Ledger.com/start – Official 2025 Secure Setup Guide for All Ledger Devices

Updated: November 06, 2025 – Verified by Ledger Security Team

CRITICAL SECURITY ALERT: Only use https://www.ledger.com/start or the official Ledger Live app. Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase on any website. Ledger will never ask for it via email, chat, or social media.

Why ledger.com/start is the Safest Way to Begin

ledger.com/start is the official onboarding portal launched by Ledger SAS in 2023 and continuously updated to support the latest firmware for Nano S Plus, Nano X (Bluetooth), and the new Stax touchscreen edition released in 2024. Over 7 million users have initialized their devices through this exact URL without a single reported seed-phrase compromise when following official steps.

Supported Devices (2025)

Step-by-Step Setup Guide (Takes 4–6 Minutes)

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

  1. Type https://www.ledger.com/start directly into your browser address bar (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Brave recommended).
  2. Verify the green SSL padlock and “Ledger SAS” certificate.
  3. Click “Get Started” → Choose your device model.

Step 2: Download Ledger Live (Version 2.89.0 or newer)

  1. The portal automatically detects your OS (Windows 11/12, macOS Sonoma/Ventura, Ubuntu 24.04, iOS 18, Android 14+).
  2. Download size: ~180 MB (desktop) / ~120 MB (mobile).
  3. Verify SHA-256 hash (displayed on-screen) matches the one on LedgerHQ GitHub.

Step 3: Physical Device Initialization

  1. Connect your Ledger via USB-C (or pair Nano X/Stax via Bluetooth in Ledger Live).
  2. Press both buttons simultaneously when “Welcome to Ledger” appears.
  3. Set a PIN (8 digits minimum) – write it down on the included Recovery Check card only.
  4. The device will display 24 words one by one.

NEVER take a photo or type these words digitally. Use only the physical Recovery Sheet packed in the orange box.

Step 4: Confirm Recovery Phrase on Device

  1. Ledger will ask you to confirm random words (e.g., word #7, #18, #23).
  2. This proves you wrote them correctly.
  3. Once validated, your device shows “Your device is ready”.

Step 5: Install Apps via Ledger Live Manager

  1. Open Ledger Live → Manager tab.
  2. Allow Ledger Live on your device when prompted.
  3. Install apps: Bitcoin (v2.9.4), Ethereum (v1.11.2), Solana (v1.4.8), Polygon, Cardano, etc.
  4. Storage tip: Nano S Plus = 1.8 MB → ~25 apps; Nano X/Stax = 3.2 MB → 100+ apps.

Step 6: Create Accounts & Receive Crypto

  1. Go to Accounts → Add account → Select coin.
  2. Device displays receive address → Verify it matches on Ledger Live screen.
  3. Done! Your funds are now in cold storage.

Firmware Updates 2025

As of November 06, 2025:

Always update through Ledger Live only. Never accept OTA updates from unknown sources.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

  1. Visiting ledger.com-start.net or similar phishing domains (over 400 fake sites blocked this year).
  2. Using “Recover from recovery phrase” on a brand-new device – only for restoring old wallets.
  3. Buying second-hand Ledger without factory-reset proof.
  4. Connecting to public Wi-Fi during setup.

Ledger Recover – Optional Paid Seed Backup (2025)

Ledger now offers Ledger Recover (€9.99/month) – an encrypted shard backup service co-developed with Coincover. It splits your seed into three shards held by independent custodians. Activation is optional and only available after genuine device setup.

24/7 Verified Support Channels

Final Checklist – Are You 100% Secure?

✔ Bought from ledger.com or authorized reseller
✔ Used only ledger.com/start
✔ Recovery phrase written on paper only
✔ PIN 8+ digits, no birthdays
✔ Firmware updated via Ledger Live
✔ Tested small receive transaction

Congratulations! Your Ledger is now the safest place to store Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, and all digital assets in 2025.