Phase 1: Hardware Initialization
This initial stage involves preparing your physical device for secure operation. Follow the prompts directly on your Ledger screen.
- Connect and Power On: Unbox your device, connect it to your computer using the supplied cable, and the Ledger logo should appear.
- Navigation Check: Familiarize yourself with the buttons. The right button moves forward, the left moves backward, and pressing both simultaneously confirms an action.
- Choose "Set up as New Device": Cycle through the menu options until you find and select the setup option for a new wallet.
Phase 2: Establish PIN Code
Your PIN is your immediate defense against unauthorized physical access to your device. Choose a unique, memorable code between 4 and 8 digits.
- Select PIN Digits: Use the buttons to scroll through numbers for each digit. Press both buttons to confirm a digit and move to the next.
- Confirm Your PIN: The device will prompt you to enter the same PIN a second time to ensure accuracy. Do not share this PIN.
Phase 3: Critical Recovery Phrase Backup
This is the single most important step. Your **24-word Recovery Phrase** is the master key to your digital assets. **Loss means permanent loss of funds.**
- Reveal the Phrase: The device will display one word at a time. Write these 24 words down **in order** on the provided Recovery Sheets.
- Triple-Check Your Writing: Verify the spelling and order of every word. These words are case-sensitive but must be in lower-case.
- Verify on Device: The Ledger will ask you to confirm specific words (e.g., word #8 and word #15) by scrolling through options. This confirms you have successfully written down the correct sequence.
- Store Securely: Keep your Recovery Phrase sheets offline in a secure, fireproof, and private location. **NEVER digitize it.**
Phase 4: Software Integration
Once your hardware is initialized, you must install the Ledger Live application on your computer or mobile device to manage your assets.
- Download Ledger Live: Navigate to the official Ledger site and download the Ledger Live application for your operating system.
- Install and Launch: Run the application and follow the installation wizard. Launch the software once installed.
- Connect and Authenticate: Within Ledger Live, select "Initialize a new Ledger device" and follow the prompts to connect your hardware wallet and begin installing crypto applications (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
🛡️ IMPORTANT SECURITY PROTOCOL
Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase is everything. If anyone gains access to this phrase, they gain complete access to your funds, even without your physical device. The Ledger device **will never** ask you to enter this phrase anywhere other than during the initial setup or a restoration process on the device itself. Any website, email, or application asking for your 24 words is a **scam**.