Establishing Your **Crypto Security Foundation** at **ledger.com/start**
This **Ledger Getting Started Hub** is your definitive resource for beginning your journey into true **Self-Custody Principles**. Owning a Ledger device means you have taken the critical step toward managing your own **digital assets protection**. Unlike keeping funds on an exchange, you are now responsible for the **Private Keys Protection**, which is the absolute core of **secure crypto management**. Our **Initial Setup Guide** will walk you through the essential steps, ensuring you correctly establish your **Hardware Wallet Setup** and master the vital concept of the **24-Word Recovery Phrase**. Success in crypto hinges on getting this initial security foundation right. The steps outlined here ensure you create a genuine **Secure Environment** from the very first minute, solidifying your control over your funds.
Every action taken from this **ledger.com/start** page focuses on **Physical Security** and the cryptographic integrity of your device. We stress that the security of your crypto assets is directly tied to the security of your device and, most importantly, the **24-Word Recovery Phrase**. Embrace the **Self-Custody Principles** by completing this guide carefully.
Phase One: Unboxing, Authenticity, and **Hardware Wallet Setup**
1. **Physical Security** Check
Before proceeding with your **Initial Setup Guide**, verify the device integrity. Your Ledger box should arrive with tamper-proof seals intact. This simple **Physical Security** step confirms that your hardware has not been opened or tampered with since leaving the factory. If seals are broken or look suspicious, do not proceed. Always refer back to the official documentation on **ledger.com/start** to confirm the expected packaging state. This initial inspection is the very first step in **Private Keys Protection**.
2. Running the **Initial Setup Guide**
Connect your device and begin the **Hardware Wallet Setup**. The device will prompt you to choose a **PIN code**. This PIN acts as your immediate barrier of **Physical Security** and must be between 4 and 8 digits. Choose a complex PIN, not easily guessed. Crucially, the Ledger device never comes pre-configured with a PIN or a **24-Word Recovery Phrase**—if it does, it is compromised. You must generate these yourself during the **Initial Setup Guide** to ensure genuine **Self-Custody Principles**.
3. Cryptographic Verification
The ultimate safeguard is the **Genuine Check** performed later through Ledger Live. This check cryptographically verifies that the internal Secure Element is authentic. Even before installing Ledger Live, understand that your **Hardware Wallet Setup** is designed to prevent fraudulent devices from working. This continuous verification throughout the **secure environment** confirms the strength of your **Crypto Security Foundation**, reinforcing trust in your **Private Keys Protection** system.
Phase Two: The Absolute Security of the **24-Word Recovery Phrase**
This phrase is the absolute master key to your **digital assets protection**. The **24-Word Recovery Phrase** is generated by the **Hardware Wallet Setup** device during the **Initial Setup Guide**. It is the backup, the ultimate proof of ownership, and the means by which you can restore all your **crypto accounts** and **Private Keys Protection** onto a new Ledger device should yours be lost or damaged. This single set of words is the entirety of your **Crypto Security Foundation**.
Storage Rules for **Physical Security**
- **NEVER** digitize the **24-Word Recovery Phrase**. Do not take pictures, save it on a computer, email it, or store it in cloud storage. Digital copies are the antithesis of **Private Keys Protection**.
- Write it down only on the provided recovery sheets and store it **offline**. This commitment to **Physical Security** is central to **Self-Custody Principles**.
- Protect it from fire, water, and theft. Consider a durable steel backup solution for maximum **digital assets protection**.
Understanding **Self-Custody Principles**
The **24-Word Recovery Phrase** is the physical manifestation of your **Private Keys Protection**. Losing this phrase means losing access to your funds if your device is destroyed. Sharing this phrase with anyone gives them instant, complete access to your **digital assets**. No legitimate service, including Ledger or the **Ledger Getting Started Hub** at **ledger.com/start**, will ever ask you for these words. They must remain in your complete and sole custody to maintain the **Secure Environment**.
By securing your **24-Word Recovery Phrase**, you actively enforce the **Self-Custody Principles** and complete the most vital step of your **Initial Setup Guide**.
Your Next Step: Securing the **Secure Environment** with Ledger Live
Having successfully completed your **Hardware Wallet Setup** and secured your **24-Word Recovery Phrase**, you have established a strong **Crypto Security Foundation**. Your next step, as detailed on **ledger.com/start**, is to download and install the official Ledger Live application. This application provides the interface for your **digital assets management**, allowing you to check your balances, send funds via **secure crypto transactions**, and manage your device. Remember, Ledger Live is simply the window; the **Private Keys Protection** always remains within the **Hardware Wallet Setup** device itself, protected by the principles of **Physical Security** and the integrity of your **24-Word Recovery Phrase**. Continue embracing **Self-Custody Principles** by only downloading software from official Ledger sources and maintaining the strict security protocols learned in this **Initial Setup Guide**.