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Ledger.com/start - Technical Setup Guide

Last Updated: June 2025

Overview

Ledger hardware wallets—such as the Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X—offer secure cold storage by isolating private keys from internet-connected environments. The onboarding process begins at Ledger.com/start, the official entry point for device initialization, firmware updates, and software installation.

1. Platform Entry Point

When users access ledger.com/start, they are redirected to a wizard that:

2. Hardware Interface

2.1 USB Communication

Uses HID or WebUSB to communicate with the Ledger via APDU commands. These are handled by Ledger Live via ledgerjs.

2.2 Bluetooth (Nano X)

Communicates over BLE using encrypted GATT characteristics, secured with pairing codes.

3. Ledger Live Installation

Ledger Live is an Electron-based (desktop) or React Native-based (mobile) app that manages assets and firmware. It detects connected devices using Ledger’s transport modules and facilitates app installations.

4. Device Initialization

4.1 New Device

Generates a BIP39 seed (12, 18, or 24 words) using a secure TRNG. The seed never leaves the secure element (SE).

4.2 Recovery

Restores wallets using an existing seed phrase. Entry is performed on-device to mitigate phishing risk.

5. Firmware Verification

During setup, firmware signatures are validated using ECDSA. Devices reject unsigned or tampered firmware.

Firmware Layers:

6. App Installation

Apps are downloaded via Ledger Live and installed into secure storage. Each app supports its own blockchain protocol logic.

7. Security Architecture

8. Post-Setup Transaction Flow

All signing operations occur in the SE. The host app receives only the signed transaction, never the private key.

Transactions must be confirmed on-device to prevent blind signing.

Conclusion

Ledger.com/start serves as a secure onboarding interface for hardware wallet users. Combined with a secure element, attested firmware, and encrypted transport protocols, Ledger’s architecture ensures a robust, trust-minimized user experience for managing private keys.