Welcome to the **Ledger Getting Started Hub** at ledger.com/start
This is your **Official Setup Guide** to initialize your **Ledger Hardware Wallet** and begin your journey toward **Secure Crypto Management**. Follow these simple, secure steps to **activate your device** and protect your **Digital Assets**.
The Four Essential Steps to **Ledger Security**
Download **Ledger Live App**
Go to **ledger.com/start** and download the **Official Ledger Live Desktop Application** or **Mobile App**. This app is required to configure your **Ledger Hardware Wallet** and perform the essential **Genuine Check**. Ensure you only download from this official source to maintain your **Secure Crypto Management** environment.
Configure and **Set PIN Code**
Connect your Ledger device to your computer via USB. Follow the on-screen instructions to **set a robust PIN code** (4 to 8 digits). This PIN protects your device from physical theft and is your first line of defense in **Hardware Wallet Security**. This crucial step ensures only you can access your **Digital Assets**.
Securely Write Down **Recovery Phrase**
Your device will display your unique 24-word **Recovery Phrase** (Seed). **CRITICALLY**, you must write this down on the provided sheet, in order. Do not photograph it, type it, or store it digitally. This phrase is the master key to your **Crypto Portfolio** and the ultimate guarantee of **Secure Crypto Management**.
Run the **Genuine Check**
Once configured, use the **Ledger Live App** to perform the **Genuine Ledger Check**. This process cryptographically verifies that your **Ledger Hardware Wallet** is authentic and running genuine Ledger firmware. This final verification step solidifies your **Secure Setup** before you manage any **Digital Assets**.
Deep Dive: Securing Your Future with the **Official Setup Guide**
Understanding the **Recovery Phrase Security** Protocol
The **Recovery Phrase** is not just a password; it is the cryptographic seed that generates all your private keys. Therefore, the security of your entire **Crypto Portfolio** rests solely on the security of these 24 words. The **Ledger Getting Started Hub** emphasizes that you must never store this phrase on any internet-connected device, whether a phone, computer, or cloud service. If you lose your **Ledger Hardware Wallet** or if it breaks, this **Recovery Phrase** is the only way to restore access to your **Digital Assets** on a new Ledger device. Conversely, if anyone gains access to this phrase, they gain full control over your funds. Our **Official Setup Guide** details the best practices for physical storage, recommending fireproof and waterproof solutions to truly guarantee **Secure Crypto Management** for the long term. This rigorous attention to **Recovery Phrase Security** is why Ledger remains the industry leader.
Every step of the **Ledger Setup** process is designed to reinforce this crucial security concept. When the **Recovery Phrase** is generated, it happens entirely offline on the Ledger device's secure element. **Ledger Live App** does not know the phrase, and neither does Ledger company. This absolute isolation is non-negotiable for **Hardware Wallet Security**. The **ledger.com/start** portal acts as the **Official Setup Guide** to educate users on the correct verification steps and the irreversible consequences of mishandling the phrase. We strongly recommend all users verify the order of their phrase twice before finalizing the **Secure Setup** and proceeding with storing **Digital Assets**.
The Importance of the **Genuine Ledger Check** and Firmware
The **Genuine Ledger Check**, facilitated exclusively by the **Ledger Live App**, is a unique cryptographic process that confirms your **Ledger Hardware Wallet** is legitimate and has not been tampered with. This is a critical differentiation point for **Secure Crypto Management**. Upon initiating the check from the **Ledger Getting Started Hub**, the **Desktop Application** or **Mobile App** communicates with Ledger's secure servers, which verify that the device's secure element contains the original, authentic Ledger secret key. This one-time check prevents the use of sophisticated counterfeits that might attempt to compromise your **Digital Assets**. This step is mandatory for completing the **Ledger Setup** and should be considered the final verification of your trust in the **Hardware Wallet Security**.
Furthermore, the **Ledger Live App** manages all firmware updates. It is essential to only install firmware updates that are prompted and authenticated through the **Official Setup Guide** and the **Ledger Live App** itself. Downloading firmware from any other source compromises your device and jeopardizes your entire **Crypto Portfolio**. The **Ledger Live App** ensures that the update package is cryptographically signed by Ledger, guaranteeing its integrity and security before it is installed onto the **Ledger Hardware Wallet**. This controlled environment is paramount to our philosophy of **Secure Crypto Management**.
Your **First Transaction** and Beyond
Once your **Secure Setup** is complete, the final step in the **Ledger Getting Started Hub** is to perform a small, test **First Transaction**. This action confirms that you can successfully send and receive **Digital Assets**, verifying that your PIN is correct and your **Recovery Phrase** is properly secured. Use the **Ledger Live App** to add the required crypto accounts (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and initiate a small transfer. This is the practical application of your new **Hardware Wallet Security**. After confirming the transaction details on your physical device screen and approving the transaction, you have successfully completed the **Official Setup Guide** and are ready for full **Crypto Portfolio** management. Remember, you can always refer back to **ledger.com/start** for assistance or troubleshooting. The **Ledger Live App** provides the full interface to **Manage Your Crypto** securely.
Ready to Start Your **Secure Crypto Management**?
Follow the verified steps on the **Official Setup Guide** at **ledger.com/start**. Download the **Ledger Live App** and activate your **Ledger Hardware Wallet** today.