Welcome Screen & Device Selection

Clear device choices

The landing UI categorizes Ledger devices (Nano X, Nano S Plus, etc.) into card tiles: product image, quick specs, and a prominent “Get started” action. This reduces risk of picking the wrong model and funnels users into a device-specific setup flow.

Why it matters: one-click clarity reduces phishing risk and user errors during initial setup.

Step-by-Step Setup Wizard

After selecting a device, a wizard presents sequential steps: install firmware (if needed), set a PIN, write recovery phrase, and install Ledger Live. Each step features short copy, illustrative icons, and progress indicators so users always know what’s next.

Design pattern: progressive disclosure — only show what is necessary at each moment.

Security Prompts & Warnings

Security messages are visually prominent: bold banners and highlighted callouts warn about never sharing recovery phrases and downloading Ledger Live only from official sources. The UI uses contrasting color bands to draw attention to critical security advice.

Tip: security copy uses direct commands ("Never share..." / "Only download...") to reduce ambiguity.

Ledger Live Integration

Install guidance

The flow links to Ledger Live downloads (desktop and mobile) and explains why the application is required to manage apps, accounts, and firmware. Buttons include platform icons (macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android) for rapid recognition.

Practical: direct download links help avoid malicious third-party sites.

Visual & Interaction Design

Ledger.com/start favors clean, high-contrast typography and step illustrations (device screens, hands, cables). Microcopy explains exactly what you'll see on the hardware screen, preventing confusion during PIN or recovery phrase entry.

Good microcopy reduces help requests and accidental user mistakes.

Inline Help & Support Links

Each step provides contextual help: FAQs, short videos, and links to the Ledger Support Center. A visible "Help" item or chat link is usually present for troubleshooting, with recommended verbs like "Verify" and "Check" to guide actions.

Onboarding designers call this "help in context" — it lowers cognitive load.

Deep Dive — Key UI Patterns & Why They Work

1. Linear, Safe Flows

The setup is intentionally linear: users complete one task at a time. This reduces errors (e.g., skipping seed backup) and aligns with best practices for secure onboarding. Progress bars and "what's next" hints keep the user oriented.

2. Affirmation & Verification

After critical actions (like writing down your recovery phrase), the UI prompts a verification step — either confirming words order or asking the user to check a sample word on the device. This affirmation pattern prevents transcription errors.

3. Clear Out-of-Band Instructions

When an action requires using the hardware device, the page explicitly tells you to "look at the device screen" and "confirm on the device." This avoids doing secret operations in the browser and prevents accidental seed exposure.

4. Visual Security Signals

The UI uses large warning banners and color contrast for security alerts, plus subtle badges for "official" resources. Visual anchors like a padlock icon and trusted-download badges reinforce legitimacy.

5. Minimal Cognitive Load

Steps use short sentences, numbered lists, and icons. When advanced options exist (passphrase, enterprise setups), they are tucked away under "advanced" toggles so the primary flow stays simple for most users.


Feature Grid — Tiny UX Elements That Matter

Progress Indicator

Shows where you are and what remains — crucial for trust during multi-step security tasks.

Device Preview

Mini animations show the exact screen the hardware will display during each step.

Copy-avoid Guidance

Explicit "don't copy seed to a computer" notes are placed near recovery phrase instructions.

Download Buttons

Platform-specific Ledger Live download links reduce friction and phishing risk.

Design takeaway: the interface balances security-first warnings with calm, instructional language — fostering confidence without scaring users away.

Practical Tips While Using Ledger.com/Start

Accessibility & Internationalization

The pages offer clear language, large tappable targets, and translations for multiple languages. Visual contrast and readable fonts make the steps more accessible for diverse audiences.

Common Questions (UI-focused)

Q: What if I can’t find my device model?
A: Use the "Help" link; the site lists legacy models and compatibility notes — the setup flow will adapt to the detected model.