Ledger.com/Start: Your Guide to a Secure Digital Future

Welcome to the World of Self-Custody

Welcome to Ledger! You've just taken the most significant step toward truly owning your digital assets. Ledger is not just a device; it’s your personal, unbreachable vault, giving you back control in a decentralized world. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps, from unboxing to your first secure transaction.

Start the Setup Now

Phase 1: Unboxing and Initial Checks

Your security starts before you even power on the device.

1. Inspect the Packaging: Before anything else, carefully examine the packaging. It should be sealed and tamper-free. Look for any signs of re-taping, tears, or damage. Your device comes with a unique tamper-proof seal applied during manufacturing. If anything looks suspicious, **do not proceed**; contact Ledger Support immediately.
2. Contents Check: Inside the box, you should find your Ledger hardware wallet, a USB cable, three Recovery Sheets (also called the 24-word Phrase Sheet), a getting started leaflet, and some brand stickers.
3. Download the Official Companion Application: Your entire setup process is managed through Ledger's official desktop or mobile companion application. **Crucially**, only download the software directly from the official Ledger website. Searching on third-party sites or application stores can expose you to fraudulent copies.

Phase 2: Setting Up Your Secure Vault

This phase is the most critical. It’s where you create the cryptographic keys that protect your assets.

4. Power On and Initialize: Connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile device using the provided USB cable. The screen will light up, welcoming you. Use the buttons on the device to navigate and select **"Set up as new device."**
5. Choose a PIN Code: The device will prompt you to choose a **4- to 8-digit PIN code**. This code is essential for unlocking your device every time you use it. Use the buttons to select and confirm your digits. **Memorize this PIN and never share it.** If you enter the PIN incorrectly three times, the device will wipe itself, requiring a restoration via your Recovery Phrase (which we cover next).
6. Record Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase (The Master Key): This is the single most important piece of information in your digital asset journey. Your Ledger will now display **24 unique words** one by one.
   • Action: Write down these words **exactly** in the numbered order on the provided Recovery Sheets.
   • Security: This phrase is your **Master Backup Key**. Anyone who has it can access your funds, even if they don't have your Ledger device. Keep it offline, secure, fireproof, and away from your device and computer. **Never digitize it, photograph it, or store it in any cloud service.**
7. Confirmation and Verification: The device will ask you to confirm several words from your phrase to ensure you've recorded it correctly. This step ensures the phrase is accurate before finalizing the setup. Take your time here—accuracy is paramount.

Phase 3 & 4: Mastering Your Assets and Best Practices

Phase 3: Installing Applications and Receiving Assets

8. Open the Companion App: Launch the official application you downloaded earlier. You will be guided through a series of authenticity checks to confirm that your Ledger is a genuine device and that your Recovery Phrase has been properly secured.
9. Install Asset Applications: Unlike a typical mobile application store, the companion app manages the firmware and asset-specific applications installed directly on your Ledger. These small applications allow your device to communicate with the corresponding decentralized networks (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
   • Navigate to the **Manager** section of the companion app.
   • Find the asset you want to hold and click **Install**.
10. Receive Your First Asset: To receive digital assets, you will first need to open the corresponding application on your Ledger device (e.g., open the 'Bitcoin' app).
    • In the companion app, select the asset and choose **Receive**.
    • The companion app will display an address. The **critical security step** here is to **always verify this address** on your Ledger screen itself. The screen provides the ultimate source of truth.
    • Confirm the address matches on both screens. If they match, approve it on your Ledger. You can now use this address to safely receive assets from another platform or wallet.

Phase 4: Best Practices for Long-Term Security

• Avoid Unofficial Sources: Only interact with the official Ledger websites, applications, and customer support channels. Phishing scams are prevalent; check the URL or sender's address carefully.
• **The Power of the Phrase:** The 24-word Recovery Phrase is **not** a secret you use often. It is only needed for restoration if you lose or damage your device. The device itself (unlocked by your PIN) is what you use daily.
• **Keep Your Firmware Up-to-Date:** Regularly check the companion app for firmware updates for your Ledger. These updates introduce new security enhancements and support for new assets. Always follow the official update process.

Your Journey Starts Now

Congratulations! You are now fully set up and in control of your digital assets. Your Ledger is your secure gateway to the future of finance.

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