Ledger.com/start – Manage Your Crypto Safely

What is Ledger.com/start?

Ledger.com/start is the official starting point recommended by Ledger to set up and connect your Ledger hardware wallet with Ledger Live. It guides you through device initialization, firmware checks, and secure pairing with the Ledger Live application. Always access the official URL and verify the SSL lock in your browser before proceeding.

Security reminder: Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase on a computer or website. Your recovery phrase should only be used on the Ledger device during initialization and stored offline.

Step-by-step setup and login

1. Open Ledger.com/start: Use a trusted browser and confirm the HTTPS padlock. Bookmark the page for future visits to avoid phishing links.
2. Connect your Ledger device: Plug in the device using the supplied USB cable. For mobile setup, use the official OTG cable or Bluetooth (on supported models) and follow device prompts.
3. Initialize or unlock: If the device is new, follow the on-screen instructions to create a PIN and write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet. If it’s already set up, enter your PIN directly on the device.
4. Open Ledger Live: Launch the Ledger Live desktop or mobile app and choose “Get started” or “Connect device.” The app will verify firmware versions and may prompt you to install updates.
5. Grant permissions and verify: Confirm the connection and allow the Ledger Live app to read public account information. Always verify addresses and transaction details on the device screen before approving.
6. Manage accounts: After verification, you can add accounts, view balances, receive and send funds, and manage apps from within Ledger Live.

Practical security checklist

Follow these steps every time you access or manage funds with your Ledger device:

• Always verify the URL and SSL certificate for Ledger.com/start. Phishing clones are common; use bookmarks to reduce risk.
• Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated to receive security improvements and bug fixes.
• Store your recovery phrase offline, in a fire- and water-resistant location. Consider metal backup solutions for long-term durability.
• Use a strong, unique PIN and avoid reusing PINs from other services.
• When signing transactions, verify the full details on your Ledger device screen. Never approve blind or suspicious requests.
• For added privacy, consider using a dedicated device or offline computer for high-value transactions and avoid public Wi-Fi networks.

Recovery phrase and passphrase explained

The 24-word recovery phrase is the ultimate backup to your crypto. Anyone with access to it can control your funds. Ledger also supports an optional passphrase feature (sometimes called a 25th word) that creates additional hidden wallets derived from your seed plus the passphrase. This increases security but introduces additional responsibility: losing the passphrase makes the hidden wallet unrecoverable.

Tip: If you use a passphrase, record it securely and separately from your recovery phrase. Consider using a secure password manager or a physically secure method to store passphrases.

Troubleshooting common issues

If the device is not recognized or Ledger Live reports errors, try the following:

• Use the original USB cable and try different ports. Some cables are charge-only and won’t transmit data.
• Restart Ledger Live and your device. Close other apps that may conflict with USB access.
• On desktop, ensure you have the latest OS updates and that drivers (if applicable) are installed.
• Temporarily disable browser extensions or security software that could block WebHID/WebUSB connections when working with the browser-based flows.
• If you suspect a firmware or software issue, consult Ledger’s official support documentation and follow their recommended recovery procedures.

Privacy and data handling

Ledger devices keep private keys isolated on the hardware. Ledger Live may request blockchain data or transaction history to show balances and activity, but it does not transmit your recovery phrase. Review Ledger’s privacy policy and documentation for specifics on telemetry and data collection.

Best practices for advanced users

• Consider using multiple wallets or split-custody strategies for very large holdings.
• Practice restoring a device from your recovery phrase on a secondary device to ensure your backup works before you need it in an emergency.
• Use address reuse sparingly — prefer generating fresh receiving addresses to improve on-chain privacy.
• If you use third-party apps (DeFi, dApps), ensure they are reputable and audit their smart contracts when possible.