Welcome to the **Ledger Getting Started Hub**
Your official, step-by-step guide to achieving true **Self-Custody**. Follow these crucial steps to complete your **Hardware Wallet Setup**, secure your **Recovery Phrase**, and master the fundamentals of **Digital Security** using Ledger.
Start Your Secure Setup JourneySecurity is a journey, and we're here to guide you.
Phase 1: Your Three Non-Negotiable **Hardware Wallet Setup** Steps
Every successful **Self-Custody** journey begins with these three critical actions. Do not skip any. They are the foundation of your **Digital Security** within the crypto space.
Initialize Your Device & Set **PIN Code**
The first step is setting up your **PIN Code** directly on the **Hardware Wallet**. This PIN is the key to unlocking the device and accessing the **Secure Element**. Crucially, you **must** generate your private keys (the **Recovery Phrase**) on the device screen itself, ensuring they are never exposed to your computer or phone.
Securely Note the **Recovery Phrase** (24 Words)
This is the most vital step in **Self-Custody**. The sequence of **24 Words** shown on your device screen is your master key. Write it down *only* on the provided paper sheets. Never photograph it, type it, or store it digitally. Your **Digital Security** depends entirely on the offline safety of these **24 Words**.
Download and Install **Ledger Live**
**Ledger Live** is the necessary software interface for viewing your balances, installing crypto apps onto your **Hardware Wallet**, and initiating transactions. Always download it directly from the official ledger.com site to avoid malware and ensure **Secure Connectivity**.
Phase 2: Mastering the **Recovery Phrase** and PIN
The difference between having a simple crypto wallet and a secure **Hardware Wallet Setup** lies in understanding and safeguarding your **Recovery Phrase**. Let's review the actions required for maximum **Digital Security**.
1. Setting Your Personal **PIN Code**
Choose a **PIN Code** between 4 and 8 digits. This PIN protects your device physically. If lost or stolen, the PIN prevents unauthorized access to the keys stored on the **Secure Element**. **Crucial**: Three incorrect PIN attempts will erase the device, requiring you to restore access using your **Recovery Phrase** (the **24 Words**).
2. Generating the **24 Words** Master Key
When you select "Set up as a new device," your Ledger generates a new, unique, cryptographically secure sequence of **24 Words**. Write these down *slowly* and *carefully* on your physical card. Do not rush this process. This **Recovery Phrase** is the only backup for your crypto funds, representing the ultimate tool for **Self-Custody**.
3. **Recovery Phrase** Verification
Your Ledger device will prompt you to verify the entire sequence of **24 Words** immediately after writing it down. This is the **most important check** in the **Hardware Wallet Setup**. The verification ensures you haven't made any spelling errors or missed a word. A correctly verified **Recovery Phrase** guarantees you can restore your funds later, regardless of what happens to the device itself.
4. Connecting and Authenticating with **Ledger Live**
Once setup is complete on the device, connect it to your computer and launch **Ledger Live**. The application will perform a **Genuine Check**—a cryptographic verification process that ensures your device is authentic and running genuine Ledger firmware. This final authentication step confirms the integrity of your entire **Digital Security** chain.
Phase 3: Deepening Your **Digital Security** Knowledge
Understanding True **Self-Custody**
**Self-Custody** means you, and only you, control the private keys that sign transactions. Unlike exchanges, Ledger does not hold your funds. The **Recovery Phrase** is the sole proof of ownership. This absolute control is the core benefit of the **Hardware Wallet Setup**. However, with great power comes great responsibility: if you lose your **24 Words** **Recovery Phrase**, your funds are lost forever. Conversely, if your computer is compromised, the **Secure Element** protects your keys because they remain entirely offline.
The Unbreakable Link: Device Screen vs. **Ledger Live**
When using **Ledger Live** to send crypto, the transaction details (recipient address and amount) are prepared on your computer but must be confirmed on your Ledger device's screen. This **What You See Is What You Sign (WYSIWYS)** feature is crucial. Even if malware alters the information on your computer screen, the device's secure screen will display the genuine, unaltered transaction data that the **Secure Element** is about to sign. Only confirm the transaction if the details on the device match exactly what you intend to send.
The **Secure Element** Advantage in Detail
The **Secure Element** is a specialized, tamper-resistant chip (certified EAL5+) designed specifically to host cryptographic data. It is the gold standard for **Digital Security** devices, similar to what is used in passports and credit cards. When you perform the **Hardware Wallet Setup**, your private key is generated and stored inside this chip. The operating system (BOLOS) running on the chip is designed to prevent any attempt to read the key out, making it impervious to both physical attacks (without specialist lab equipment) and remote software attacks. This is fundamentally different from software wallets, where keys are stored on the general-purpose, internet-connected storage of your computer.
What If I Lose My Device or Forget My PIN?
- **Lost Device:** If you lose your Ledger, your funds are safe because the device is protected by the **PIN Code**. You simply buy a new Ledger (or another brand of wallet) and use your **Recovery Phrase** (the **24 Words**) to restore your accounts onto the new device. Your funds live on the blockchain, not on the device.
- **Forgot PIN:** If you forget your **PIN Code**, enter the wrong PIN three times to reset the device. The device will be wiped clean. You then use the **Recovery Phrase** to restore your accounts, demonstrating the power and necessity of the **24 Words** backup.
- **Compromised Phrase:** If your **Recovery Phrase** is stolen, your funds are at risk. You must immediately move all your assets to a new, secure wallet address generated by a new, untainted **Recovery Phrase**. This is the only scenario where haste is required in **Self-Custody**.
Ready to Start **Secure Crypto Management**?
The next step is to download the official **Ledger Live** application and connect your device to complete your **Hardware Wallet Setup**.
Download **Ledger Live** Now