Ledger.com/Start® | The Official Ledger Hardware Wallet Setup Guide

Welcome to the world of secure crypto self-custody. The journey begins at the official **Ledger.com/Start** page, your trusted gateway to setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. This guide will provide a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough of the entire process, ensuring that you set up your device correctly and safely. A hardware wallet is the most secure way to store your private keys and protect your digital assets from hackers and online threats. The Ledger setup process is designed to be straightforward yet robust, and by following this official guide, you can be confident that you are doing everything right. From unboxing your device to creating your secure recovery phrase, every step is critical for the safety of your funds. This comprehensive resource is built to answer all your questions and guide you with confidence. It is a one-stop-shop for everything you need to know to get started with your new Ledger device. The **Ledger.com/Start** official guide is the definitive resource for a secure setup. Your financial freedom and security depend on this initial setup, so pay close attention to every detail in this guide. This is the foundation of your secure crypto journey.

Many users who are new to hardware wallets can feel overwhelmed by the setup process, but the Ledger team has made it as user-friendly as possible. The key is to follow the instructions precisely and to never deviate from the official process. This guide will walk you through the physical security checks of your device, the installation of the **Ledger Live** application, and the most critical steps of generating and backing up your recovery phrase. It is an absolute rule that your recovery phrase must never be stored digitally or shared with anyone. The process for setting up a Ledger Nano X or Ledger Nano S Plus is similar, with minor differences, and this guide will cover the essential steps that apply to both. By following this guide, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure your device is initialized with the highest level of security. Your diligence during the setup is the most powerful tool against potential threats. The **Ledger.com/Start** page is your starting point, and this guide is your roadmap to a secure and successful setup.

Step 1: Unboxing and Initial Security Verification

The first and most crucial step is to verify the physical integrity of your Ledger device and its packaging. Ledger devices are shipped in a way that makes any tampering immediately visible. If you notice anything unusual, do not proceed. Contact Ledger Support immediately.

1. Check the Packaging: Your Ledger device should arrive in a sealed box. For newer models, like the Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X, the packaging is sealed with a unique security hologram or an unremovable seal. Examine the box for any signs of tearing, unauthorized opening, or re-sealing. The holographic sticker should be perfectly intact and show no signs of having been peeled.
2. Inspect the Device Itself: Once you are satisfied with the packaging, inspect the device itself. The Ledger hardware wallet is designed to be tamper-resistant. Look for any physical marks, scratches, or signs that the casing has been pried open. The USB port should be clean and show no signs of a third-party accessory being plugged in.
3. Power On the Device: Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the USB cable provided in the box. The device will power on automatically and display "Welcome to Ledger" or a similar message on its screen. If the device asks for a PIN code or displays a pre-written recovery phrase, STOP immediately. This is a strong indicator of a compromised device. In this case, you must contact Ledger Support right away and do not proceed. The device should arrive blank and without any pre-configured settings.

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Step 2: Downloading and Installing Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion application for your Ledger hardware wallet. It is your secure portal to manage your crypto assets, install apps on your device, and interact with various DeFi services.

1. Go to the Official Website: You must download Ledger Live exclusively from the official **Ledger.com/Start** page. Do not use search engines to find a download link, as you could fall victim to a phishing scam leading you to a malicious website. Phishing sites can distribute fake versions of Ledger Live that can steal your funds.
2. Download Ledger Live: On the official page, you will find download links for various operating systems. Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and click "Download." You can also download the mobile version for iOS and Android.
3. Install the App: Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. The installation process is straightforward. After installation, launch the **Ledger Live** app.
4. Launch and Initialize: When you open Ledger Live, you will be prompted to begin the setup process. The app will guide you through connecting your device and will prompt you to "Set up a new device." This is the option you must choose for a new, out-of-the-box device. This is where your Ledger device and the Ledger Live app begin their secure handshake.

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Step 3: Creating Your PIN Code

Your PIN code is the first line of defense for your device. It's a 4 to 8-digit code that protects your Ledger hardware wallet from unauthorized physical access.

1. Choose PIN on Device: On your Ledger device's screen, you will see instructions to set up a new PIN. Use the buttons on your device to navigate and select the "Set up a new device" option. Then, confirm on the device to start creating your PIN.
2. Select Digits: Use the left and right buttons to scroll through the digits (0-9). Press both buttons simultaneously to confirm each digit. Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. An 8-digit PIN offers optimal security.
3. Confirm PIN: The device will ask you to confirm your PIN by re-entering it. Once you've entered the PIN a second time and confirmed it, your PIN is set. This PIN is crucial; you will need it every time you want to access your device.

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Step 4: The Recovery Phrase (The Most Critical Step)

This is the single most important part of the entire setup. Your Ledger device will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the ultimate backup of your private keys.

1. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase: Your Ledger device will display the 24 words one by one. You must write these words down, in the exact order, on the blank recovery sheets provided in your Ledger box. Use a pen and write clearly.
2. Do Not Take a Photo or Store Digitally: This is a non-negotiable security rule. Never take a photo of your recovery phrase, email it to yourself, save it to a cloud service, or store it in any digital format. Your recovery phrase must be stored offline, in a secure location where only you can access it. If someone gets access to these words, they can restore your wallet on their own device and steal all your funds.
3. Verify Your Recovery Phrase: After writing down all 24 words, your Ledger device will ask you to confirm a few of the words from your recovery phrase. You will have to select the correct word from a list on the Ledger device's screen. This is to ensure that you have written down the words correctly and in the right order.

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Step 5: Finalizing the Setup and Genuine Check

Once you have backed up your recovery phrase and set your PIN, the **Ledger Live** app will perform a crucial genuine check to verify that your Ledger device is authentic and has not been tampered with.

1. Allow Manager: The **Ledger Live** app will prompt you to perform the "Genuine Check." On your Ledger device, you will see a message asking you to "Allow Ledger Manager." Press both buttons simultaneously to confirm and allow the app to perform the check.
2. Genuine Device Confirmation: The Ledger Live app will communicate with Ledger's secure server to verify that your device contains the official firmware and a genuine secret key. This process takes just a moment. If the check is successful, you will see a confirmation message, and you can proceed. If the check fails, do not use the device and contact Ledger Support immediately.
3. Your Device is Ready: Once the genuine check is complete, your Ledger device is fully set up and ready to use. You can now install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and add accounts to your portfolio within Ledger Live.

Conclusion: Your Secure Crypto Journey Starts at Ledger.com/Start

The **Ledger.com/Start** process is the cornerstone of your crypto security. By following this official guide, you have not only set up your device but have also taken ownership of your private keys and secured your digital assets. You've learned to verify the physical integrity of your device, installed the official **Ledger Live** app, created a secure PIN, and, most importantly, backed up your 24-word recovery phrase. Your device is now protected from online threats, and your assets are under your complete control. This is the first step toward true financial freedom and self-custody. Always remember to use only the official **Ledger.com/Start** page for any future downloads or support, and never, ever share your recovery phrase with anyone. Your crypto security is now in your hands, and you have all the tools you need to keep it safe. The Ledger Live app is your new dashboard for all your crypto needs, and with a properly set up hardware wallet, you can confidently navigate the world of decentralized finance.

Go to the Official Ledger.com/Start Page