Welcome to **Ledger.com/start** — Your Official **Ledger Device Setup** Guide

You've taken the essential step toward true self-custody. This guide will walk you through the mandatory process of **Hardware Wallet Setup**, ensuring your device is securely initialized. Follow these steps precisely to protect your **Digital Asset Management** and enable industry-leading **Cold Storage Security** with your Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X.

Start Your Secure Initialization

Phase 1: Preparing Your System and Device

1

Download **Ledger Live Guide**

Go directly to Ledger's official website (Ledger.com) to download the genuine **Ledger Live** application. This software is essential for communicating with your **Hardware Wallet** and is mandatory for the **Ledger Device Setup** process. Avoid third-party links.

2

Connect Your Device

Plug your new Ledger Nano into your computer using the provided USB-C cable. Your device should power on and display a welcome message like "Welcome to Ledger." Follow the on-screen prompts for your initial **Secure Initialization**.

3

Set Your **PIN Code**

On the Ledger device itself, choose 'Set up as new device.' Then, define a **PIN Code** (4 to 8 digits). This PIN is your daily security barrier. Confirm the PIN twice. Remember: this PIN unlocks the device, but your **Recovery Phrase** is the ultimate key.

4

Generate **Recovery Phrase**

Your device will now generate a 24-word **Recovery Phrase**. This phrase is the master key to your **Digital Asset Management**. This step is the most critical part of the **Hardware Wallet Setup** for **Cold Storage Security**.

Why is Ledger Live Crucial?

The **Ledger Live Guide** is more than just a setup tool; it is your verified, trusted interface for **Digital Asset Management**. It enables smooth **Firmware Updates** and ensures you are using the official, secure environment for all your crypto interactions. It’s the mandatory bridge between your offline **Cold Storage** keys and the online blockchain world.

Phase 2: Mastering the **Recovery Phrase** and **Cold Storage Security**

The Absolute Importance of the 24 Words

The 24-word **Recovery Phrase** is the one and only backup of your private keys. If your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or damaged, this phrase is the key that restores access to your entire portfolio of **Digital Assets** on a new device. This phrase must be handled with the highest level of **Cold Storage Security** possible.

  • **Write it Down:** Use the provided recovery sheets. Do NOT take photos, store it on a computer, or email it.
  • **Verify:** Your Ledger device will prompt you to manually verify the entire phrase, word by word. This crucial step confirms you have recorded it correctly during the **Secure Initialization**.
  • **Secure Storage:** Store your written **Recovery Phrase** in a safe, hidden, and fireproof location (e.g., a bank vault or safety deposit box).

The **PIN Code** vs. **Recovery Phrase**

Understand the security hierarchy for your **Digital Asset Management**:

PIN Code: Your daily lock. It grants temporary access to the device for performing transactions. Wrong PIN 3 times wipes the device (requiring the **Recovery Phrase** for restoration).

Recovery Phrase: The Master Key. It grants permanent control of your funds on the blockchain. Anyone who knows this phrase controls your **Cold Storage**. **Never** share it with anyone, including Ledger support personnel.

Successfully completing the **Recovery Phrase** verification is the final step of the **Hardware Wallet Setup** and confirms your device is ready for use.

Phase 3: Finalizing Setup and Maintaining Security

Completing the **Ledger Live Guide**

Once the **Secure Initialization** is complete on your Ledger device, return to the **Ledger Live Guide** application. Live will guide you through a genuine check to confirm your **Hardware Wallet Setup** is authentic and hasn't been tampered with. This is a vital **Ledger Security** feature.

After the genuine check, you can proceed to install the necessary crypto apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) on your Ledger Nano directly through Ledger Live's manager. These apps enable the device to handle specific blockchain protocols, allowing for full **Digital Asset Management**.

Finally, create your accounts within Ledger Live. These accounts are linked to the secure keys generated during the **Ledger Device Setup**, allowing you to start receiving funds and performing transactions backed by **Cold Storage Security**.

Mandatory **Firmware Update** Policy

To maintain the highest level of **Ledger Security**, regularly check for **Firmware Updates** within Ledger Live.

  • **Security Patches:** Updates fix potential vulnerabilities, maintaining the integrity of your **Hardware Wallet Setup**.
  • **New Features:** Updates often introduce support for new coins, **Digital Asset Management** features, or UI improvements.
  • **Using Live:** The **Ledger Live Guide** ensures the update process is verifiable and smooth, minimizing the risk of errors during this sensitive operation.
Go to Ledger Live Application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on **Ledger Device Setup**

If your **Recovery Phrase** is compromised or lost, your **Cold Storage Security** is at risk. You must immediately transfer all your **Digital Assets** to a new, securely initialized Ledger device with a new **Recovery Phrase**. The phrase is the only backup, and Ledger cannot recover it for you.
While you can choose any 4-8 digit **PIN Code**, for maximum **Ledger Security**, it's strongly recommended you create a unique PIN that is not associated with any other account or device. A strong, non-obvious PIN is part of robust **Hardware Wallet Setup**.
You need an internet connection to download the **Ledger Live Guide** and perform the genuine check. However, the critical process of generating your **Recovery Phrase** and setting your **PIN Code** happens entirely offline on the Ledger device, guaranteeing **Cold Storage Security** from the start.
After the **Secure Initialization**, the first step in the **Ledger Live Guide** is to complete the genuine device check, then install the required crypto applications (like Bitcoin or Ethereum) on your device, and finally, add the corresponding accounts for **Digital Asset Management**.
Yes. Ledger's process is designed so that your **Recovery Phrase** is never revealed to the computer during a **Firmware Update**. If an update causes a device reset, simply re-enter your phrase following the on-device prompts to restore access. Always use the **Ledger Live Guide** for updates.