Ledger.com/Start: Your Complete Guide to Setting Up a Ledger Hardware Wallet in 2025

In the ever-growing world of cryptocurrency, security remains the number one concern for investors and traders. One wrong click or a compromised exchange can wipe out years of gains in seconds. That’s exactly why millions of users worldwide trust Ledger hardware wallets. If you’ve just purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or the new Ledger Stacks, your first step is visiting ledger.com/start. This official page is the safest and most reliable way to initialize your device and install Ledger Live.

In this comprehensive 800-word guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Ledger.com/start, why it matters, and how to set up your Ledger wallet securely in 2025.

Why Ledger.com/Start is the Only Link You Should Trust

Scammers are getting smarter every day. Fake websites that look almost identical to the official Ledger site have stolen millions in crypto by tricking users into entering their 24-word recovery phrases. The golden rule: always type ledger.com/start directly into your browser or bookmark the official page. Never click on links from emails, social media DMs, YouTube comments, or unsolicited messages—even if they appear to come from “Ledger Support.”

Ledger.com/start is the official onboarding portal hosted directly by Ledger SAS (France). It automatically detects your device model and guides you through firmware updates, genuine checks, and Ledger Live installation.

Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Your Ledger via Ledger.com/Start (2025 Updated)

  1. Unbox and Inspect Your Device

    • Verify the tamper-evident packaging is intact.

    • Ledger devices ship with a sealed plastic wrap and a “Getting Started” card. If anything looks opened or suspicious, contact Ledger Support immediately.

  2. Visit ledger.com/start

    • Open your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Brave recommended).

    • Manually type https://www.ledger.com/start

    • The page will automatically recognize whether you’re using a Nano S Plus, Nano X, Flex, or Stacks.

  3. Connect Your Ledger Device

    • Use the original USB-C cable that came in the box.

    • For Ledger Nano X and Stacks users: you can also connect via Bluetooth if you prefer wireless setup.

  4. Check Genuineness

    • Ledger.com/start will run an automatic authenticity test.

    • Your device must display “Genuine” on its screen. If it says anything else, stop immediately and contact support.

  5. Update Firmware (If Required)

    • New devices often ship with older firmware.

    • Ledger Live will prompt you to install the latest version (as of November 2025, Nano X is on firmware 2.2.3 and Nano S Plus is on 1.3.1).

    • Never skip this step—firmware updates patch critical vulnerabilities.

  6. Create a New Wallet or Recover an Existing One

    • Choose “Set up as new device” for first-time users.

    • Your Ledger will generate a brand-new 24-word recovery phrase.

    • Write it down on the provided recovery sheet (never digitally).

    • Store the sheet in a fireproof, waterproof safe or split it using Shamir’s Secret Sharing (Ledger Recovery users).

  7. Set Your PIN

    • Choose an 8-digit PIN (4-digit is no longer supported on newer firmware).

    • Confirm the PIN on the device itself—this prevents keyloggers from stealing it.

  8. Install Apps via Ledger Live

    • Open Ledger Live (downloaded automatically from ledger.com/start).

    • Go to “Manager” and install the apps for the coins you want to store (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, etc.).

    • Each app is less than 100 KB and runs in isolated secure element chips.

  9. Add Accounts and Receive Crypto

    • In Ledger Live → Accounts → Add Account.

    • Generate a receive address and double-check it matches on your Ledger screen.

    • You’re now ready to send crypto to your hardware wallet!

Top Security Tips Every Ledger User Should Follow in 2025

  • Never enter your 24-word seed phrase on any website or app (not even ledger.com/start asks for it).

  • Enable the passphrase feature (25th word) for plausible deniability and extra protection.

  • Use Ledger Live’s “Clear Sign” feature for complex smart-contract transactions.

  • Regularly check for firmware and app updates.

  • Consider Ledger Recover (paid service) if you’re worried about seed loss—it’s end-to-end encrypted and identity-verified.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Buying second-hand Ledger devices (always buy from ledger.com or authorized resellers).

  • Taking photos or digital backups of your seed phrase.

  • Connecting your Ledger to untrusted computers or public Wi-Fi without a VPN.

  • Ignoring “Wrong Device” warnings during transactions.

Final Thoughts: Peace of Mind in an Uncertain Crypto World

Visiting ledger.com/start and following the official setup process takes less than 15 minutes, yet it gives you military-grade protection for your Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of other assets. In 2025, with institutional adoption skyrocketing and hacking techniques becoming more sophisticated, self-custody isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Take control of your financial future today. Head over to ledger.com/start, set up your device the right way, and join millions who sleep soundly knowing their crypto is truly safe.

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