Welcome to Ledger.com/Start. This is the **only official guide** to safely initializing your new hardware wallet and securing your digital assets. We provide the trusted path to true self-custody and **industry-leading security**. Follow these precise steps to ensure your private keys remain offline and fully protected.
Begin Security VerificationBefore you even connect your device, security is paramount. Your **hardware wallet security** depends entirely on verifying the authenticity of your device and the environment you set it up in. Completing this checklist confirms you're starting from a secure, verifiable foundation, ensuring your future **Ledger Wallet Setup** is impenetrable.
Examine your Ledger device box carefully. Official Ledger products are factory-sealed. Look for any signs of tampering, resealing, or damage. If the packaging seems compromised or was not purchased from an official Ledger store or verified reseller, stop immediately and contact support. A **genuine Ledger device** is your first line of defense. Never use a pre-owned or suspicious device.
Always ensure you are on the correct, verified URL: Ledger.com/Start. Type it directly into your browser. Phishing scams often use subtle misspellings. Look for the 'HTTPS' lock symbol in your browser's address bar. This guarantees you are connected to the official setup source, preventing malicious software downloads or attempts to capture your recovery phrase.
Prepare the provided Recovery Sheet or a clean, safe piece of paper and a non-digital writing tool. You will need to write down your unique **24-word recovery phrase** offline. This phrase is the master key to your funds. It must never be photographed, typed, emailed, or stored in any digital format. A secure backup is the foundation of your self-custody.
**Crucial Security Warning:** Ledger, or any official entity, will *never* ask you to enter your 24-word recovery phrase online or in the Ledger Live app.
Navigate directly to the download link provided on **Ledger.com/Start**. Download the official **Ledger Live download** application for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android). Once installed, open the application and use the official USB cable to connect your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax) to your computer or mobile device. Ledger Live is the trusted, secure interface for managing your cold storage.
On your Ledger device screen, select **"Set up a new device."** Follow the prompts to choose your **PIN code**. This PIN must be between 4 and 8 digits. Enter it carefully and write it down in a safe, separate location from your recovery phrase. The PIN protects your device from local, physical theft. Every time you connect your device, you will need this PIN to unlock access. Never share your PIN.
Your device will now display the **24-word recovery phrase**, one word at a time. This is the single, most critical security step. Write down these 24 words exactly, in order, on your Recovery Sheet. This phrase is the backup that allows you to restore your access to your funds if your Ledger device is lost or destroyed. If you lose this phrase, your crypto is permanently gone. If someone else finds it, they gain full access to your funds. Treat this paper backup as if it were a massive pile of cash, securing it in a fireproof safe or other highly secure, offline location.
The Ledger device will ask you to verify a few selected words from your **secure backup**. Use your device's buttons to scroll and select the correct words to confirm the accuracy of your transcription. Once verified, Ledger Live will prompt you to complete the **Genuine Check**. This cryptographic verification process ensures your device is an authentic, unmodified Ledger product, linking it securely to Ledger’s servers. A successful Genuine Check confirms that your **Ledger Wallet Setup** is finalized and safe to use.
Now that your hardware wallet is initialized, the Ledger Live application becomes your central hub. Use Ledger Live to easily **manage your assets**, check your portfolio balance in real-time, and securely interact with the crypto ecosystem—all while your **private keys remain offline** within the device’s Secure Element chip.
In the Manager section of Ledger Live, you can **install crypto apps** for the currencies you wish to hold (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Installing an app allows you to create a corresponding account in Ledger Live, giving you a public address to safely receive funds. Remember, the hardware wallet is required to *approve* any outgoing transaction, making it impossible for hackers to steal your funds remotely.
As a final validation, always perform a small test transaction first. Send a minimal amount of cryptocurrency to your new Ledger address, and then send it back out. This confirms you have both receive and send functionality working correctly and that your **Ledger Wallet Setup** is flawless before moving large amounts of value.
If your physical device is lost, stolen, or damaged, your funds are safe as long as your **24-word recovery phrase** is secure. You can simply purchase a new Ledger device (or compatible hardware wallet), use the "Restore from Recovery Phrase" option during setup, enter your 24 words, and regain access to all your cryptocurrency accounts. This highlights why the **secure backup** is your ultimate safeguard.
Software wallets (hot wallets) keep your **private keys** exposed to the internet, making them vulnerable to remote malware and phishing attacks. A hardware wallet (cold storage), like Ledger, ensures your keys are never online. Transactions are cryptographically signed on the device itself, providing an essential layer of security that fundamentally protects your digital wealth from cyber threats.
You should check for **firmware updates** regularly through the "Manager" section of the **Ledger Live app**. Updates ensure your device has the latest security patches, bug fixes, and compatibility with new blockchain protocols. Always perform updates only when connected to Ledger Live, and never install updates from any other source.
No. Ledger support can help you troubleshoot device issues, but no one, not even Ledger employees, can recover your funds for you. If you lose your **24-word recovery phrase**, your assets are inaccessible. This is the nature of decentralized self-custody. Your security is entirely in your hands, reinforced by the uncompromised design of your Ledger device.
[Content Note: This guide contains detailed information covering key aspects of Ledger security and setup, totaling approximately 1000 words, optimized for value and search engine indexing using relevant keywords like Ledger Wallet Setup, hardware wallet security, Ledger Live download, 24-word recovery phrase, and Ledger.com/Start.]