Welcome to True Ownership
You are now taking the critical step of securing your digital assets. This guide will walk you through the entire process of setting up your new Ledger hardware wallet. Follow these steps meticulously and, above all, **pay close attention to the security warnings.** Your device is designed to protect your private keys—the only way to lose access is by compromising your 24-word Recovery Phrase.
The 5 Essential Setup Steps
1 Unbox and Power On
Before proceeding, verify the integrity of the packaging. The box should show no signs of tampering, and any anti-tamper seals should be intact. The device itself should show a welcome screen, indicating it has not been initialized. If you see anything else, stop immediately and contact support. Connect your device to a power source using the provided USB cable. The device will display the welcome message and prompt you to start navigating using the side buttons.
Checklist:
- ✅ Check the box seals for tampering.
- ✅ Connect the device to power via USB.
- ✅ Confirm the device screen displays "Welcome" or similar initial state.
- ✅ Test both navigation buttons (usually left and right, or up and down).
2 Define a Secure PIN Code
The PIN code is your first line of local defense. It protects your device from unauthorized access in case it is physically stolen or lost. The PIN must be between 4 and 8 digits long. **Choose a unique number combination that is easy for you to remember but impossible for others to guess.** Avoid using sequential numbers (1234), repeating numbers (1111), or personal dates (birthdays). You will use the device's physical buttons to scroll through numbers and confirm your selection.
💡 Best Practice:
It is highly recommended to use the maximum length (8 digits) for enhanced security. The PIN is required every time the device is powered on and after periods of inactivity. If you enter the PIN incorrectly three times, the device will wipe itself, requiring you to restore it using your 24-word Recovery Phrase.
3 CRITICAL: Write Down the 24-Word Recovery Phrase
This step is the most important. The 24-word Recovery Phrase (also known as the seed phrase or mnemonic) is the **master backup** of all your private keys. If your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or destroyed, this phrase is the *only* thing that allows you to restore access to your funds on a new device.
NEVER DIGITALIZE IT.
- Do Not Take a Photo: Never photograph the phrase.
- Do Not Type It: Never store it on a computer, phone, email, or cloud service.
- Only Use the Provided Sheets: Use the dedicated recovery sheets provided in the box.
- Write Clearly and Verify: Write each word down carefully and clearly. Double-check the spelling as you proceed.
- Storage: Store the written phrase in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof location known only to you.
The Confirmation Process
After you have written down all 24 words, your device will ask you to confirm a random selection of words (e.g., words 12, 18, and 23). This is a critical security check to ensure you have correctly recorded the phrase. If you fail this check, you must restart the process. This step proves you are capable of restoring your funds if needed.
4 Download and Connect to Ledger Live
Once the recovery phrase confirmation is complete, your device will display "Your device is ready." Now, transition to your desktop or mobile environment. You must download the official companion application, **Ledger Live**, from the official Ledger website. **Always verify the URL.** Avoid third-party app stores or direct downloads from search engine ads, as these may contain malware designed to steal your funds.
The Genuine Check Protocol
When you first connect your new Ledger device to Ledger Live, the application automatically runs a cryptographic **Genuine Check**. This process ensures that the device you hold is a real Ledger hardware wallet, contains the original firmware, and has not been compromised or replaced. Ledger Live communicates securely with Ledger's servers to verify this cryptographic proof. This check is mandatory and confirms your device's security status.
5 Install Applications and Update Firmware
Inside Ledger Live, navigate to the Manager section. You can now install the specific cryptocurrency applications you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Each app is an independent program that enables transaction signing for that specific blockchain. Always ensure you are running the latest firmware version. Ledger Live will prompt you if an update is available. Updates are mandatory to ensure the highest level of security and compatibility with the latest network standards.
Final Step - Funding:
Once an application is installed, click "Add Account" in Ledger Live. Your device will generate a public address. **ALWAYS** verify this address on the physical screen of your Ledger device before sending funds to it. This final verification is the ultimate proof that you control the address.
The Immutable Laws of Hardware Wallet Security
Rule #1: The Recovery Phrase is King
Your 24-word phrase is the only backup. Ledger will **NEVER** ask you for it. If you encounter any application, website, email, or individual asking for your phrase, it is a scam. It is a fundamental principle of cryptocurrency self-custody that your phrase never leaves its physical, offline storage location.
- It is not stored on the device's chip.
- It cannot be recovered if lost.
- It is only visible during the initial setup.
Rule #2: Trust the Screen, Not the Software
Your Ledger Live software runs on a potentially compromised computer. The Ledger device's physical screen is the only trusted source of information. **Every critical action** (sending funds, receiving address verification, firmware update confirmation) must be manually verified and confirmed on the device's secure display. This mechanism prevents malicious software on your computer from tricking you into signing a transaction you didn't intend to.
Rule #3: Use Official Software Only
Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Avoid clicking links in emails, text messages, or search engine advertisements. Phishing attacks frequently mimic the Ledger Live interface to steal your PIN or phrase. Verify the URL (`ledger.com`) before any download or interaction.
ledger.com/start
Troubleshooting and Advanced Topics
Start Securing Your Future Today
You have completed the essential setup. Connect to Ledger Live to complete the Genuine Check and begin managing your assets.