Secure your future. Master your Ledger hardware and software ecosystem from **Ledger.Com/Start**.
In the evolving digital asset landscape, **security** is paramount. Your hardware device is not just a tool; it's your personal vault, providing the strongest defense for your decentralized holdings. The official gateway to activating this unparalleled security and managing your digital portfolio is **Ledger.Com/Start**. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential, non-negotiable steps to ensure your device is set up correctly, protecting you from common pitfalls and giving you absolute control.
Whether you've just unboxed your Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax, this guide is your roadmap to initiating a secure relationship with the entire Ledger ecosystem. **Follow these steps precisely**—your digital peace of mind depends on it.
---Before connecting your device, inspect the packaging. It should be **tamper-proof**, with no signs of being opened, re-taped, or damaged. Your Ledger device is designed to perform a cryptographic check upon connection; however, this physical inspection is your first line of defense. If anything looks suspicious, **do not proceed** and contact the company's official support immediately.
Navigate directly to the official **Ledger.Com/Start** address. This URL will guide you to download the **Ledger Live** desktop or mobile application. This software is the mandatory interface for your device. **Never download software from any third-party source.** Installing Ledger Live is the only way to activate your device, manage assets, and access the ecosystem's services.
Connect your device to your computer using the supplied cable. The device will power on and display a welcome message. Use the physical buttons on the hardware to navigate. When prompted, select the option to **"Set up as a new device."** This is critical—never use a device that is already pre-initialized with a security phrase.
This is arguably the most important section of this entire guide. Your **24-word Recovery Phrase** (often called your seed phrase) is the master key to your digital assets. It is not stored by Ledger or any central server; **it exists only on paper and within your device.**
Note: If anyone gains access to this 24-word phrase, they gain full, irreversible control over your assets, even if they don't have your physical device.
Your Ledger will ask you to confirm your 24-word phrase by cycling through random words and asking you to verify them. This step ensures you have recorded it correctly. Following this, you will create a **4 to 8 digit PIN code**. This PIN protects your physical device from unauthorized use. It must be entered every time you power on the device.
With your hardware initialized and your security phrase safely secured, you're ready to complete the setup process within the Ledger Live application you downloaded from **Ledger.Com/Start**.
Within Ledger Live, connect your device and follow the prompts for the "Genuine Check." This proprietary test uses cryptographic proof to confirm that your device is an authentic product, ensuring that its internal security elements are intact and have not been compromised during manufacturing or shipping. **This verification is non-optional.**
Always ensure your device is running the **latest firmware version** available through Ledger Live. Firmware updates often include critical security enhancements and compatibility fixes. After the firmware is updated, you can use the Manager section in Ledger Live to install the necessary **application blocks** (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) onto your device, allowing you to create accounts and manage those specific assets.
Once the application blocks are installed, use Ledger Live to **"Add Account"** for each digital asset you wish to hold. The application will generate a new public receiving address, which is secured by your device. **Always verify the receiving address displayed on your computer screen with the address displayed on your Ledger device** before executing any transaction.
Your journey doesn't end with setup. Regular maintenance is key to sustained security:
By diligently following the path laid out at **Ledger.Com/Start** and maintaining these best practices, you move beyond mere ownership and step into the role of a true custodian of your digital wealth. You have achieved an unmatched level of security and sovereign control. Welcome to the future of finance, secured by your Ledger.