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Ledger.com/start | Official Site - Your Secure Setup Guide

Ledger.com/start: Your Official Site for Secure Crypto Setup

Welcome to **Ledger.com/start**, the dedicated and official starting point for setting up your Ledger hardware signer (such as the Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax). This resource is meticulously designed to ensure a safe, authenticated, and seamless initiation into the world of secure self-custody. By guiding you through the necessary steps—from official software download to critical key generation—we guarantee you avoid the pitfalls of phishing and malware, securing your assets with the industry’s most trusted technology.

The Ledger security model is founded on the principle that your private keys must remain **offline** and isolated within the device’s certified Secure Element chip. The **Ledger Wallet™ App** (formerly Ledger Live™), which you will download via this link, serves as the secure interface that lets you view, manage, and transact with your crypto, all while your hardware signer remains the sole authority for transaction approval.

1. Download the Official Ledger Wallet App Here

1. Preparation and Device Check

A secure setup requires careful preparation. Ensure you have all components and confirm the integrity of your new device before starting.

Pre-Setup Checklist

  • **Ledger Hardware Signer:** Ensure it is a genuine device purchased directly from Ledger or an authorized retailer.
  • **Original Accessories:** Keep the USB-C cable and the **three blank Recovery Sheets** nearby.
  • **A Desktop Computer:** Recommended for the initial setup process for optimal stability.
  • **A Pen:** Necessary for the crucial step of writing down your Secret Recovery Phrase.
⚠️ **Immediate Security Stop:** If your Ledger device package or the device itself shows any signs of tampering, or if it includes a pre-written or pre-printed Recovery Sheet, **DO NOT PROCEED**. Contact Ledger Support immediately. A new, secure Ledger device will always require you to generate and write down your own unique 24-word phrase.

2. Installing the Ledger Wallet App (Ledger Live)

The Ledger Wallet App is the mandatory, non-custodial software that connects your device to the blockchain and provides your portfolio management interface. Always download the application through the official links provided on **Ledger.com/start** to avoid malicious copies.

  1. **Click the Official Download Link:** Use the link above or on the official Ledger website.
  2. **Select and Install:** Download the installer file for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Run the installer and follow the screen prompts to complete the installation.
  3. **Launch and Begin:** Open the newly installed Ledger Wallet App. On the welcome screen, select the option to **"Set up a new device"** and choose your specific Ledger model.

3. The Essential Security Step: Device Initialization

This phase is conducted entirely on the Ledger hardware device itself, guaranteeing the random generation and secure recording of your unique cryptographic keys.

Setting the PIN and Recording the Secret Recovery Phrase

  1. **Connect and Unlock:** Plug your Ledger into your computer. The device will prompt you to set up a PIN.
  2. **Set PIN:** Use the device's physical buttons to choose and confirm a 4-to-8 digit PIN code. This PIN is your physical lock.
  3. **Write Down the 24 Words:** The device will display your **24-word Secret Recovery Phrase** sequentially. You **must** meticulously and accurately copy these words onto the provided Recovery Sheets. **The order is crucial.**
  4. **Phrase Confirmation:** The device will then prompt you to confirm specific words (e.g., word #12, word #20) to ensure you have correctly recorded the phrase. Complete this confirmation using the physical buttons.

Your Secret Recovery Phrase is your universal master key. **Do not photograph, type, or store it anywhere digital.** Store the written sheets in a secure, private location (e.g., a fireproof safe).

4. The Crucial Ledger Genuine Check

Before you trust your device with any funds, Ledger Live performs a cryptographically-verified check to confirm that the hardware signer is authentic and has not been compromised with unauthorized firmware.

  1. **Execute the Check:** In Ledger Live, follow the prompts to proceed with the **Genuine Check**.
  2. **Allow Manager:** Unlock your Ledger device with your PIN. The device screen will display a message asking for permission (e.g., **"Allow Ledger Manager?"**).
  3. **Physical Confirmation:** You must physically confirm this action on the Ledger device by pressing the buttons.
  4. **Verification Complete:** Ledger Live will display the green confirmation: **"Your device is genuine."** This guarantees the integrity of your security chip and firmware.

5. The Manager: Installing Apps and Adding Accounts

The **Manager** tab in Ledger Live is your administrative center for adding accounts and maintaining your device's software.

Account Initialization Steps

  • **Install Crypto Applications:** In the Manager tab, search for the cryptocurrencies you wish to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Click **"Install"** to place the necessary apps onto your Ledger device.
  • **Add Accounts:** Go to the **"Accounts"** tab, click **"+ Add account,"** and select the cryptocurrency. You will be prompted to open the corresponding app on your Ledger device.
  • **Synchronization:** Ledger Live securely communicates with your device, scans the public blockchain, and finds the accounts associated with your keys.
  • **Portfolio View:** Once added, your accounts will synchronize, and your balances will appear in the main **"Portfolio"** dashboard, giving you a real-time overview of your total wealth.

6. Secure Transactions: On-Device Verification

Every transaction you make, whether receiving or sending, is secured by the hardware signer and must be confirmed on its screen.

  • **Receiving Funds:** When you generate a receive address, Ledger Live instructs you to **verify the address on your Ledger device’s physical screen**. This protects you from address-swapping malware.
  • **Sending Funds:** When you initiate a transfer, your device requires you to **manually confirm the recipient address, the amount, and the transaction fees** before signing. This final, non-hackable check ensures full control over your assets.
Success! You are now securely set up via Ledger.com/start

Official Resources and Next Steps: