Welcome to **Ledger.com/Start**™: Your **Secure Setup Guide**
You've taken the first step toward true **self-custody**. This official **onboarding portal** provides the essential, step-by-step instructions to securely **setup your Ledger Nano**, ensuring your **private keys** remain protected from the moment you unbox your device. Follow this guide precisely to build the **foundation of self-custody**.
Begin Your Secure Setup NowPhase 1: Initial **Hardware Wallet Setup** and **PIN Code**
The **initial setup** of your Ledger **Hardware Wallet** is the most critical stage. It is here that you establish the local defenses for your device. This process ensures the physical security of your **private keys**. Always perform the **setup guide** steps privately and without interruption. The device will generate your unique cryptographic seed during this process.
1 **Unboxing** and Connection
Carefully **unbox** your Ledger Nano device. Check the box's contents for signs of tampering, especially the security seals. Connect your **Hardware Wallet** to your computer using the supplied USB cable. The device will power on and display a welcome message. Use the device’s buttons to navigate through the initial prompts. Press both buttons simultaneously to confirm a selection. This begins the process of establishing the **foundation of self-custody**.
2 Setting Your **PIN Code**
You will be prompted to choose a **PIN code** (4 to 8 digits). The **PIN code** serves as your local access security layer, protecting the device from physical theft or casual access. Choose a complex number that you have not used anywhere else. Enter and confirm the **PIN code** using the device buttons. This **PIN code** is necessary every time you connect your **Hardware Wallet** to use the **Ledger Live App** or make transactions. Remember, the **PIN code** protects the device; the **Recovery Phrase** protects your funds.
Completing these initial steps ensures you have established the basic physical access control. The next phase, recording your **Recovery Phrase**, is about establishing the ultimate, cryptographic control over your assets.
Phase 2: The **24-word Recovery Phrase** — Your **Self-Custody Foundation**
**SECURITY CRITICAL WARNING**
The **24-word Recovery Phrase** is the single, unchangeable master key to your crypto assets. Anyone who possesses this phrase owns your crypto. **NEVER** digitize it (take a photo, save a file, email it). **NEVER** enter it into a computer or phone. **NEVER** share it with anyone, including Ledger support. The Ledger **Hardware Wallet** and **Ledger Live App** will **never** ask for this phrase digitally.
3 Writing Down the **Recovery Phrase**
After setting your **PIN code**, your Ledger device will display your unique, randomly generated **24-word Recovery Phrase**, one word at a time. Use the dedicated paper recovery sheet provided in the **unboxing** kit. Write each of the **24 words** down clearly, in the exact order they appear, and double-check your spelling. The order and spelling are absolutely vital. This phrase is generated by the **Secure Element** and is the key to rebuilding your accounts if your **Hardware Wallet** is lost or damaged. Treat it as if it were cash, gold, and all your passwords combined. This is the **foundation of self-custody**.
4 Confirming the Phrase and **Secure Storage**
The device will then ask you to confirm a selection of words to ensure you've recorded the **24-word phrase** correctly. This confirmation process is done entirely on the device screen. Once confirmed, store the paper sheet in a highly **secure storage** location, preferably in a fireproof safe, bank vault, or other secure, physical location, away from your Ledger device. This physical separation is a core tenet of **secure crypto management**. Remember: this phrase IS your crypto; the device is just the protective gatekeeper.
Once your device confirms the phrase, the **Hardware Wallet setup** is complete on the physical device itself. You can now move on to integrating it with the Ledger software.
Phase 3: **Ledger Live Installation** and **Genuine Check**
The **Ledger Live App** acts as the crucial secure bridge between your offline **Hardware Wallet** and the online world. It provides the visual dashboard for **secure crypto management**.
5 **Ledger Live Download** and Installation
Only download the official **Ledger Live App** from Ledger.com/Start or the official app stores. Do not use links from search engine ads or third-party sites. Once installed, launch the **Ledger Live Desktop** client and proceed through the initial welcome screen. You will choose the option to "Initialize a new Ledger device," even though you’ve completed the device steps. The **Ledger Live App** will guide you through the next security verification steps.
6 The **Genuine Check** Verification
This is a critical security step. The **Ledger Live Desktop** application will perform a **Genuine Check** to cryptographically verify that your physical **Hardware Wallet** is a legitimate Ledger product and that its internal **Secure Element** has not been tampered with or pre-configured. This verification happens behind the scenes and confirms that the **Ledger firmware** is official. This one-time check prevents the use of counterfeit devices and is a powerful assurance that your **secure setup** is correct. Once approved, you can proceed to install the necessary **crypto assets** applications (like Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) onto your device.
Phase 4: Your **First Transaction** and **Ongoing Security**
With your **Hardware Wallet** initialized and the **Ledger Live App** synced, you are ready to perform your **first transaction**—the ultimate test of your **self-custody** setup.
7 **Receive Crypto** Safely
The safest way to test your setup is to send a small amount of crypto to your new Ledger address. In the **Ledger Live Desktop** app, select the coin (e.g., Bitcoin) and choose "Receive." The application will display your public receiving address. **CRITICAL:** Always use the Ledger Live application to request that the address be displayed and verified on the screen of your physical **Hardware Wallet**. If the address on your computer screen does not match the address on your Ledger device screen, **STOP IMMEDIATELY**. This on-device **address verification** ensures no malware has intercepted your data. Only transfer funds once the addresses match.
8 Sending Safely & Best Practices
To **send safely**, you initiate the transaction in the **Ledger Live App**. The details (amount, recipient address, fees) are compiled and sent to your physical device. You must review and confirm every detail on the small screen of your Ledger device. The **Secure Element** only signs the transaction *after* your physical approval. This manual, double-check process is the fundamental guarantee of **secure crypto management**. Keep your **24-word Recovery Phrase** secure, keep your **PIN code** private, and ensure your **Ledger firmware** is always up to date using the official **Ledger Live Desktop** client.
❓ FAQs: **Secure Setup** and Onboarding
Can I skip writing down the **24-word Recovery Phrase**?
No, this step is absolutely mandatory. The **24-word Recovery Phrase** is the only backup for your crypto. If you lose the phrase, you lose your access forever if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged. This phrase is the **foundation of self-custody**; without it, you do not have control over your **private keys**.
What happens if my **PIN code** is wrong three times?
If you enter the wrong **PIN code** three consecutive times, your Ledger device will factory reset and erase the internal **Secure Element**. This is a security feature to prevent brute-force attacks. You will then need to use your **24-word Recovery Phrase** to restore your **crypto portfolio** on a new or existing Ledger device.
Should I trust a Ledger Live **Genuine Check** failure?
Yes. A failed **Genuine Check** means the **Ledger Live App** cannot cryptographically verify your device's authenticity. **STOP** using the device immediately. This typically indicates a counterfeit or tampered device, and your **secure setup** is compromised. Contact the **support portal** for immediate guidance.
Why do I have to perform **address verification** on the device when receiving crypto?
**Address verification** protects against malware. Hackers can infect your computer to swap the receiving address displayed on your screen. By confirming the address on the physical, tamper-proof screen of your **Hardware Wallet**, you ensure the address shown by the **Ledger Live App** is correct and safe, maintaining **secure crypto management**.
Can I use the same **24-word Recovery Phrase** for multiple Ledger devices?
Yes. Your **24-word Recovery Phrase** is the master key for all your accounts. You can use it to restore all your crypto on multiple Ledger devices, allowing for secure backups or simultaneous use. Restoring your phrase on a new device will give it access to the entire **crypto portfolio** derived from that key, reinforcing the single **foundation of self-custody**.