What is Ledger.com/start?
Ledger.com/start is the official onboarding portal provided by Ledger. It’s the gateway to downloading Ledger Live, finding device-specific setup instructions, and following Ledger’s recommended security steps. In short: it’s the safest place to begin when you buy a Ledger Nano device and want to set up your self-custody wallet correctly.
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Quick takeaway: Always begin at Ledger.com/start — it reduces the risk of fake apps, phishing pages, and installation mistakes.
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Why start here? Risks it prevents
Crypto onboarding is a frequent target for attackers. Fake apps, counterfeit firmware, and cloned websites are common. Ledger.com/start centralizes verified installers and official guides so you avoid dangerous shortcuts like downloading software from random search results or third-party pages.
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- Phishing mitigation: prevents landing on lookalike sites that harvest seed phrases or install malicious software.
- Verified downloads: ensures you get Ledger Live installers that match Ledger’s published checksums and signatures.
- Correct instructions: shows device-specific steps (Nano S Plus vs Nano X) and latest firmware guidance.
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Hero Tip — Single most important rule
Never type your 24-word recovery phrase into a website, mobile app, chat, or email. Ledger.com/start helps you avoid scenarios where you might be tricked into doing exactly that.
Step-by-Step: Using Ledger.com/start to Set Up Ledger Live
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Step 1 — Reach the official page
Open your browser and type ledger.com/start (or use a bookmark you saved earlier). Avoid clicking on links from emails or social posts unless you verify they point to the exact domain.
Step 2 — Choose your device
Select your Ledger model (Nano X, Nano S Plus, etc.). The portal then shows tailored setup instructions and the correct Ledger Live installer for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android).
Step 3 — Download Ledger Live
Click the download link and save the installer. When possible, verify checksums/signatures shown on the site against the downloaded file (advanced users). Install Ledger Live and launch the app.
Step 4 — Initialize your hardware wallet
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or pair via Bluetooth (Nano X). Follow the prompts on the device and in Ledger Live to either Set up as a new device or Restore from recovery phrase.
Step 5 — Secure the recovery phrase
Write the 24-word seed on the provided recovery card or a steel backup plate. Store it offline in a secure, ideally fireproof and waterproof location. Consider geographically separated copies if your holdings are significant.
Step 6 — Add accounts and test
Use Ledger Live’s Add Account feature to add Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other supported blockchains. Always send a small test transaction first to confirm everything works end-to-end.
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Checklist: Before you click “Install”
- Are you on ledger.com/start exactly?
- Is your Ledger device sealed and untampered?
- Do you have a pen and paper (or steel backup) ready for the seed?
- Will you verify addresses on the device screen?
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If something feels off
Stop. Double-check the URL, device packaging, and installation file. Contact Ledger support only through the official site if you suspect fraud. Do not proceed with device initialization if any step deviates from what the official guide shows.
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How Ledger.com/start Connects to Ledger Live — The Big Picture
Think of Ledger.com/start as the secure doorway and Ledger Live as the control room. The portal gives you a verified app and instructions; Ledger Live manages accounts, signs transactions via the hardware wallet, and displays portfolio and staking tools. Together they create a secure, user-friendly self-custody experience.
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Important: Ledger Live never shares your private keys. The device signs transactions locally — the app only sends the signed transaction to the network.
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Comparison: Starting from Ledger.com/start vs Searching Elsewhere
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| Path |
Pros |
Cons |
| Use Ledger.com/start |
Verified installers, official guides, less phishing risk. |
None notable — the intended route. |
| Search engine / external guides |
May find community tutorials and tips. |
Higher risk of fake apps, outdated steps, or bad actors. |
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Security Best Practices After Using Ledger.com/start
- Keep firmware & apps updated: Regular updates patch vulnerabilities. Confirm update prompts in Ledger Live and verify release notes on the official site.
- Verify addresses on-device: Phishing malware can spoof addresses on your computer — always confirm on the hardware screen.
- Use passphrase only with care: Ledger devices offer an optional passphrase (a 25th word). It creates hidden wallets but adds complexity and recovery responsibility. Understand it before using.
- Test transactions first: Send a small amount when interacting with new addresses, exchanges, or dApps.
- Consider a steel backup: For high-value holdings, use a tested steel backup solution to protect your seed from fire, water, and physical degradation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Is Ledger.com/start the only safe place to download Ledger Live?
It’s the official landing page and therefore the safest. Ledger Live can also be downloaded from Ledger’s verified domain pages, but always ensure the URL is exactly ledger.com.
What if my Ledger device came with a pre-written seed phrase?
If the seed is pre-written or provided by anyone else, do NOT use that device. Initialize a new device that generates its own seed locally instead. Pre-generated seeds are a security red flag.
Can Ledger Live be used without Ledger.com/start?
You could technically download the app from other sources, but that increases risk. Always prefer the official portal to ensure authenticity and up-to-date guidance.
I lost my recovery phrase — can Ledger.com/start help?
Ledger.com/start provides guidance, but it cannot recover your phrase. If you lose the 24-word seed, the funds cannot be restored unless you have that seed or device backup. This underscores why secure storage of the seed is critical.
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Security Lens: Realistic Threats & How the Portal Helps
Threats include phishing sites, fake installers, address-spoofing malware, and social engineering. Ledger.com/start reduces these attack vectors by centralizing verified resources and funneling users through a consistent, secure setup procedure.
Related concepts: cold storage, private keys, seed phrase, self-custody, firmware integrity.
Putting it into Practice — A Minimal Setup Workflow
- Open a clean browser and navigate to ledger.com/start.
- Download Ledger Live for your OS and verify file if you can.
- Connect a genuine Ledger device and initialize it following the device prompts.
- Record the 24-word seed offline; test with a small deposit.
- Enable firmware and app updates and configure password lock on Ledger Live.