Welcome to the **Ledger Getting Started Hub**
This is your definitive guide to initiating your **crypto journey**. Follow this secure **setup process** to activate your **Ledger Nano** and begin managing your **digital assets** with peace of mind.
Start Your Secure ActivationThe 4 Pillars of Your **Ledger Setup Process**
Unbox & Authenticate
Carefully open your package. Your **Ledger Nano** should arrive sealed. The first step in the **setup process** is connecting your device and letting **Ledger Live** perform an **initial security check**. This crucial step verifies the authenticity of your **hardware wallet**, ensuring it has not been tampered with or pre-initialized by a third party. Only proceed if the authentication confirms a genuine **Ledger device**.
Set Your Personal PIN
You will be prompted to choose a **PIN** code directly on your **Ledger Nano** screen. Use the side buttons to select a strong, memorable code (4 to 8 digits recommended). This PIN is your physical lock, preventing unauthorized access to your **digital assets** if your **hardware wallet** is lost or stolen. It's an indispensable part of your **secure crypto management**. Remember: this PIN is *only* entered on the device itself.
Safeguard the **Recovery Sheet**
The device will now generate your 24-word **Recovery Seed**. This **recovery sheet** is your only true backup. It must be written down precisely and kept in **cold storage**—offline and secure. The seed is never displayed on your computer. It is the master key to all your **digital assets**. Lose the device, and the seed restores your funds. Lose the seed, and your funds are permanently inaccessible.
Download **Ledger Live**
Download the official **Ledger Live** **desktop application** or mobile app from the link provided on the **Ledger Getting Started Hub**. This software is the secure interface you’ll use to manage your accounts, monitor your portfolio, and install the necessary **cryptocurrency** applications (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum apps) onto your **hardware wallet**. Always use the official Ledger links to prevent malicious software downloads.
Critical Security Education: Protecting Your **Digital Assets**
The Non-Negotiable **Recovery Sheet**
Every user completing the **Ledger setup process** must understand the monumental importance of the **Recovery Seed**. It is not merely a backup; it is the ultimate source code for your wallet. It adheres to the BIP-39 standard, creating a deterministic link to all your derived private keys. The **Ledger Nano** ensures the seed is generated using a true random number generator within its **secure element**, and never transmitted online, guaranteeing true **cold storage** from the moment of creation.
**Security Protocol:** Never digitize this seed—no photographs, no cloud backups, no typing it into a computer. This single vulnerability is the primary attack vector for losing **cryptocurrency**. Secure your written **recovery sheet** in a physical location (e.g., a fireproof safe, safety deposit box). For advanced security, consider using a metal backup solution to protect against fire and water damage. This diligence is the core of **secure crypto management**.
Firmware and Device Authenticity
As part of the **setup process**, **Ledger Live** connects to the **Ledger Nano** and cryptographically verifies its internal secure element and **firmware updates**. This ensures your device is running authentic Ledger code and has not been tampered with at any point, from manufacturing to your doorstep. This verification is essential for guaranteeing the integrity of the **hardware wallet**. If this **initial security check** fails, the **Ledger Getting Started Hub** will immediately provide remediation steps.
- **Always use Ledger Live:** Only update firmware through the official, verified **Ledger Live desktop application**.
- **Never confirm an unknown seed:** Your device should never display a pre-existing 24-word seed unless you are intentionally performing a recovery.
- **Check the screen:** Always verify the transaction details (address and amount) on the **Ledger device** screen before pressing the confirmation buttons.
Beyond Activation: Your **Crypto Journey** Continues
Manage Accounts in **Ledger Live**
Use the **desktop application** to add accounts for various **cryptocurrency** assets. Simply plug in your **Ledger Nano**, enter your PIN, and install the relevant app (e.g., the "Ethereum" app) through the **Ledger Live** manager. Your **hardware wallet** securely generates the public address for receiving funds.
Send and Receive **Digital Assets**
To receive funds, find your secure address in **Ledger Live**. To send funds, initiate the transaction in the app, but remember that the final **transaction signing** must be authorized by pressing the buttons on your **Ledger Nano**, making it immune to computer-based keyloggers or hacks.
Explore the **DeFi Ecosystem**
Your **hardware wallet** is the secure gateway to **decentralized finance (DeFi)** and DApps. Use **Ledger Live**'s Discover section to interact with staking providers, exchanges, and lending protocols, all while maintaining the full security of your **Ledger Nano**.
Complete Your **Setup Process** Now
Ready to move from unboxing to full **secure crypto management**? Click below to download the official **Ledger Live** application and finalize your device activation.
Download Ledger Live