Note / disclaimer: There is no traditional “exchange account” to open at ledger.com/start. Ledger is best known for its hardware wallets and Ledger Live software to manage crypto securely. You don’t “sign up” in the sense of an exchange login/email; instead, you initialize a device, use Ledger Live, and secure via PIN and recovery phrase.
This guide walks you through how to use Ledger.com/start to set up your hardware wallet, connect to Ledger Live, and secure your crypto holdings.
Official onboarding portal: Ledger.com/start is the official setup hub from Ledger, providing verifiable downloads, step-by-step instructions, and device authenticity checks (it helps reduce phishing risks). Content Support Ledger+3Ledger+3start-ledger+3
Avoiding scams: Many phishing sites mimic “Ledger setup,” so by going directly to Ledger.com/start you reduce risk of installing malicious software or entering sensitive information on fake sites. start-ledger+2Ledger Start+2
Trusted by millions: Ledger has millions of active users; Ledger Live is the official app for interacting with your hardware wallet. Ledger+1
With that in mind, here’s how to “login” or rather set up and secure your device.
(This is often referred to as “Login Started Ledger.com/start” — i.e. first step to begin interacting with Ledger hardware)
Visit https://www.ledger.com/start in your browser.
Choose the correct version for your operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. Ledger+1
Download the Ledger Live installer or mobile app.
Install Ledger Live according to prompts.
After installation, launch Ledger Live.
Tip: Always download Ledger Live from ledger.com (or via Ledger.com/start) and never from random third-party sites. Ledger’s own page emphasizes this safety rule. start-ledger+2Ledger+2
When you first use your Ledger hardware (e.g. Nano S, Nano X, or other model), you'll perform initialization. This acts as your “account creation” in Ledger’s world.
Connect your Ledger device (via USB or Bluetooth, depending on model).
Power it on and choose “Set up as new device” (unless you are restoring from an existing recovery phrase).
Choose a secure PIN code (typically 4–8 digits).
The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase (also called “secret recovery phrase” or “seed phrase”).
Write down the 24 words in order on the physical recovery sheet (or a secure backup medium). Never store them digitally in plain form.
Confirm the words in order when prompted to ensure you wrote correctly.
The device setup is complete.
Important: Ledger or any legitimate software will never ask you to enter your 24-word phrase into a computer or mobile app. If you see a site or app requesting it, it’s almost certainly a scam. Content Support Ledger+3fhgbf+3start-ledger+3
Reddit users repeatedly warn:
“No matter what Ledger Live says, do NOT enter your seed phrase into it … the only time you'll ever need your seed phrase is … on the device itself.” Reddit
Once your device is initialized, Ledger Live will usually check the authenticity of your hardware. This verifies that your device is genuine and not compromised.
Use Ledger Live’s built-in “Device check” or authenticity verification feature.
Update the firmware if prompted. Keeping firmware updated ensures your device has the latest security patches.
Always confirm that firmware updates are official and initiated from Ledger Live.
This step helps ensure the hardware you’re using is legitimate and secure.
With the device initialized and firmware up to date:
In Ledger Live, go to “Accounts” or “Add Account”.
Select the cryptocurrency you want (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Ledger supports thousands of coins and tokens. Ledger+3Ledger+3Ledger+3
Ledger Live may prompt you to install a coin-specific app on the device (e.g. Bitcoin app, Ethereum app).
Approve the installation on your hardware device (you often must physically confirm on the device).
Ledger Live will then generate and show your receiving addresses and balances.
Now your “account” is active — you can receive, send, stake (if supported), and manage your crypto via Ledger Live.
Unlike web exchanges, “logging in” to Ledger means:
Connect your hardware device (USB or Bluetooth).
Unlock it using your PIN.
Launch Ledger Live.
Approve connection from the device (press device buttons to confirm).
You don’t use email + password; access is controlled by the physical device and PIN. fhgbf+2Ledger+2
On mobile (for models that support Bluetooth, e.g. Nano X), you’ll pair the device once. After pairing, the same connect / unlock / approve steps apply.
Securing your Ledger setup is crucial. Here are recommended practices:
Ledger Live itself does not support classic 2FA (e.g. via SMS) because control is via hardware + PIN.
For any connected third-party services (exchanges, apps) that you use via Ledger, always enable 2FA there.
Ledger devices support an optional passphrase on top of the 24-word seed. This is like a 25th (or more) word that you memorize or store separately.
This adds a “hidden” layer: with the same 24-word seed but different passphrase, you can have a separate wallet.
Use carefully: losing passphrase means losing access, so treat it like a cryptographic password.
Use a nontrivial PIN (avoid 0000, 1234, birthdays).
If you enter the wrong PIN too many times, device may wipe itself (depends on model).
Memorize your PIN — don’t write it on the device.
Never store the 24-word phrase digitally (e.g. on computer, cloud, photo).
Use durable storage: quality paper, metal engravings, etc.
Keep multiple backups in geographically separate places (e.g. home safe, safe deposit box).
Never share the phrase with anyone, even “support” pretending to help.
Always verify the recipient address on the device screen (not just on your computer). This guards against malware redirecting addresses.
Confirm transaction amount and fees on the device itself.
Keep Ledger Live software up to date.
Keep firmware current.
When updates are available, check via official channels, not random links.
Bookmark ledger.com/start; avoid clicking through search engine ads.
Don’t trust random Ledger “setup” tutorials or apps — always verify official domain.
Ledger’s official site and support are good reference sources. Ledger+2start-ledger+2
Ledger itself is not a full exchange, but Ledger Live provides integrations:
You can buy crypto via partner providers (e.g. MoonPay, Ramp) from within Ledger Live. Ledger+1
Swap / exchange features exist within Ledger Live using aggregators. YouTube+1
Staking (earning rewards) is available for supported assets in Ledger Live. Ledger+1
Ledger Live gives you portfolio overviews, transaction history, and balance tracking.
You initiate actual sending / receiving / signing operations through Ledger, but the secure cryptographic signing always happens on the hardware device.
Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable or port, update drivers, restart Ledger Live.
PIN forgotten: You’ll need to reset device and restore using recovery phrase (if you have it).
Lost recovery phrase: Without the phrase, you cannot restore your funds if device is lost.
Fake Ledger apps/sites: If Ledger Live ever asks for the 24-word phrase, it’s a scam.
Counterfeit device: Always verify device authenticity via Ledger Live.
Phishing links: Always check URL, SSL padlock, domain name. Ledger’s official links begin with ledger.com.
What is “Login Started Ledger.com/start” login?
It refers to launching the setup process for Ledger hardware wallets via Ledger.com/start. You don’t log in via email/password; you “log in” by connecting and unlocking the hardware device with a PIN.
How to create a Ledger.com/start account? / Ledger.com/start sign up
You don’t create a traditional account. Instead, you initialize your hardware device (setting PIN, recovery phrase) using Ledger.com/start and Ledger Live.
Does Ledger.com/start require KYC verification?
No. Ledger is noncustodial, so you control your private keys. It does not require you to submit identity documents (KYC) for the wallet or setup via ledger.com/start.
How to download Ledger Live via Ledger.com/start?
Go to ledger.com/start, pick your operating system (desktop or mobile), download Ledger Live, install it, and follow setup instructions. Ledger+1
How to secure Ledger account / set security settings?
Use PIN, optional passphrase, verify transactions on the device, store recovery phrase offline, and always update firmware and software.
Does Ledger support two-factor authentication (2FA)?
Ledger Live does not require 2FA because security is guaranteed via the hardware device + PIN. For services (exchange, email, etc.) linked to your wallet, you should enable 2FA there.