Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started with Your Device

Congratulations on acquiring your Ledger hardware wallet, the gold standard in crypto security. Your journey to secure self-custody begins at the official **Ledger.com/Start** page. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire setup process, from unboxing to securing your first crypto assets. By following these official steps, you can ensure that your device is initialized correctly and that your funds are protected from online threats. The official **Ledger Live** application is the essential companion to your device, and this guide will show you how to download and use it correctly. This process is simple yet critical for the safety of your digital assets. We will cover every detail, providing clear instructions and crucial security tips to help you get started with confidence. The Ledger ecosystem is built on a foundation of security and ease of use, and this guide will help you leverage both to their full potential. The official **Ledger.com/Start** page is your one and only starting point, designed to prevent you from falling victim to phishing scams. This guide is your roadmap to a successful and secure crypto management experience. Trust the process, follow the steps, and you will be well on your way to securing your financial future.

For many people, the concept of a hardware wallet and the initial setup can seem daunting. This guide is here to demystify the process and make it accessible to everyone, from a beginner to an experienced crypto user. We will emphasize the importance of using the official Ledger website and the **Ledger Live** application, as these are the only trusted sources for your setup. The security of your crypto depends on you, the user, and this guide is here to empower you with the knowledge you need to do it right. We will address common questions and potential issues, such as verifying the device's authenticity and properly backing up your recovery phrase. The setup process for a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Stax is fundamentally the same, with minor variations in the interface. This guide provides the core steps that apply to all models, ensuring a consistent and secure experience for all users. By the end of this guide, you will have a fully functional and secure hardware wallet, ready to manage your portfolio with the highest level of protection. The **Ledger Live** app is your new control center, and you'll learn how to use it to its full potential.

Step 1: The Official Start - Navigate to Ledger.com/Start

The first and most critical step is to begin your setup from the correct location. This cannot be stressed enough, as malicious actors create fake websites to trick users into compromising their devices.

1. Go Directly to the URL: Open a new web browser and manually type in the official URL: **Ledger.com/Start**. Do not click on a link from an email, a social media post, or a search engine result unless you have verified it is the correct URL. The official site is your only trusted starting point.
2. Physical Security Check: Before connecting your device, perform a physical inspection of the packaging. Ledger hardware wallets are shipped with a tamper-proof seal. The packaging should show no signs of having been opened or resealed. If the seal is broken or looks suspicious, do not proceed. Contact Ledger support immediately. This physical verification is a crucial defense against supply chain attacks.
3. Connect Your Device: Once you have confirmed the packaging is secure, connect your Ledger device to your computer using the USB cable provided in the box. The device screen will light up, and you should see a welcome message. If the device asks for a PIN or displays a recovery phrase, it may have been tampered with. Do not use it, and contact support.

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Step 2: Downloading and Installing Ledger Live

Your Ledger device requires the **Ledger Live** application to function. This desktop and mobile app is your secure interface for managing your crypto assets.

1. Download from the Official Page: On the official **Ledger.com/Start** page, you will be prompted to download the **Ledger Live** application. Choose the correct version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android). Do not download the app from any other source, such as a third-party app store or a random website.
2. Run the Installer: After the download is complete, run the installer file and follow the on-screen instructions. The installation is straightforward and quick. Once installed, launch the Ledger Live application.
3. Begin Setup: The application will automatically detect your Ledger device. Follow the prompts in Ledger Live to begin the setup process. You will be asked to either "Set up as a new device" or "Restore from recovery phrase." For a new, uninitialized device, you must choose "Set up as a new device." This is a crucial step that ensures your device generates a new, unique set of private keys.

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Step 3: Creating Your PIN and Recovery Phrase

This is the most critical and irreversible part of the setup. Your PIN and recovery phrase are the keys to your crypto.

1. Set a PIN Code: The Ledger Live app will guide you to set a PIN code on your device. You will use the physical buttons on your Ledger to select and confirm a PIN of 4 to 8 digits. An 8-digit PIN offers the best security. This PIN protects your device from unauthorized physical access.
2. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase: After setting your PIN, your device screen will display a sequence of 24 words. This is your recovery phrase. You must write these words down, in the exact order, on the recovery sheet provided in the box. This phrase is the ultimate backup of your private keys.
3. Never Store Digitally: This is the most important security rule. Do not take a photo of your recovery phrase, email it to yourself, save it on your computer, or store it in any digital format. The recovery phrase must be stored offline, in a secure, private location. If anyone gains access to these 24 words, they can access and steal all your crypto, even without your Ledger device.
4. Verify the Phrase: The Ledger device will prompt you to confirm a few of the words you just wrote down. This is a vital step to ensure you have copied the words correctly and in the right order. This is a user-friendly but effective way to prevent a common mistake.

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Step 4: Finalizing Setup with Ledger Live

With your PIN and recovery phrase secured, the final steps are to verify your device's authenticity and get it ready for use.

1. Run the Genuine Check: The **Ledger Live** app will automatically perform a "Genuine Check." This is a cryptographic process that verifies your device is authentic and has not been tampered with. The app will communicate with Ledger's secure server to confirm the integrity of your hardware. If this check fails, you must contact support.
2. Install Crypto Apps: Once the genuine check is complete, you can install the specific crypto apps for the coins you want to manage. For example, to manage Bitcoin, you will install the Bitcoin app. These apps are installed directly on your Ledger device through the **Ledger Live** "Manager" section.
3. Add Accounts: After installing the apps, you can add accounts for your cryptocurrencies within Ledger Live. This creates your public addresses for receiving funds. Your private keys remain safely offline on your Ledger device.

Conclusion: Your Secure Journey with Ledger.com/Start and Ledger Live

By following the official **Ledger.com/Start** guide and using the **Ledger Live** application, you have successfully set up your hardware wallet and established the foundation for a secure crypto journey. You have taken control of your private keys, protected your device with a PIN, and created a secure offline backup of your recovery phrase. This is the essence of self-custody and the most effective way to protect your digital assets. Remember to always use the official Ledger website for any downloads or support and to never share your recovery phrase with anyone. Your crypto security is now in your hands, and with your Ledger device and the Ledger Live app, you are equipped with the best tools to navigate the world of decentralized finance with confidence. Welcome to the future of secure crypto management.

Go to the Official Ledger.com/Start Page