A Mandatory Step-by-Step Guide for Initial Configuration and Safety
Before proceeding, ensure you have your physical device, a USB-C cable, a pen, and a secure location for note-taking. This process mandates focus and uninterrupted concentration.
Connect and Power. Link the hardware wallet to a trusted computer using the official cable. Press the required button sequence to activate the device's bootloader. The screen will display a welcome message.
Firmware Verification. Navigate to the device's information screen. Confirm the installed firmware version matches the latest release documented on the official support portal (e.g., Ledger.com/start). Never use unofficial firmware.
New Secret Generation. Choose the option to "Setup as new device." The display will present a unique, randomized sequence of 24 words. This **Recovery Phrase** is the master key for all assets.
Immutable Record. Transcribe this sequence *manually* onto the provided paper sheets. **Do not photograph, digitize, or store it electronically.** Verify the spelling of every word twice. This is your single point of recovery.
Pin Configuration. Select a strong 4-to-8 digit PIN code using the device's buttons. Enter the PIN, then re-enter it for confirmation. This code protects physical access to the device.
Device Finalization. Complete the setup verification. The device is now initialized. Install the required management application on your desktop (e.g., Ledger Live) to finalize asset management. Only download the app from the official site.
Under no circumstances should you ever share your 24-word Recovery Phrase with anyone, including support staff. Your security is solely dependent upon the secrecy and secure, offline storage of this phrase. Public networks are prohibited for critical transactions.