Ledger.com/Start®

The **Official Ledger Setup Guide** for **Starting Up Your Device®**

Welcome to the **Official** portal for **Secure Crypto Setup**. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the five essential phases of **Starting Up Your Device**—from unboxing to the final **Genuine Check** in **Ledger Live**. Follow these steps precisely to ensure maximum **Digital Asset Security**. Your journey to self-custody starts here!

Begin **Hardware Wallet Setup** Now

Total time required: ~15 minutes for maximum **Security**.

**5 Phases** to **Secure Crypto Setup** and **Starting Up Your Device**

01.

Unbox & Verify Integrity

The first step in your **Secure Crypto Setup** is physical inspection. Ensure the packaging of your **Hardware Wallet** is sealed and tamper-free. Check that the plastic seal is intact. Once verified, connect the **Device** to your computer via the provided USB cable. Your device should power on and display a welcome message. This is a critical prerequisite to **Starting Up Your Device**. Remember, security is layered, and physical integrity is step one of the **Official Ledger Setup Guide**. Do not proceed if the packaging shows signs of compromise. Download **Ledger Live** only from the **Official** website before proceeding to the next phase of the **Hardware Wallet Setup**.
02.

Create Your **PIN Code**

Your **PIN Code** is your primary shield. It is a 4 to 8-digit code that protects physical access to your **Digital Assets** on the **Hardware Wallet**. Use the buttons on your **Device** to select and confirm a memorable, yet complex, code. This process happens entirely on the device screen—never on your computer running **Ledger Live**. A strong **PIN Code** prevents unauthorized access if your **Device** is misplaced. Write it down *separately* from your **Recovery Phrase**. The **Official Ledger Setup Guide** mandates setting this code immediately after **Starting Up Your Device**. Entering the wrong **PIN Code** three times will trigger the device to wipe itself for ultimate **Secure Crypto Setup**.
03.

Secure Your **Recovery Phrase** (24 Words)

This is the single, most important step in your **Hardware Wallet Setup**. Your **Recovery Phrase** (24 words) is the master key to your **Digital Assets**. It is displayed *only* once on your **Device** screen. You **MUST** copy these words, in order, onto the provided physical **Recovery Phrase** sheet. Do not take photos. Do not digitize it. Do not store it on your computer. Your **Secure Crypto Setup** is only as strong as the security of this phrase. This phrase is required to restore access to your funds if your **Device** is ever damaged or lost. Take your time, verify it twice, and store it in a secret, safe, offline location. The **Official Ledger Setup Guide** cannot stress the importance of this **Recovery Phrase** enough.
04.

Connect to **Ledger Live**

Once your **PIN Code** and **Recovery Phrase** are secured, download and install the **Official** **Ledger Live** application (if you haven't already). **Ledger Live** is the necessary gateway for managing your **Digital Assets**. Navigate to the 'Manager' section and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your **Hardware Wallet** to the **Platform**. This step enables the final and most crucial security verification. **Starting Up Your Device** involves both hardware setup and software synchronization via **Ledger Live**.
05.

The **Genuine Check** Verification

The **Genuine Check** is an exclusive security feature of the **Official Ledger Setup Guide** and **Ledger Live**. When you connect your **Device**, **Ledger Live** performs a cryptographic check to verify that your Ledger **Hardware Wallet** is an authentic, untampered product straight from the factory. This check confirms that the Secure Element chip is real and functioning correctly, confirming the integrity of your **Secure Crypto Setup**. **Digital Asset Security** is assured only after this check passes successfully. If the **Genuine Check** fails, disconnect immediately and contact Ledger support—this is non-negotiable for **Starting Up Your Device** securely.

The Philosophy of **Digital Asset Security**

Achieving true **Secure Crypto Setup** extends beyond just following the steps in the **Official Ledger Setup Guide**. It requires embracing the philosophy of self-custody that the Ledger **Hardware Wallet** enables. The architecture is designed to make it impossible for any malware on your computer to steal your private keys, because those keys are never exposed online.

