Ledger.com/Start® | Your Gateway to Secure Self-Custody
Welcome to the gold standard of crypto security. By starting your journey at Ledger.com/Start®, you ensure that your device is genuine and that your setup process follows the rigorous security protocols developed by Ledger’s "Donjon" security lab.
Why You Must Use the Official Start Page:
- Authenticity Check: Automatically verify that your device has not been tampered with or replaced by a counterfeit.
- Official Software: Access the legitimate download links for the Ledger Wallet app (Desktop v2.139+ / Mobile v3.103+).
- Secure Initialization: Step-by-step guidance on generating your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase—the only key to your wealth.
The 2026 Onboarding Experience: Step-by-Step
1. Connect and Detect
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or smartphone.
- Nano Series: Use the included USB-C cable.
- Stax & Flex: Use the secure Bluetooth® 5.2 or NFC pairing for a wireless experience.
- NFC Tap: Simply tap your Ledger Flex to your NFC-enabled phone to launch the Ledger Wallet app instantly.
2. Set Your PIN Code
Your PIN is your device's first line of physical defense.
- Choose a code between 4 and 8 digits.
- Design Tip: On touchscreen models (Stax/Flex/Gen5), use the secure on-screen keyboard. For Nano models, use the physical buttons to toggle numbers.
- Avoid simple sequences like 1-2-3-4.
3. Generate Your Secret Recovery Phrase
This is the most critical moment. Your Ledger will generate a random 24-word phrase.
- Offline Only: Write these words down on the physical Recovery Sheet provided in your box.
- No Digital Copies: Never take a photo of this phrase or store it in a password manager.
- Confirmation: The device will ask you to verify the words to ensure you’ve recorded them accurately.
4. Sync with the Ledger Wallet App
Once initialized, open the Ledger Wallet app. This central hub allows you to:
- Install Apps: Add the Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana apps to your device.
- Clear Signing: Benefit from the 2026 "What You See Is What You Sign" UI, which translates complex smart contracts into human-readable text on your Ledger’s Secure Screen.
- Ledger Sync: Securely synchronize your accounts across multiple devices without using a cloud provider.
Feature Comparison: The 2026 Lineup
| Feature | Ledger Stax | Ledger Flex | Ledger Nano Gen5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | Curved E Ink® | Large E Ink® | Compact E Ink® |
| Navigation | Full Touchscreen | Full Touchscreen | Secure Touch |
| Connectivity | USB-C, BT, NFC | USB-C, BT, NFC | USB-C, NFC |
| Key Use Case | Premium/NFTs | Everyday Utility | Portable Security |
Critical Security Reminder
"Not your keys, not your coins." Ledger will never ask you for your 24-word recovery phrase. If a website, email, or "support agent" asks for these words, it is a phishing scam. Your phrase should only ever be entered into your physical Ledger device during a recovery process.