install Ledger Wallet (sometimes called Ledger Live). Always confirm you are on the official Ledger domain before downloading.
Step 2 — Initialize your Ledger hardware device
- Unbox the device and connect it to your computer using the provided cable.
- Open Ledger Wallet and choose “Set up as new device.”
- Create a PIN on the device — this protects physical access.
- Write down the recovery phrase (seed) exactly as shown. Confirm the words when prompted.
Step 3 — Add accounts and manage assets
Once initialized, use Ledger Wallet to add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported coins. The app lets you view balances, receive funds, and create transactions — the private keys remain isolated inside the device’s secure element and never leave it.
Use clear labels (e.g., “BTC — Cold Vault”) and consider separate accounts for spending vs long-term cold storage.
Step 4 — Sending and receiving (best practices)
- To receive: generate the receive address in Ledger Wallet and verify that the address shown on your computer matches the address displayed on the device screen before sharing it.
- To send: prepare the transaction in the app, then verify recipient address, amount, and fee directly on the Ledger device before approving — always trust the device’s display over your computer.
- For large transfers, do a small test first to confirm everything works end-to-end.
Cold storage & long-term security
Cold storage means keeping private keys offline. With Ledger devices the keys live inside a tamper-resistant secure element. For long-term holdings:
- Maintain at least two geographically-separated physical backups of the recovery phrase (not digital).
- Consider metal seed backups for fire and water resistance.
- For very large holdings, consider multisig setups or splitting funds across multiple devices.
Troubleshooting & official support
If Ledger Wallet fails to detect your device, try a different USB cable or port, restart the app, or reboot the computer. For firmware and software updates, always follow official prompts inside Ledger Wallet. If anything looks wrong, visit Ledger’s support center for model-specific help and verified troubleshooting steps.