Ledger.com/Start® | Ledger Getting Started Hub

Your official roadmap to setting up your hardware wallet, securing your assets, and embracing the power of self-custody.

The Foundation of Self-Custody

Embracing a Ledger hardware wallet marks a critical step toward true financial autonomy, shifting your assets from the custody of third-party exchanges—which are susceptible to hacks and regulatory risks—into your exclusive control. This transition relies on a fundamental principle: keeping your private keys offline, secured by a certified chip within the device. Unlike hot wallets, which remain connected to the internet, Ledger ensures that the private keys, the cryptographic proof of ownership for your assets, never touch an online environment. This physical separation, often referred to as 'cold storage,' provides an unparalleled level of security against remote cyber threats, malware, and sophisticated phishing attacks that continually plague the digital asset space. Setting up your device correctly is the single most important action you will take to maintain this robust protection.

The initial setup sequence is precisely engineered for maximum security, requiring the user to perform critical steps sequentially and without interruption. The process begins with initializing the device, where a unique, cryptographically secure 24-word Recovery Phrase is generated. This phrase is the only backup of your keys, making its physical transcription and secure storage paramount. Subsequently, you must establish a strong PIN code. This PIN acts as a local security layer, protecting the device from unauthorized physical access; however, it is crucial to understand that the PIN protects the device, while the 24-word phrase protects the actual funds. Successfully navigating this initial configuration guarantees the integrity of your security chain, establishing a secure environment for all future transactions and portfolio management tasks.

Essential Setup and Security FAQs

The 24-word Recovery Phrase, often called the seed phrase, is the single, unencrypted master key to all your cryptographic assets. It is generated securely by your Ledger device during the initial setup and is the only backup that can restore your private keys if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. This phrase must never be digitized, photographed, or stored in any connected manner, including email, cloud storage, or on a computer. The recommended best practice is to transcribe it onto the provided recovery sheets and store it physically in multiple, highly secure, fireproof locations, ensuring no single point of failure can compromise your holdings. Understanding the non-recoverable nature of this key is the foundation of self-custody. Ledger provides comprehensive guides on securing this vital information, which should be reviewed meticulously before finalizing your setup.

Official Guide on Securing Your Recovery Phrase

Ledger Live is the essential, all-in-one desktop and mobile application developed by Ledger to securely manage, buy, sell, stake, and swap your crypto assets. Crucially, Ledger Live itself does not hold your private keys; it acts purely as a secure interface and portfolio manager. When you initiate a transaction within Ledger Live, the application prepares the transaction details but cannot sign it. The data is sent to your Ledger hardware wallet via USB or Bluetooth. The device then verifies the transaction details on its secure screen, and only once you physically confirm the transaction on the device using its buttons is the private key (which never leaves the secure chip) used to cryptographically sign the transaction. This secure approval process is what ensures transactions cannot be executed without physical access and explicit user consent, fundamentally protecting your assets from software-based attacks.

Discover the Ledger Live Ecosystem

Every official Ledger device contains a genuine secure element chip and relies on a unique cryptographic attestation procedure during setup and whenever connecting to Ledger Live. When you connect your device, Ledger Live automatically performs a 'Genuine Check' to confirm that the hardware is authentic and has not been tampered with. It verifies the device's internal security checks and its firmware integrity. This multi-layered security mechanism prevents attackers from substituting the device with a counterfeit or malicious version. Always purchase devices exclusively from Ledger's official website or authorized resellers, and always perform firmware updates directly through the official Ledger Live application. Never use third-party tools or websites for updates, as maintaining firmware authenticity is vital for the device's security guarantees.

Read about the Genuine Check Process

Your Next Steps to Full Mastery

With your device successfully initialized and your Recovery Phrase securely stored, the final step involves mastering the Ledger Live application. This software is your window into the decentralized world, allowing you to install applications for various cryptocurrencies, manage your portfolio, and safely initiate transactions. Ensure that you utilize the built-in learning resources within Ledger Live, which guide you through asset management, staking, and securely buying crypto directly to your device. Always remember that for any transaction, the physical confirmation on your device's screen is the final gatekeeper of your assets.

For advanced users and developers, the Ledger ecosystem supports connections with numerous verified third-party wallets, such as MetaMask or applications like Cardano's AdaLite, allowing you to use your Ledger device as the security guarantor for those interfaces. This flexibility means you can interact with complex decentralized applications (dApps) without ever exposing your private keys. Consistency in following these security protocols is what transforms a simple hardware device into the most powerful protection available for your digital wealth.