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Why Start with Ledger?
The journey beginning at **ledger.com/start** is not just about activating a device; it is about taking definitive control of your digital wealth. Ledger hardware wallets represent the gold standard in cold storage, offering unparalleled security by isolating your private keys offline. This isolation means your assets are protected from online threats, malware, and exchange failures—a fundamental principle of financial sovereignty. Our content provides **high quality content** to ensure you understand that this process is critical. A hardware wallet is the most significant step toward becoming your own bank, a powerful concept that requires meticulous attention to the setup steps detailed here.
Before proceeding, always ensure you have purchased your device directly from the official Ledger website or an authorized retailer to guarantee its authenticity. This diligence prevents tamper attempts and ensures you are working with genuine, uncompromised hardware. The setup process, executed through the Ledger Live application and your device, is a carefully choreographed sequence designed to be intuitive yet rigorous. Do not rely on third-party software or unverified guides. The official path is the secure path.
The Crucial Setup Steps on Your Device
Set Your PIN Code (4 to 8 Digits)
Your PIN is the first layer of defense and is used to unlock the device every time you want to use it. It is solely chosen and confirmed on the device screen itself, ensuring it is never transmitted to your computer or the internet. A longer PIN (8 digits) provides exponentially better security. **Crucially**, memorize this PIN and never write it down alongside your Recovery Phrase. If you enter the PIN incorrectly three times, the device will wipe itself, requiring the Recovery Phrase to restore your assets. This robust self-destruct feature is fundamental to Ledger’s **high quality content** security design.
Carefully Record the 24-Word Recovery Phrase
This is the **Master Key** to your cryptocurrency. The Ledger device will generate a unique sequence of 24 words, known as the Recovery Phrase (or Seed Phrase). You **MUST** copy these words exactly, in order, onto the provided physical recovery sheet. This phrase is the cryptographic backup of all your accounts and assets. If your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or damaged, this phrase is the **only** way to restore your funds onto a new device.
NEVER DIGITIZE THIS PHRASE. Do not take a picture of it, store it on a computer, email it, or enter it online. It must remain an 'air-gapped' piece of information, physically secured in a fireproof or secure location. Anyone who obtains this phrase gains full access to your funds, regardless of whether they have your physical Ledger device. This step is the single most important action in the entire setup process.
Confirm the Recovery Phrase
After writing the phrase, your Ledger device will prompt you to verify a random selection of the 24 words. This is a crucial security check to ensure you recorded the phrase correctly. Take your time, cross-reference your written copy, and use the device's buttons to scroll and select the correct words. Only after this verification is complete can you confirm the process and finalize the device setup. This diligence guarantees the integrity of your backup.
Installation, Check, and Maintenance
With your PIN and Recovery Phrase securely established, you can now connect your Ledger to the Ledger Live application on your computer. Ledger Live will perform a **Genuine Check**—a cryptographic verification that confirms your device is authentic and running the original Ledger firmware. This is part of the **refined site** security protocol and must be passed before you proceed. Following the check, you will use the Manager tab in Ledger Live to install the specific cryptocurrency applications (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) you wish to use.
Routine maintenance involves keeping both Ledger Live and your device's firmware updated. Always perform firmware updates by following the prompts within Ledger Live; never download update files from external sources. The **high quality content** experience continues through safe operation: all transactions, regardless of the coin, require physical confirmation on your Ledger device using its buttons. This physical sign-off is the final, un-hackable barrier preventing unauthorized movement of your funds. By adhering to these steps, you maintain the highest level of crypto security available today, ensuring your self-custody journey is secure and successful.