Ledger.com/start is (or should be) the official “getting started” entry point for users of Ledger’s hardware wallets. It’s the page where a user begins the setup flow: downloading the companion software, initializing a new device, restoring an existing wallet, verifying authenticity, and connecting to supported accounts and networks. It is essentially the onboarding hub for Ledger hardware wallet users.
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In short:

It directs you to download Ledger Live, the official companion app (desktop/mobile) used to interact with your Ledger device.
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It walks you through device setup: PIN, recovery phrase, firmware, etc.
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It helps you “add accounts” (for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many altcoins) so you can manage, send, and receive funds securely.
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It often includes security reminders (e.g. never share your recovery phrase) and authenticity checks.
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Because the setup of a hardware wallet is extremely security-sensitive, having a canonical official starting place is critical. Users are warned not to use third-party or mirror sites for downloading the software or initiating setup, because those can easily be spoofed and used to steal funds.

Why “ledger.com/start” is critical in the user flow

Security & Trust Anchor
In the cryptocurrency world, many attacks rely on spoofed websites or false “setup” software. By having a canonical, trusted “start” URL, Ledger gives users a reliable reference point. Downloading Ledger Live (or firmware updates) should only be done via that trusted path. If you ever see a mirror saying “Ledger setup here” not via ledger.com/start or ledger.com, that's a red flag.

Consistent user experience
Across different devices (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android) and different Ledger models (Nano S, Nano X, newer devices), users can be directed from one unified starting page to the correct version of instructions/downloads. That helps reduce confusion.

Security guidance and reminders
The setup for hardware wallets is unforgiving: if you lose your recovery phrase, your funds are irrecoverable. If you accept a fake firmware or software, your private keys can be stolen. The start page is a good opportunity to remind users of best practices, enforce authenticity checks, and prevent mistakes.

Onboarding multiple crypto networks
Ledger supports many blockchains and tokens. After initial setup, users must “add accounts” for different chains in Ledger Live. The start page helps route users to the correct steps for their preferred assets.
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Firmware & device integrity checks
As part of the setup flow (initiated from ledger.com/start), users are prompted to confirm their device’s firmware and authenticity. This helps ensure the device hasn’t been tampered with or supplied by an attacker.
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Step-by-step: How the ledger.com/start flow typically works

Below is a stepwise walkthrough of the user experience (typical path) when you go to ledger.com/start. The exact sequence may vary slightly depending on model, OS, or new software updates, but the conceptual flow remains similar.

You begin in your browser by going to https://www.ledger.com/start
(or Ledger’s official domain). Make sure it is the correct URL with HTTPS and a valid certificate.

You should never click a link from an unknown email or message that claims “go to ledger.com/start” — always manually type or verify the link. Phishing attempts frequently mimic ledger.com/start to lure users into entering their recovery phrase or downloading a fake app.

Once at the start page, the site may prompt you to indicate which Ledger hardware device you own (for example, Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, Ledger Stax, Ledger Flex, etc.). Different devices may have different screen layouts or button sequences, so the instructions adapt accordingly.
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Some guides on forked / mirror sites also mention that ledger.com/start identifies which model you have.
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The “start” page typically offers links to download the Ledger Live app for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile versions for iOS/Android).
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You click “Download for [Operating System]” and install it. Having an official download link from ledger.com mitigates the risk of downloading a malicious copy. Once installed, you open Ledger Live.

Within Ledger Live, you will be guided to either:

Set up as a new device, or

Restore from a recovery phrase (if you already had a Ledger previously).

If setting up new:

The device will prompt you to choose a PIN code.

Then it will generate a 24-word recovery phrase (sometimes called a secret backup phrase).

You must write down that phrase (ideally on the supplied recovery sheet) and store it securely offline.

After confirming your phrase (often by re-entering or confirming some words), the device finishes initialization.

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If restoring, you input your previous phrase so your private keys are re-derived on the new device.

An important security step is checking that your device is genuine and hasn’t been tampered with. The setup flow will often perform a “device authenticity check” handshake via Ledger Live, confirming that the device’s internal certificates or firmware are legitimate.
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This helps detect counterfeit devices or malicious modifications.

