Welcome to the essential guide for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. **Digital asset security** begins with a few crucial, mandatory steps. This presentation outlines the process, ensuring you understand the core concepts of seed phrase management and device initialization.
Unbox your new device. You'll need to set a **PIN code**—a 4-to-8 digit security measure for physical access to your wallet.
This is the **cryptographic master key** to your funds. It must be written down **physically** (on the included recovery sheets) and stored **offline** in a secure location. **Never** digitalize it.
This is the essential software interface for managing your assets, updating firmware, and installing applications. Always download it **exclusively** from the official Ledger website.
Every single transaction—send, receive, or swap—must be physically **verified and confirmed** on the Ledger device itself. This acts as the final **tamper-proof** check.
Regularly check and install **firmware updates** through Ledger Live. These updates are crucial for security enhancements and **protocol compatibility**.
Your seed phrase backup should be treated like your most valuable physical asset. Consider using **metal backups** or a home safe for **perpetual resilience** against fire or water damage.
Moving from an exchange to a hardware wallet introduces the concept of **self-custody**. You are now your own bank. This grants you **absolute sovereignty** over your assets, but also requires **unwavering responsibility** for the security of your recovery phrase. The Ledger device secures your private keys locally using a **Secure Element** chip, ensuring they never leave the device, even when connected to a computer.
**Important Note:** The **Restoration Process** uses your 24-word phrase to recover funds onto a *new* Ledger device in case the original is lost or damaged. This phrase is the single point of failure and recovery.