The Official Ledger Start Guide: Your First Steps to Unbreakable Digital Asset Security

URL: Ledger.com/Start

I. 🛡️ Introduction: The Power in Your Hands

Congratulations on taking the most important step in digital asset management. Your Ledger device is the **gold standard for security**, putting true ownership back with you. No third party, no institutional custody—just you and your keys. This is the **official, comprehensive walkthrough** for setting up your device through **Ledger.com/Start**. Follow these steps meticulously to ensure your device is genuine and your setup is flawless.

The entire process revolves around one singular, vital component: generating your **secret recovery phrase**—the ultimate key to your funds. Understanding and securing this phrase is paramount to your digital future.

🚨 **CRITICAL SECURITY WARNING:** Your Ledger device will guide you through generating a 24-word recovery phrase. **Ledger, Inc. will NEVER ask you for this phrase.** Do not store it digitally. Do not photograph it. Write it down **ONLY** on the provided recovery sheets.

II. 📦 Unboxing and Genuine Check

Your journey begins by verifying your device's integrity. An authentic Ledger device arrives in secure packaging with specific tamper-evident seals. **Inspect these seals carefully.** If anything looks compromised, contact customer support immediately.

**The Device Check:** Connect your Ledger device to a power source or computer. The screen should immediately display a welcome message. Crucially, a **genuine Ledger device is shipped without a pre-set PIN or recovery phrase.** If your device asks for a PIN or displays a pre-existing phrase, **DO NOT proceed.** This is a sign of a potential compromise; only an initialized device is secure.

III. 🔑 Setting Your Master Keys

This is where you create the cryptographic foundation of your security.

  1. **Set Your Secure PIN:** Use the device's buttons to select a **complex PIN** (4 to 8 digits). Confirm it carefully.
  2. **Generate the 24-Word Recovery Phrase:** The device will display one word at a time. Write each word down **in order** on the provided recovery sheets. This is the only physical backup of your funds.
  3. **Confirm the Phrase:** The device will prompt you to verify several random words from your phrase. This ensures you've written it down correctly before finalizing the setup.

... *Expand with more detail on the importance of the physical storage of the recovery phrase* ...

IV. đź”— The Companion Software Integration

... *Content will cover downloading the official application (Ledger Live) and connecting the device for the first time, ensuring the connection is secure and authenticated by the hardware.* ...

V. âś… Best Practices for Long-Term Security

... *Content will cover the rule of confirming all transactions on the device, safe storage of the recovery phrase, and official firmware update procedures.* ...