Secure Your Crypto Universe: A Guided Setup for Your New Ledger

Welcome to Ledger.com/start, the definitive launching pad for your new hardware wallet. You've acquired a Ledger device—a Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Ledger Stax—to provide unparalleled security for your digital wealth. This page is designed to be your clear, concise, and secure guide from unboxing to full operation. Let's build your foundation of trust, one step at a time.

Think of your Ledger as a personal, un-hackable vault. This guide will help you place the first—and most important—locks on it.

Your Pre-Flight Checklist: Gather These Items

Before we dive in, ensure you have these essentials at hand. Preparation is key to a stress-free setup.

  • The Hardware: Your pristine Ledger device, still in its box.
  • The Cable: The supplied USB cable to connect to your computer or phone.
  • Stable Internet: A reliable connection for downloading Ledger Live.
  • Analog Backup Tools: A pen and your Recovery Sheet (found in the box). This is non-negotiable for security.

The Four Pillars of Your Ledger Setup

The entire setup process rests on four fundamental actions. Understand the purpose of each, and you'll understand how to truly protect your assets.

Pillar 1: Powering Up and Installing the Dashboard

Your Ledger device is a secure, isolated environment. To interact with it, you need Ledger Live—the application that serves as your visual dashboard.

  1. Download Ledger Live: Navigate to the official Ledger website and download Ledger Live for your desktop or mobile. Pro Tip: Bookmark the official Ledger website to avoid fraudulent look-alike sites in the future.
  2. Unbox and Connect: Open your device, connect it via USB, and power it on. You'll see a "Welcome" message. Press both buttons to proceed.
  3. Choose Your Path: Select "Set up as new device". You are creating a new, unique digital identity.

Pillar 2: Generating the Master Key (Your Recovery Phrase)

This is the single most important part of your crypto security lifecycle. Your 24-word Recovery Phrase is your master key. It is a direct representation of the private keys that control your cryptocurrencies.

  • The Process: Your device will now generate a random sequence of 24 words. Write each word clearly and in the correct order on your Recovery Sheet.
  • The Golden Rules:
    • Device-Only Display: The words appear only on your Ledger's secure screen. Never trust a computer or phone screen with this task.
    • Permanently Offline: This phrase must live on paper or a dedicated metal backup tool. Digitizing it (photos, notes apps, cloud drives) exposes it to theft.
    • Absolute Secrecy: Ledger will never, under any circumstances, ask for these words. Anyone who does is a malicious actor.

Pillar 3: Proving Your Backup

A backup is only good if it's correct. Your device will now ask you to re-enter a selection of the words from your list. This is not a test; it's a critical verification step to ensure you have a perfect, restorable copy of your Recovery Phrase. Successfully completing this proves you are prepared for any scenario.

Pillar 4: Creating Your Daily Passcode (The PIN)

While your 24-word phrase is for catastrophic recovery, your PIN code is for everyday access. It physically protects the device itself.

  1. Choose a PIN code. We strongly recommend using one that is 6-8 digits long.
  2. Confirm it by entering it a second time.
  3. Security Feature, Not a Flaw: The device will wipe itself after three consecutive incorrect PIN entries. This is a powerful anti-theft feature. Since you have your 24-word Recovery Phrase, you can always restore your wallet to a new device, making this "wipe" a minor inconvenience, not a disaster.

Finalizing Your Fortress: The Genuine Check

Now, return to the Ledger Live application on your computer.

  1. In the app, follow the prompts to "Set up a New Device."
  2. When instructed, connect your unlocked Ledger device.
  3. You will see a prompt for "Allow Ledger Manager" on your device screen. Confirm this to proceed.
  4. The final, vital step: Your device will perform a "Genuine Check." This cryptographic handshake verifies that your Ledger is authentic and has not been compromised in the supply chain. A "Genuine" confirmation means you have a true Ledger product.

You're In Control: Your First Actions in Ledger Live

The setup is complete! Your vault is locked, and you hold the keys. Ledger Live is now your mission control.

  • Create Asset Accounts: Navigate to "My Ledger" or "Add Account" to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you own (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Your device will be required to authorize each installation.
  • Safely Receive Funds: To receive crypto, go to an account, click "Receive," and follow the steps. Always confirm the receiving address on your Ledger device's screen. This ensures no malicious software on your computer has altered it.
  • Explore the Ecosystem: Use the "Buy," "Sell," "Swap," or "Earn" features within Ledger Live to grow your portfolio, all without ever exposing your private keys.

Embrace the Responsibility of Sovereignty

With great power comes great responsibility. You have now moved from relying on a third-party exchange to holding your own assets.

  • Your Recovery Phrase is Sacred. Treat it with the same seriousness you would treat a physical deed to a house.
  • Your PIN is Your Gatekeeper. Make it memorable to you, but difficult for others to guess.
  • Stay Vigilant. The crypto space is exciting but requires caution. Trust your device's screen above all else.