The first steps towards digital asset security and sovereignty.
Welcome to the protected world of digital assets. You've reached the essential starting point for securing your decentralized wealth. At Ledger, we believe in empowering you with **uncompromising security** and an intuitive experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire initiation process, ensuring your journey from novice to master of your digital finance is seamless and secure. This resource is designed to be the only page you'll need to successfully begin using your Ledger device and companion software.
Ensure your device was procured directly from an official source to guarantee its integrity. Upon receiving your package, verify the physical seals and contents. The unboxing experience is designed to be simple, containing the device, connection cable, instructional materials, and the vital Recovery Sheets.
Crucial Security Check: A legitimate Ledger device will **never** come with a pre-filled Recovery Phrase. If yours does, immediately cease setup and contact support. Security starts the moment you open the box.
Power on your device. The display will prompt you to create a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN). Choose a code you can easily remember, but is difficult for others to guess, using between four and eight digits. This PIN is your device access key.
The device will then display your 24-word **Confidential Recovery Phrase**, one word at a time. This is the **most critical component** of your security. It is your master key, and the only way to restore access to your assets if your device is lost or damaged. You must:
The final step is preparing your desktop or mobile environment. Download the official Ledger companion application directly from the trusted link provided in your official documentation. This software acts as your gateway to manage your digital assets, install necessary applications on your device, and interact with the decentralized network.
After installation, connect your device and verify its authenticity using the software’s built-in genuine check process. This step confirms that your hardware has not been tampered with. Once verified, you can begin adding asset accounts and sending/receiving funds securely.
In the traditional system, banks hold your keys. In the decentralized financial world, you hold your own. This sovereignty comes with the responsibility of securing your Recovery Phrase. Losing it means permanent loss of access; sharing it means handing over control. Ledger's entire architecture is built around ensuring this phrase never touches the internet, remaining secured within the device’s certified secure element until it is physically written down by you. Treat it with the utmost reverence; it is the ultimate backup.
Once set up, maintaining high security standards is paramount. **Never** input your Recovery Phrase into any website or application other than the physical Ledger device itself during a restoration process. Phishing attempts often trick users into revealing this phrase digitally; understand that your device is the only trusted authority for handling this secret. Regularly update your device firmware and the companion software to ensure you have the latest security enhancements.
When conducting a transaction, always double-check the recipient's address directly on the Ledger screen, not just the computer screen. This mitigates "man-in-the-middle" attacks where malware might swap the address on your computer. Your device is designed to be the final, trustworthy check point.
The journey into digital asset management is an exciting one. By starting with Ledger, you are choosing the path of maximum security and self-sovereignty. Follow these steps meticulously, and you will be well-equipped to navigate the future of finance with confidence and control. The official Ledger support center and community forums are always available for any complex queries.
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