Ledger
Ledger.com/start — Official Setup, Security & Best Practices
A practical, step-by-step guide to initializing your Ledger device safely, using Ledger Live, and avoiding the phishing & supply-chain pitfalls that threaten new crypto users.
Quick orientation
Ledger.com/start is Ledger’s official onboarding portal — the place to download the Ledger Wallet (Ledger Live), initialize a device, install apps, and follow secure setup steps. Using this verified entry point reduces the risk of fake apps and instructions. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
What Ledger.com/start does for you
It guides you through the exact steps to set up a Ledger Nano device, download the Ledger Wallet app, secure your PIN, and record your recovery phrase safely. This stops common phishing flows at the door by centralizing official instructions and downloads. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Why it matters
Scams that imitate setup pages or Ledger Live have been used to harvest seed phrases and install fake apps. Starting at ledger.com/start and downloading software only from that portal is your first line of defense. Recent reporting shows active campaigns pushing fake Ledger apps to macOS and other users — never enter your seed into any app or site. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
A simple mental model
Think of Ledger.com/start as the official front door to your Ledger hardware wallet experience — it gives you the safe installer (Ledger Wallet™ / Ledger Live), firmware updates, and step-by-step onboarding so attackers can’t trick you into installing impostors or revealing your recovery phrase.
(Short technical note: Ledger Live — now commonly referenced as Ledger Wallet™ in official docs — manages your accounts and acts as the UI while private keys remain in the Secure Element on the device.) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Step-by-step: setting up (compact roadmap)
1 • Visit ledger.com/start
Type the address — don’t click ads. Confirm the site is ledger.com and follow the “Get started” instructions to download the official app. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
2 • Download Ledger Wallet / Ledger Live
Choose the correct OS package (desktop or mobile). Ledger’s page links the verified installers; avoid third-party mirrors. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
3 • Initialize your device
Follow the device prompts to set a PIN and generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write the words by hand on the supplied card; do not photograph or store them digitally. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
4 • Install coin apps & add accounts
Use Ledger Wallet’s “Manager” to install supported coin apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and add corresponding accounts. Balances will appear only after you add accounts on Ledger Wallet. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
What Ledger supports (short)
Ledger devices and Ledger Wallet support a very large number of assets — the company lists support for thousands of coins and tokens across many chains (commonly referenced as ~5,500+ supported assets). If you need a specific token, confirm it on Ledger’s supported assets page. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Staking and on-app features
Ledger Wallet includes staking functionality for a number of chains (for example: Cardano, Cosmos, Ethereum dedicated staking, Polkadot and more). Staking availability varies by country and asset — check Ledger’s official staking documentation and the app Earn/Stake sections for current lists and partners. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Device notes
The Ledger Nano X supports Bluetooth for mobile pairing while keys remain in the Secure Element; the Nano S Plus is USB-first. For everyday security, a direct cable connection is often recommended when possible. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Serious warning: phishing & fake apps
Security researchers and news outlets have reported sophisticated malware and fake Ledger installers that replace or mimic Ledger Live — sometimes prompting victims to enter their seed phrase into a fraudulent interface. These campaigns are active; always verify downloads via ledger.com/start and never input your recovery phrase into any software or website. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Practical do's & don'ts (concise)
Do
• Download only from ledger.com/start.
• Verify device firmware from the app.
• Write down 24-word recovery phrase on paper/metal.
• Confirm every transaction on the device screen.
• Keep Ledger Live and firmware up to date. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Verify device firmware from the app.
• Write down 24-word recovery phrase on paper/metal.
• Confirm every transaction on the device screen.
• Keep Ledger Live and firmware up to date. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Don't
• Don’t enter your recovery seed into any app or website.
• Don’t buy used/second-hand Ledger devices from untrusted sellers.
• Don’t install Ledger Live copies from torrents or mirrors.
• Don’t respond to “support” chats asking for your seed. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Don’t buy used/second-hand Ledger devices from untrusted sellers.
• Don’t install Ledger Live copies from torrents or mirrors.
• Don’t respond to “support” chats asking for your seed. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Quick troubleshooting
• If Ledger Live doesn’t detect your device: try a different USB cable/port, ensure the device is unlocked, or reinstall Ledger Wallet from the official start page. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• If you suspect a fake installer: disconnect, run antivirus, and reinstall only from ledger.com/start. Report the suspicious file to Ledger Support. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• If you suspect a fake installer: disconnect, run antivirus, and reinstall only from ledger.com/start. Report the suspicious file to Ledger Support. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Short glossary (terms you'll see)
Recovery phrase (seed): your 24-word master key — the single most important secret that restores funds.
Secure Element: tamper-resistant chip on Ledger devices that stores private keys offline.
Ledger Live / Ledger Wallet™: the official application interface for managing accounts, installing apps, staking and swapping.
Staking: locking or delegating tokens to earn protocol rewards — sometimes available directly in Ledger Wallet for supported chains. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Final checklist before you finish setup
1) Confirm you downloaded Ledger Wallet from ledger.com/start. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
2) Set a strong PIN and write your recovery phrase by hand (no photos).
3) Install only the coin apps you need and verify addresses on-device before sending funds. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
4) Consider a metal backup for the seed if you hold significant amounts.
5) Keep firmware and Ledger Wallet updated; follow Ledger’s official support docs for guidance. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
2) Set a strong PIN and write your recovery phrase by hand (no photos).
3) Install only the coin apps you need and verify addresses on-device before sending funds. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
4) Consider a metal backup for the seed if you hold significant amounts.
5) Keep firmware and Ledger Wallet updated; follow Ledger’s official support docs for guidance. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Start at the official place — your security depends on it: ledger.com/start
Sources & live references
Official setup and start page. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Ledger supported crypto assets listing. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Ledger Nano X product notes (Bluetooth & mobile). :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
Ledger staking & Earn docs. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
News & security warnings about fake Ledger installers / malware campaigns. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
Ledger supported crypto assets listing. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Ledger Nano X product notes (Bluetooth & mobile). :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
Ledger staking & Earn docs. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
News & security warnings about fake Ledger installers / malware campaigns. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}