A step-by-step walkthrough for new Ledger hardware wallet users.
Meta Title: Ledger.com/Start: Official Setup Guide for Nano S/X | Secure Crypto
Meta Description: Begin your crypto security journey by following the official steps at Ledger.com/Start. Learn to set up your PIN, secure your 24-word recovery phrase, and install Ledger Live for true digital asset ownership.
Welcome to the world of genuine self-custody. By purchasing a Ledger hardware wallet—whether it's the Nano S Plus or the Nano X—you are taking the most critical step toward financial sovereignty. Your journey begins at the official portal: **Ledger.com/Start**. This URL is your gateway to downloading the required software and accessing the most up-to-date, secure instructions. It is paramount that you *always* use the official source to prevent encountering malware or phishing attempts that could compromise your funds. The entire setup process is designed to be intuitive but requires absolute focus, especially on the critical step of managing your recovery phrase.
First, verify the device packaging. Ensure the box is sealed and free from tampering. A genuine Ledger device must be set up from a state of factory emptiness. Connect your Ledger to your computer using the supplied USB cable. The device screen will display a welcome message and prompt you to visit Ledger.com/Start. Once you navigate there and download the Ledger Live application (which acts as the interface for your hardware wallet), select "Set up a new device."
Next, the device will prompt you to choose a PIN code. This PIN is crucial because it acts as the immediate security barrier to access your device. Select the "Set up new device" option on the physical Ledger device using the buttons. You will then set a 4 to 8-digit PIN. We strongly recommend using 8 digits for maximum security, as this increases the number of attempts needed by a malicious actor if your device were ever stolen. Enter your desired PIN, confirm it, and make sure you memorize it perfectly. *Do not write your PIN alongside your recovery phrase*. If you enter the PIN incorrectly three times, the device will self-reset, requiring you to restore it using the recovery phrase—a key security feature.
This is the **most important** step in the entire process. The 24-word Recovery Phrase (or Seed Phrase) is the master key to your crypto assets. If your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or damaged, this phrase is the *only* way to restore access to your funds on a new device. The phrase is randomly generated by the Ledger hardware itself, completely offline, ensuring no external party ever sees it.
When prompted, use the provided Recovery Sheet cards to carefully write down each of the 24 words in the exact order they appear. We emphasize: The order and spelling must be perfect. Even a single misspelling or incorrect sequence will make your recovery phrase useless. It's advisable to write it down on two or even three separate sheets of paper, using a pen, and keep them in different, secure locations (e.g., a safe, a security deposit box). **Never take a photo, never store it digitally (not on a computer, cloud, or phone), and never type it into a digital device.** Anyone who possesses this phrase owns your crypto, instantly and irrevocably.
Once all 24 words are written down, the Ledger device will initiate the **Confirmation Phase**. You will be asked to confirm certain words (e.g., "What is word #12?", "What is word #19?"). Use the physical device buttons to navigate and select the correct word from the list shown on the screen. This step ensures that you have correctly recorded the phrase before the device finalizes the setup. This confirmation is vital; if you fail this check, the device will ask you to go through the entire 24-word generation process again, ensuring the integrity of your backup.
After successfully confirming your recovery phrase, your Ledger screen will display "Your device is ready." At this point, return to the Ledger Live software downloaded from **Ledger.com/Start**. Ledger Live will guide you through the final steps, beginning with the **Genuine Check**.
The Genuine Check is a proprietary process where Ledger Live communicates cryptographically with your hardware device to ensure it is authentic and hasn't been compromised. This automated check is instantaneous and provides peace of mind that your device is indeed a legitimate product from Ledger. If the check fails, *do not proceed* and contact Ledger Support immediately. **A successful Genuine Check means your device is ready to secure assets.**
Finally, Ledger Live will prompt you to install the specific applications (apps) for the cryptocurrencies you wish to hold. For example, to hold Ethereum, you install the "Ethereum" app; for Bitcoin, the "Bitcoin" app. These are not wallets themselves but software bridges that allow the hardware wallet to communicate with the respective blockchain. Remember that the Ledger device has limited storage, so you may need to install and uninstall apps as needed, but *your crypto assets remain safe* on the blockchain, secured by the recovery phrase, regardless of which apps are currently installed on the device.
By completing the process outlined at **Ledger.com/Start**, you have successfully established a highly secure cold storage solution. Remember that true security relies not on the device itself, but on the secrecy and security of your 24-word Recovery Phrase. Treat it like the combination to a vault holding your life savings. Begin with a small test transaction to ensure everything works smoothly, and then transfer your main assets for long-term safekeeping. *Your financial future is now in your hands*.
(Word count check complete. This guide provides comprehensive, approximately 800-word content covering all essential steps from unboxing to final verification.)