Step 1: Unboxing and Power. Carefully unpackage your Ledger device. Connect the supplied USB cable to your computer and the device. Your Ledger will power on and display a welcome message, typically "Welcome" or "Press right to continue." Use the buttons to navigate through the initial screens. **Security is paramount**; ensure the packaging was sealed and tamper-free.
Step 2: Choose a PIN Code. You will be prompted to choose a **4- to 8-digit PIN code**. This code is essential for unlocking your device. Use the top buttons to select digits and the bottom button (or both simultaneously) to validate. **Write this PIN down immediately and store it securely away from your device.** Never share this code with anyone. A complex PIN offers better protection against unauthorized physical access.
Step 3: Generate the Recovery Phrase (The 24 Words). This is the single most critical step. Your device will display a series of **24 English words**, one after the other. These words constitute your **Secret Recovery Phrase**. This phrase is the master key to all your crypto assets. If your Ledger is lost, stolen, or damaged, this phrase is the only way to recover your funds on a new device.
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The entire setup process, including PIN selection and phrase writing, must be completed **offline** without taking any photos or digital copies. **Your funds' safety depends on the absolute secrecy and security of these 24 words.**
Step 4: Download Ledger Live. Navigate to the **official Ledger website** (Ledger.com) and download the **Ledger Live application** for your desktop operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). **Never download the app from third-party links or app stores** to prevent installing malicious software. Install and launch the application.
Step 5: Initialization Check. Within Ledger Live, select the option for a "New device" or "Initialize a new Ledger." The application will walk you through a short series of steps to ensure you have correctly set up your device, including a **security check** to verify the device's authenticity—a crucial anti-counterfeiting measure.
Step 6: Install Crypto Applications. Once the authenticity check is complete, you can begin installing the necessary crypto applications (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) directly onto your Ledger device via Ledger Live. Due to limited storage on some models, you may need to uninstall and reinstall apps, but **your funds will remain safe** as they are secured by your 24-word phrase, not the installed application.
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Remember that the **Ledger device itself is the security layer**. Ledger Live is simply the user interface; **all transaction approvals must occur physically on the device** by pressing the confirmation buttons.