Ledger.com/Start: Your Complete Guide to Setting Up a Ledger Hardware Wallet in 2025
In the ever-growing world of cryptocurrency, securing your digital assets has never been more important. With hacking incidents and exchange failures making headlines, hardware wallets like Ledger have become the gold standard for self-custody. If you’ve just purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or the new Ledger Stax, your first stop is ledger.com/start. This official page is where your secure crypto journey officially begins.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about Ledger.com/start, from unboxing your device to advanced security tips, so you can set up your wallet confidently and avoid common mistakes.
What Is Ledger.com/Start?
Ledger.com/start is the official, verified onboarding portal provided by Ledger SAS (the French company behind the popular hardware wallets). It is the only safe place to initialize a brand-new Ledger device or recover an existing wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase.
Important Security Note: Always type the URL directly into your browser or click links only from the official Ledger website. Never click links from emails, social media DMs, or unsolicited messages—phishing sites love to mimic this exact page.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Ledger via Ledger.com/Start
Unbox and Inspect Your Device Verify the tamper-evident packaging is intact. Ledger devices ship with a sealed plastic wrap and a security seal. If anything looks opened or suspicious, contact Ledger Support immediately.
Connect Your Ledger Device
Ledger Nano S Plus & Nano X: Use the included USB-C cable.
Ledger Stax: Charge wirelessly or via USB-C, then turn it on with the touch screen.
Visit ledger.com/start The page will automatically detect your device model and guide you to download Ledger Live, the official companion app.
Install Ledger Live Download Ledger Live only from the official site (never from third-party app stores). Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Choose “Set up a new device” You’ll be prompted to select your model (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax).
Create or Import a PIN
New device: Set a 4–8 digit PIN directly on the hardware wallet (never on your computer).
This PIN is required every time you plug in or unlock the device.
Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase Your Ledger will display 24 words one by one.
Write them exactly in order on the provided recovery sheet.
Never take a photo or store them digitally.
Store the paper in a fireproof, waterproof safe or split it using Shamir’s Secret Sharing (Ledger Recover optional service).
Confirm the Phrase The device will ask you to re-enter select words to prove you wrote them correctly.
Install Apps via Ledger Live Open Ledger Live → Manager → Install apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, or any of the 5,500+ supported assets.
Receive Your First Crypto Generate a receive address inside Ledger Live (always verify the address matches on the hardware screen) and you’re live!
Why Choose Ledger in 2025?
Industry-leading security chip (CC EAL5+ or higher)
Supports over 5,500 coins and tokens + NFTs
Native staking for ETH, SOL, DOT, ATOM, TRX, and more
Bluetooth connectivity (Nano X & Stax) for mobile use
ClearSign™ technology on Ledger Stax with E-Ink curved touchscreen
Integration with popular wallets (MetaMask, Phantom, Rabby, etc.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid on Ledger.com/Start
Entering your seed phrase on any website or app (even if it looks identical)
Buying second-hand or “discounted” Ledger devices from unofficial sellers
Skipping the genuine check in Ledger Live
Storing your 24 words in cloud drives, emails, or password managers
Advanced Tips After Setup
Enable passphrase (25th word) for a hidden wallet.
Use Ledger Recover (optional paid service) for encrypted cloud backup of your seed.
Turn on “Blind Signing” only when needed for DeFi/smart contracts.
Regularly update firmware via Ledger Live—Ledger releases updates several times a year.
Final Thoughts
Visiting ledger.com/start and following the official process takes less than 15 minutes, yet it gives you sovereign control over your Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of other assets. In an industry where “not your keys, not your crypto” is the ultimate truth, a properly set-up Ledger device is still the safest way to HODL in 2025 and beyond.
Take the time to do it right once, and you’ll sleep peacefully knowing your wealth is protected by offline private keys and military-grade hardware.