Phase 1: Preparation and Official Software Download
The foundation of **crypto security** is preparation. By beginning your setup at the official, trusted domain—Ledger.com/start—you actively protect yourself against phishing and fake software. The Ledger ecosystem relies on **Ledger Live**, the single, secure application for managing your Ledger device, installing crypto apps, and viewing your portfolio.
The Essential Pre-Setup Checklist
- **Authenticity Check:** Ensure the physical packaging of your **Ledger hardware wallet** is sealed and shows no signs of tampering.
- **Download Ledger Live:** Access Ledger.com/start and download the **official Ledger Live** application for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). **DO NOT** download Ledger Live from third-party app stores or unverified links.
- **Gather Tools:** Have the blank **Secret Recovery Phrase** sheets and a pen ready. You will need them immediately.
- **Privacy:** Isolate yourself in a private, secure location away from cameras, where you can focus entirely on the upcoming critical steps.
Once Ledger Live is installed, launch the application. Select **"Set up a new Ledger device"** and choose your model (e.g., Nano X, Nano S Plus, Stax). Ledger Live will guide you in parallel with the steps you perform on your physical device, ensuring a smooth and accurate initialization.
🛑 **ABSOLUTE SECURITY MANDATE:** If your device came with a pre-printed or written **Secret Recovery Phrase**, it is compromised. **NEVER USE THAT DEVICE.** A genuine Ledger requires you to generate the phrase yourself during the setup process. Immediately contact Ledger Support.
Phase 2: Generating Your Secret Recovery Phrase (The Master Key)
This is the most critical step in achieving true **self-custody**. Your Ledger device will generate a unique 24-word master key that constitutes your entire backup. This process is performed entirely on the **Ledger hardware wallet** itself, ensuring the **private keys** are never exposed to the internet or your computer.
The 4-Step Offline Initialization Process
- **Set Your PIN Code:** Connect your Ledger via USB. Use the physical buttons to select and confirm a strong **4-to-8 digit PIN**. This PIN is your immediate daily access lock; choose it carefully and memorize it.
- **Generate the 24 Words:** The device screen will display the **24-word Secret Recovery Phrase** one word at a time. **Write down every single word, in order, on your blank Recovery Sheet(s).** Use legible handwriting and double-check each spelling.
- **Confirm the Phrase:** The Ledger device will now verify your record by asking you to confirm random words (e.g., Word #15, Word #8). You must use the device buttons to scroll and select the correct corresponding word. This mandatory check proves that you have accurately recorded the key to your crypto.
- **Secure Storage:** Once confirmed, power down the device. Store the written **Secret Recovery Phrase** sheets in a highly secure, fireproof, and private location—separate from your Ledger device.
The **Secret Recovery Phrase** is the only way to recover your assets if your physical Ledger device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Its security is non-negotiable; digitizing it (photos, screenshots, typing it into a computer) immediately voids all hardware security measures.
Phase 3: Finalizing Setup, Verification, and Management
After the phrase is recorded, return to the **Ledger Live** application to finalize the setup, install necessary crypto applications, and start transacting securely.
Device Verification and App Management
- **Run the Genuine Check:** In Ledger Live, follow the prompts for the **Genuine Check**. This process cryptographically verifies with Ledger's servers that your device is authentic and running official firmware. The check requires physical approval on your Ledger device.
- **Install Crypto Apps:** Use the **Manager** tab in Ledger Live to install the specific blockchain applications (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) for the assets you plan to manage. Ledger Live provides access to over 5,500 coins and tokens.
- **Add Accounts:** Select **"Accounts"** and add a new account for each installed app. Ledger Live securely connects to your device to generate your receiving addresses and sync your balances.
- **Secure Receiving Address Verification:** When generating an address to receive funds, Ledger Live will prompt you to **verify the address on your Ledger screen**. **Always match the address on your computer screen to the address shown on the physical Ledger device.** This protects you from malware swapping addresses.
- **Sending Funds (Clear Signing):** When sending crypto, Ledger Live sends the transaction details to the device. You must **physically review and approve the recipient address, amount, and fee** directly on the Ledger device's screen—the fundamental principle of **on-device verification**.
By following the steps initiated at Ledger.com/start, your **Ledger hardware wallet** is now fully secured. You have established a resilient, private, and impenetrable shield around your digital wealth, ensuring the highest standards of **crypto security** and **self-custody**.
Ledger Live is your essential platform for not only security but also for integrated financial management, allowing you to buy, sell, swap, and stake crypto directly within the application, all while your **private keys** remain safely offline on your Ledger device. This complete ecosystem empowers you to manage your assets with full confidence.