🌈 Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started® — Ledger®® 🔐

Slide 1: Welcome to the World of Self-Custody

**Welcome!** You've taken a crucial step toward securing your digital assets.
The Ledger device is a **Hardware Wallet**, the **gold standard** for crypto security.
It stores your **private keys offline**, isolated from vulnerable computers or phones.
The Ledger Promise: **You** own your crypto (**self-custody**), not an exchange.
**Goal:** Walk through the essential, one-time setup to protect your funds from day one.

**What's in the Box?** Device, USB cable, and **Recovery Sheets (Critical!)**.
**Crucial Security Check:** Ensure the package is **tamper-free**.
**VITAL:** Your device must **NOT** have a pre-set PIN or pre-filled Recovery Phrase. Stop and contact support if it does.
**Requirement:** A computer or compatible mobile device, and internet access to download software.

**The Control Center:** **Ledger Live** is the official application for managing your device, installing apps, and checking balances.
**The Only Official Source:** **ALWAYS** download Ledger Live directly from the official site: **Ledger.com/start**.
**Security Alert:** **NEVER** download from third-party sites or suspicious ads; these could be malicious fakes.
Install and launch the application once downloaded.

**Power On:** Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the USB cable.
**Initial Setup:** Navigate the device screen using the physical buttons. Press both simultaneously to confirm a selection.
**Select "Set up as a new device":** This instructs the device to generate a completely new, unique set of private keys.

**The Role of the PIN:** Secures the **physical access** to your device if it is stolen.
**Creation:** Use the buttons to select a strong PIN of **4 to 8 digits (8 recommended)**.
**Confirmation:** You must enter the PIN twice.
**Memorize it!** Do not write it down near the device. If forgotten, you'll need the Recovery Phrase.

**Most Critical Step:** The **Recovery Phrase** is the **MASTER BACKUP** of all your funds.
**Write It Down:** Write the 24 words, in order, onto the **Recovery Sheets**. **Double-check the spelling of every single word.**
**VITAL SECURITY RULE:** **NEVER** digitize this phrase (no photos, cloud storage, or typing it onto a computer). It must **remain offline**.
**Confirmation:** The device will prompt you to input specific words to ensure you wrote it down correctly.

**The Risk:** If someone gets this phrase, they get **immediate and complete access** to your funds.
**Restoration:** You need this phrase to recover your crypto if your device is lost or broken.
**Storage Recommendations:** Store the sheets in a **safe, secure location**.
Consider **multiple, separate, geographic locations** (e.g., a safe deposit box) to protect against disaster (fire/flood).
**Reminder:** Ledger Support will **NEVER** ask for this phrase.

**Device Ready:** Once the device confirms readiness, return to the Ledger Live app.
**Integrity Check:** Ledger Live will verify the device's authenticity and firmware.
**Install Apps:** Use the **Manager** section to install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you want (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
**Add Accounts:** Connect the device, unlock it, open the coin app, and click **"Add account"** in Ledger Live.

**Get Your Address:** Select **"Receive"** in Ledger Live, which prompts the device to display the address.
**CRITICAL VERIFICATION:** The address shown in Ledger Live **must exactly match** the address displayed on your physical Ledger screen. **Verify on the device!**
**The Test:** Send a **very small, nominal amount** of crypto to this new address.
**Confirmation:** Once received, you know the setup is secure and you can send larger amounts confidently.

**Key Takeaway 1:** **Protect your Recovery Phrase** above all else.
**Key Takeaway 2:** **Always verify your receive address on the device screen.**
**Rule of Thumb:** Never share your PIN or Recovery Phrase with anyone.
**Maintenance:** Update your firmware and coin apps regularly through official Ledger Live.
**What's Next?** Explore staking features, or use the **Discover** section to connect securely to DeFi and dApps.