Ledger.com/Start | Secure Your Crypto

Welcome to Ledger! This guide will walk you through the essential steps to get your new hardware wallet up and running securely. The first thing you should do is unbox your device and inspect the packaging for any signs of tampering. Ledger products are shipped with a tamper-proof seal. If the seal is broken or looks suspicious, do not use the device and contact Ledger support immediately. Once you’ve confirmed the packaging is intact, you can proceed to the next step: connecting your device.

To begin the setup, you will need to download and install the official Ledger Live application. Ledger Live is your all-in-one desktop and mobile companion for managing your crypto. Visit ledger.com/live to download the application for your operating system. It is absolutely crucial that you only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website to protect yourself from malicious software. Once installed, open the application, and it will guide you through connecting your Ledger hardware wallet via the provided USB cable.

The application will then prompt you to create a new wallet. This is where you will set up your **PIN code**. Your PIN is a 4 to 8-digit code that protects your device from unauthorized physical access. You will enter this PIN directly on your Ledger's screen, and you will need to remember it to unlock your device each time you use it.

Following the PIN setup, your device will generate a unique **24-word recovery phrase**. This is the most important part of the entire process. Your recovery phrase is the master key to your crypto, giving you access to all your funds, even if your Ledger device is lost or destroyed. You must write these 24 words down on the provided recovery sheets in the exact order they appear. Take your time, double-check your spelling, and ensure they are legible. This phrase should never be stored on a computer, phone, or any online service. It must remain offline and secure.

After writing down your recovery phrase, Ledger Live will ask you to verify a few of the words to confirm you have recorded them correctly. Once you have successfully verified the phrase, you can finish the setup process. Now, your Ledger device is ready to have cryptocurrency applications installed on it. You can install apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other cryptocurrencies directly from the Ledger Live Manager section.

With the necessary apps installed on your device, you can begin to manage your crypto. You can generate a receiving address for a specific cryptocurrency, which you will use to receive funds. When you're ready to send crypto, you will initiate the transaction in Ledger Live, and your device will prompt you to verify all the details, including the recipient address and amount, on its trusted screen. You will then confirm the transaction by pressing a button on the device itself. This process ensures that your private keys never leave the secure hardware.

Congratulations! You have now successfully set up your Ledger device. By keeping your recovery phrase offline and always verifying transactions on your device's screen, you are taking full control of your financial security. Ledger and Ledger Live provide the tools you need to manage your crypto securely and with peace of mind.