Ledger.com/start® — Official first steps for your Ledger hardware wallet

What is Ledger.com/start®?

Ledger.com/start® is Ledger's official onboarding hub designed to take a new hardware-wallet owner from unboxing to secure operation. It links to the correct Ledger Wallet (formerly Ledger Live) installers for desktop and mobile, provides step-by-step setup instructions, explains how to create and safely store your recovery phrase, and points users to Ledger Support and the list of supported assets. The page exists to reduce confusion and to minimize the risk of downloading counterfeit software. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Why using Ledger.com/start® matters

Self-custody demands care. The single most common cause of cryptocurrency loss is human error — clicking a fake download, entering a recovery phrase into a malicious app, or following bad instructions. Ledger.com/start® centralizes official installers, verification advice (checksums/signatures), and support resources so you can minimize attack surface during first-time setup. Downloading software from random search results or third-party sites is a high-risk shortcut; always use the ledger.com domain. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Where to download — official Ledger Wallet (Ledger Live) installers

Ledger publishes official installers for Windows, macOS and Linux on the Ledger.com/start® hub and related pages. Mobile users should download the official Ledger Wallet (Ledger Live) app from the Apple App Store or Google Play; desktop users should use the installers linked from the official page. Ledger also provides a merchant/shop download area and an index of supported services for clarity. Bookmarking the official page avoids malicious search results and spoofed mirrors. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

How to verify an installer downloaded from Ledger.com/start®

Verification is an optional but highly recommended step. Ledger publishes installer signatures and checksums that you can compare with the file you downloaded — this proves the file you have is the same one Ledger published. Ledger’s verification resources (signatures / sha512 checks) are available on their download pages and dedicated signature pages. If a checksum or signature doesn't match, do not run the installer and contact support. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

1. Download the installer from Ledger.com/start® or the official Ledger download page.
2. Find the published checksum or signature referenced on the Ledger site.
3. Compute the file hash locally (e.g., sha512sum or platform equivalent) and compare exactly.
4. Only if the values match, proceed to install. If not, delete the download and contact Ledger Support. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Step-by-step: setting up your Ledger device via Ledger.com/start®

Use Ledger.com/start® as your single source of truth for the following recommended onboarding flow. These steps summarize the official guidance and reduce mistakes.

1. Buy a genuine Ledger device. Purchase from Ledger’s official store or an authorized reseller — tampered hardware is a rare but real threat.
2. Download Ledger Wallet app from Ledger.com/start®. Choose the correct OS installer or open the official mobile app store link. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
3. Install and open the Ledger Wallet app. Follow the in-app onboarding prompts: choose new device or restore, set a PIN, and generate your recovery phrase.
4. Write down and secure your recovery phrase. The 24-word phrase is the single key to your funds — never store it digitally or share it. Consider metal backups for long-term security.
5. Install blockchain apps on your device. Use Ledger Wallet to add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported assets; Ledger’s supported-assets lists provide exact coverage. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
6. Verify firmware & app updates only from Ledger Wallet. Firmware updates should be installed through the official app to ensure authenticity. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

If anything looks unfamiliar during setup — instructions that ask for the seed phrase, unexpected popups, or installer files from odd domains — stop and consult Ledger Support immediately. Ledger will never ask you to share your recovery phrase. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Security guidance & common scams

Even with a secure device, user behavior defines safety. Threats commonly seen in the wild include: counterfeit Ledger apps distributed to macOS users, phishing websites that mimic ledger.com, and social engineering that requests seed phrases. In 2024–2025 security reports highlighted active campaigns that try to trick users into installing fake Ledger apps and entering seed phrases — the result is immediate loss of funds if a seed is revealed. Ledger and security researchers advise: always use ledger.com for downloads and never reveal your recovery phrase. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Practical rules to follow

• Download only from https://www.ledger.com/start or official Ledger pages; bookmark them.
• Never type your 24-word recovery phrase into any website, chat, or app — it is the secret to your funds.
• Verify installer checksums/signatures where provided and keep firmware up to date. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Use hardware backups (metal plates) and store them securely offline.
• If you believe you installed a fake app or exposed your seed, move quickly: transfer funds to a new wallet you control (if possible) and contact Ledger Support for guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is Ledger.com/start® the only place to download Ledger software?

Ledger.com/start® is the official onboarding hub and recommended first stop. Ledger also links downloads from its main site, shop pages and support articles — all under the ledger.com domain. Never trust third-party mirrors. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Q: What if my installer triggers a security warning?

Occasionally antivirus software flags installers as false positives. Before overriding, verify the checksum or signature against Ledger’s published values. If unsure, contact Ledger Support. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Q: Where can I check which coins are supported?

Ledger maintains a regularly updated supported-assets list on its site where you can confirm send/receive, staking and provider features per token. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}