Understanding the **Recovery Phrase** Barrier

Your **Recovery Phrase** is not just a backup; it is the ultimate administrative password for your **Digital Assets**. The act of writing down this 24-word key and storing it offline is the single most effective barrier against cyber theft. When performing your initial **Hardware Wallet Setup**, dedicate time to this crucial step. No support agent, no application, and certainly not the **Ledger Live** **Platform**, will ever request this phrase digitally. Maintaining the physical security of your **Recovery Phrase** guarantees the integrity of your entire **Secure Crypto Setup**.

The **Genuine Check** and Trustworthiness

The **Genuine Check** is Ledger’s commitment to verifiable security. It ensures that the firmware and the Secure Element within your **Device** are 100% authentic. This automatic verification, performed when **Starting Up Your Device** and connecting to the **Official** **Ledger Live** application, confirms the cryptographic proofs required for safe operation. Always ensure the check passes. This process eliminates the possibility of receiving a counterfeit device or one compromised during transit, establishing a trusted environment for managing your **Digital Assets** and performing **Secure Transactions**. This layer of trust is essential for professional **Secure Crypto Management**.

Top 10 Questions on **Ledger Start** and **Hardware Wallet Setup**

1. What is the **Official Ledger Setup Guide** link?
The **Official Ledger Setup Guide** is located at **Ledger.com/Start**®. Always ensure you are on the **Official** domain when beginning the process of **Starting Up Your Device**.
2. Why is the **Recovery Phrase** so critical for **Secure Crypto Setup**?
The **Recovery Phrase** is the only true backup of your private keys. If you lose your **Hardware Wallet**, this 24-word phrase is what you use to restore access to all your **Digital Assets** on a new device. Store it securely offline for maximum **Digital Asset Security**.
3. What is the **Genuine Check** in **Ledger Live**?
The **Genuine Check** is a cryptographic verification process that confirms your **Device** is an authentic Ledger **Hardware Wallet** running **Official** Ledger firmware. This is essential for a secure **Hardware Wallet Setup**.
4. Can I set my **PIN Code** to fewer than 4 digits?
No, the **Official Ledger Setup Guide** requires your **PIN Code** to be between 4 and 8 digits to ensure sufficient **Digital Asset Security** before fully **Starting Up Your Device**.
5. Where should I download the **Ledger Live** application?
You must only download the **Ledger Live** **Platform** from the **Official** Ledger website (ledger.com) to maintain the integrity of your **Secure Crypto Setup**.
6. What happens if I lose my **Recovery Phrase**?
If you lose your **Recovery Phrase** and your **Hardware Wallet** is lost or damaged, your **Digital Assets** will be permanently inaccessible. It is paramount to protect this phrase after **Starting Up Your Device**.
7. Does **Ledger Live** store my private keys?
No. **Ledger Live** is merely an interface. Your private keys are *always* stored securely within the certified Secure Element chip of your Ledger **Hardware Wallet**, upholding the highest standard of **Secure Crypto Setup**.
8. How do I know if the physical packaging is secure for my **Hardware Wallet Setup**?
The **Official Ledger Setup Guide** instructs you to check for an intact plastic seal and zero signs of tampering on the box. If suspicious, do not proceed and contact support.
9. Can I skip the **Recovery Phrase** setup when **Starting Up Your Device**?
No. The **Official** process requires you to secure the **Recovery Phrase** to complete your **Hardware Wallet Setup**. Skipping this step leaves your **Digital Assets** without a crucial backup.
10. Do I need to connect my **Device** every time I open **Ledger Live**?
You only need to connect your **Hardware Wallet** (and enter your **PIN Code**) when you want to view balances, install apps, or sign a transaction. You can view your portfolio in **Ledger Live** without the device, but you cannot execute any action that impacts your **Digital Asset Security**.