Your Journey Starts Here: The Official Ledger Device Setup Guide

Welcome to the secure world of crypto ownership! This guide walks you through the essential, official steps provided by Ledger at Ledger.com/Start to set up your new hardware wallet and the companion application, Ledger Live. **Always start at the official URL to ensure authenticity.**

1. Phase 1: Download and Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the mandatory software interface for managing your Ledger hardware wallet. It is used to install apps, update firmware, and manage transactions.

1.1. Official Download Source

1. Verify the Source:

Navigate directly to the official Ledger website. Avoid using links from social media, email, or third-party sites.

2. Download the Application:

Download the Ledger Live installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or the official app for your mobile device (iOS/Android App Stores). Ensure the file name and digital signature are correct upon download.

3. Installation:

Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. For macOS, drag the app into your Applications folder. For mobile, the installation is handled by the respective app store.

2. Phase 2: Hardware Wallet Initialization (The Most Critical Steps)

This process is done entirely on the Ledger device's screen, ensuring your sensitive data never touches an internet-connected device.

2.1. Initial Device Setup

1. Power On and Welcome Screen:

Connect your Ledger device to your computer via USB (or power it on if using a Nano X). Use the left and right buttons to navigate and both buttons simultaneously to confirm a selection.

2. Select "Set up as new device":

Use the buttons on the device to navigate the menu and choose the option to set up a new wallet. **Do not choose 'Restore from Recovery Phrase' unless you are intentionally recovering an old wallet.**

3. Choose and Confirm PIN Code:

The device will prompt you to set a **4 to 8-digit PIN code**. This code is used to unlock your device every time you use it. Select the digits on the device and confirm. This PIN is NOT the Recovery Phrase.

4. Write Down the 24-Word Recovery Phrase:

This is the most crucial step. The device will display **24 unique words** one by one. You must meticulously write these words down on the provided physical Recovery Sheet, noting the correct number for each word (1 through 24). Keep your phone or computer away during this process.

5. Confirm the Recovery Phrase:

Your Ledger device will ask you to confirm specific words (e.g., "Word 12," "Word 19"). Use the buttons to select the correct corresponding word from the list. This step ensures you have recorded the phrase accurately.

6. Device is Ready:

Once confirmed, the device will display "Your device is ready." You can now reconnect your device to the Ledger Live application.

2.2. Ledger Live Security Check

Return to the Ledger Live application on your computer.

1. Start the Check:

Ledger Live will prompt you to start a **"Genuine Check."** This uses cryptographic proof to verify that your Ledger device is a legitimate Ledger product and has not been tampered with.

2. Authenticate:

Follow the instructions in Ledger Live. The device screen will ask you to "Allow Ledger Manager." Press both buttons on the device to confirm.

3. Confirmation:

Ledger Live will confirm "Your device is genuine." You can now proceed to manage your crypto.

3. Phase 3: Install Apps and Fund Your Wallet

The Ledger Live interface acts as your dashboard for installing necessary blockchain applications onto the limited storage of your hardware wallet and managing your accounts.

3.1. Using the Manager

1. Access the Manager:

In Ledger Live, navigate to the **"Manager"** tab (usually in the left sidebar). Ensure your Ledger device is connected, unlocked with your PIN, and shows "Allow Ledger Manager."

2. Install Crypto Apps:

Search for the cryptocurrency you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano). Click the **"Install"** button. The app will be downloaded from Ledger's server and installed onto the device's secure chip. You must install the corresponding app on the device before you can add an account in Ledger Live.

3.2. Adding Accounts

1. Add Account:

Navigate to the **"Accounts"** section and click **"+ Add account."**

2. Select Coin and Connect:

Select the cryptocurrency you just installed (e.g., Bitcoin). Ledger Live will prompt you to open the corresponding app on your physical Ledger device.

3. Sync and Create:

Ledger Live will scan the blockchain for existing accounts and allow you to create new ones. Name your account (e.g., "BTC Main") and click **"Done."**

3.3. Sending and Receiving Funds

The final and most important step is safely transacting.

1. Receiving Funds (Initial Deposit):

In Ledger Live, go to the **"Receive"** tab. Select the correct account (e.g., "BTC Main"). Ledger Live will generate a receiving address.

CRITICAL: Select **"Verify on device"** and confirm that the address displayed on your Ledger screen **exactly matches** the address displayed in Ledger Live. This prevents man-in-the-middle attacks. Once verified, copy the address and use it to send funds from an exchange or another wallet.

2. Sending Funds (The Security Check):

When sending funds, Ledger Live prepares the transaction details. Your Ledger device will display the full transaction details (recipient address, amount, fee) for your review. You **MUST** manually confirm these details by pressing the buttons on the device. **This physical confirmation protects you from hackers and malware.**

4. Ongoing Maintenance and Security

• Firmware Updates: Check the **Manager** section periodically. When a firmware update is available, follow Ledger Live's prompts exactly. Firmware updates are a critical security step.
• Secret Recovery Phrase Storage: Verify that your 24-word phrase is stored securely, offline, and away from your device itself.
• PIN Usage: Always use your PIN to unlock the device before making any management changes or transactions.