Ledger.com/Start® | Your Gateway to Secure Self-Custody

Welcome to the definitive guide for your new Ledger device. In an era where digital sovereignty is more important than ever, you have taken the most critical step: moving your assets off exchanges and into a secure, offline environment. This guide will walk you through the setup, the software, and the security protocols that keep your crypto safe.

1. The Foundation: What is Ledger.com/Start?

Ledger.com/Start is the official onboarding portal for all Ledger signers (hardware wallets). Whether you own the classic Nano S Plus, the mobile-friendly Nano X, or the next-generation Ledger Flex and Stax, this is where your journey begins.

The portal serves two primary purposes:

  1. Software Acquisition: Providing the authentic download for the Ledger Wallet app (formerly known as Ledger Live).
  2. Authentication: Ensuring your device is genuine and has not been tampered with during shipping.

2. Setting Up Your Signer: Step-by-Step

The setup process is the "birth" of your private keys. Follow these steps with extreme care.

Phase 1: Preparation

  • Privacy First: Ensure you are in a private location where no cameras or people can see your device screen.
  • Inspect the Box: Verify that the "Recovery Sheet" inside the box is blank. Ledger never provides a pre-set PIN or Recovery Phrase.

Phase 2: Device Initialization

  1. Connect: Use the provided USB-C cable to connect your device to your computer.
  2. Navigate: Use the buttons (or touchscreen on Stax/Flex) to scroll to "Set up as new device."
  3. Choose a PIN: Select a code between 4 and 8 digits. Pro Tip: An 8-digit PIN is significantly more secure against physical brute-force attempts.

Phase 3: The 24-Word Recovery Phrase

This is the most critical step. Your device will generate 24 random words.

  • Write them down on the physical recovery sheet.
  • Verify them on the device to ensure there are no spelling errors.
  • The Golden Rule: Never digitize these words. Do not take a photo, do not type them into a notes app, and never enter them into any website—even if it looks like Ledger support.

3. Introducing the New Ledger Wallet App

In 2026, the Ledger interface has evolved far beyond a simple transaction tool. It is now a comprehensive wealth management hub.

Key Features of the 2026 Ecosystem:

  • Clear Signing: This protocol ensures that the transaction details you see on your computer screen match exactly what is being signed on your hardware device, preventing "blind signing" scams.
  • Transaction Check: An integrated security layer that simulates transactions before you sign them, flagging malicious smart contracts or known drainer addresses.
  • Ledger Sync: Securely sync your accounts across your desktop and mobile devices using decentralized encryption keys generated by your hardware wallet—no email or password required.
  • The Earn Dashboard: A centralized location to track staking rewards across multiple chains like ETH, SOL, and DOT, allowing you to put your assets to work safely.

4. Security Best Practices for 2026

Hackers are becoming more sophisticated, but the "Cold Storage" principle remains undefeated if followed correctly.

  1. Physical Redundancy: Consider a "Backup Signer." By entering your 24 words into a second Ledger device, you ensure instant access to your funds if your primary device is lost or broken.
  2. Firmware Updates: Only update your firmware via the official Ledger Wallet app. These updates often include critical security patches against newly discovered hardware vulnerabilities.
  3. Ignore DM "Support": Ledger will never contact you via WhatsApp, Telegram, or Discord. Official support is only available through the links provided below.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What happens if I lose my Ledger device? Your crypto is not "in" the device; it lives on the blockchain. The device is simply the key. As long as you have your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase, you can restore your entire portfolio on a new Ledger or any BIP39-compatible wallet.

Q2: Can I use one Ledger for multiple people? While technically possible by creating different accounts in the app, it is strongly discouraged. Each user should have their own device and unique recovery phrase to ensure true individual sovereignty and prevent accidental exposure.

Q3: Is the Bluetooth connection on the Nano X/Stax safe? Yes. The Bluetooth bridge only carries public data (like transaction metadata). Your private keys and the signing process stay entirely within the Secure Element chip, which is never exposed to the Bluetooth or USB connection.

Q4: Why does the app ask to "Check my Nano"? This is a cryptographic "attestation." It communicates with Ledger’s secure servers to verify that the hardware in your hand is an authentic product manufactured by Ledger and not a malicious clone.

Q5: What should I do if my device asks for a PIN immediately out of the box? Do not use it. This indicates the device has been pre-configured by a third party. Contact Ledger Support immediately to arrange a replacement.

To ensure your security, only use these official Ledger domains:

  1. Official Onboarding:Ledger.com/Start
  2. Support Help Center:support.ledger.com
  3. Ledger Academy (Education):ledger.com/academy
  4. Hardware & Shop:shop.ledger.com
  5. Official Download Page:ledger.com/ledger-live