If there is a newer firmware version, the setup flow may prompt you to update your device. This ensures you have the latest security patches and functionality.
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Note: always ensure firmware updates are coming from legitimate Ledger Live via ledger.com paths.

Once your device is initialized and secure, the next step is to use Ledger Live to Add Accounts. For each blockchain you intend to use (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.), you:

Choose the asset in Ledger Live’s “Accounts” section

Ledger Live installs the appropriate app onto your hardware device (if needed)

Syncs with the blockchain to view your balance, transaction history, etc.

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Ledger supports thousands of coins and tokens.
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You can also connect to third-party wallets (like MetaMask, Electrum, etc.) by using the hardware wallet as the signing device.
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Once accounts are set up, Ledger Live becomes your management console. You can:

Generate receiving addresses

Send assets (with on-device confirmation)

Check transaction statuses

Stake supported assets

Swap or exchange assets (via integrated providers)

View your portfolio across all accounts

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All transaction signing happens on the hardware device, meaning your private keys never leave it.

During (and after) setup, the site and flow often show reminders like:

Never share your 24-word recovery phrase

Ledger (or any service) will never ask for your recovery phrase

Always verify addresses and transactions on the device screen (not just in the app)

Use only the official Ledger Live downloaded from ledger.com

Keep firmware and software up to date

Don’t buy from unauthorized resellers (they may deliver tampered devices)

These warnings are critical — many crypto losses stem from social engineering or phishing attacks.

Common pitfalls and security considerations

Because ledger.com/start is part of a high-stakes security flow, there are many pitfalls and attacks to guard against. Here are some to watch out for:

Fake or spoofed setup sites

Attackers sometimes set up fake domains (e.g. ledger-com-start.xyz, ledger-setup.com, etc.) that mimic ledger.com/start, luring users to download a malicious “Ledger Live” that asks for the recovery phrase. Always double-check the URL and certificate.

A recent real-world example: macOS users have been targeted by malware posing as Ledger Live, prompting users to input their seed phrase via fake errors.
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Sharing the recovery phrase

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your assets. If it's exposed, an attacker can recreate your wallet elsewhere and drain it. Ledger’s official flow will never ask for your recovery phrase beyond the initialization confirmation, and it should never be typed into any website or app.

Buying from untrusted sellers

If your device has been pre-injected with malicious firmware or tampered hardware, then your security is compromised before you even start. It’s safer to buy directly from Ledger or authorized resellers. The setup flow often includes authenticity checks to catch tampered devices.

Firmware updates from untrusted sources

Only update firmware via official Ledger Live installations obtained from ledger.com/start or ledger.com. Don’t accept firmware updates from unknown sources or prompts.

Backing up the recovery phrase

Write it down (not on a computer), ideally in multiple secure locations (e.g. metal backup, safe). Don’t store it digitally or in cloud storage.

Multiple confirmations, checks

Always verify transaction details (amounts, addresses, fees) on the device screen, not just in the software, because the software interface could be manipulated by malware.

Why this matters: self-custody and the stakes

Using a hardware wallet like Ledger shifts you into self-custody of your crypto holdings. That means:

You (and only you) control your private keys

No third party (exchange, wallet provider) can freeze or lose your funds (unless you lose access)

The security of your holdings depends entirely on how well you protect the device, firmware, and recovery phrase

Because of these stakes, correctly following the onboarding process (via ledger.com/start) is not optional — mistakes can lead to irreversible loss.

Moreover, as Ledger supports a growing ecosystem (staking, DeFi, NFTs, multiple blockchains), the onboarding must be robust enough to support future features while retaining security.

Summary & recommendations

ledger.com/start is the official onboarding entry point for Ledger hardware wallets.

It directs users to download Ledger Live, initialize or restore a device, verify authenticity, add accounts, and start managing crypto.

Security reminders and integrity checks are integral to the process.

Always verify that you are truly on ledger.com/start and not a phishing site.

Never share your recovery phrase.

Use only official firmware and software from Ledger.

Buy devices from trusted sources.