Welcome to the official Ledger setup guide. Follow these essential steps to secure your digital assets.
This is the mandatory first step. Download and install the Ledger Live application only from the official Ledger website. Avoid third-party links or app stores. Ledger Live is your gateway for managing your assets, installing apps on your device, and firmware updates. This section needs to be expanded to discuss app verification, compatibility, and device requirements.
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Plug in your Ledger device and follow the on-screen prompts. **Crucially, write down your 24-word Recovery Phrase** on the provided physical sheet. Never take a picture of it, type it, or store it digitally. This phrase is the master key to your funds—lose it, and you lose everything; share it, and someone can steal your assets. This step must cover PIN creation and device verification.
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Open the Ledger Live Manager, connect your device, and unlock it with your PIN. You can now browse and install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Only install the apps you need to save space. Each application acts as a bridge for that specific blockchain network.
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In Ledger Live, go to the 'Accounts' tab and click 'Add Account.' Select the cryptocurrency you installed in the previous step (e.g., Ethereum). Your Ledger device will generate a public address for you to receive funds. **Always verify the receiving address** on your physical Ledger screen before confirming it in Ledger Live or sending funds to it.
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The **24-word Recovery Phrase** is not stored on the Ledger device; it is derived by the device and acts as your master backup. Anyone with this phrase can restore your wallets on *any* compatible hardware wallet. Never input your phrase into a computer, smartphone, or website. Ledger will **NEVER** ask you for it.
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Visit the Official Security PageOnce your basic setup is complete, you can begin exploring advanced features like staking, swapping, and DeFi applications directly through the Ledger Live interface. Remember, the core security principle remains: **all sensitive transactions must be physically verified and confirmed on your Ledger device.** This remaining section is where you would place the rest of your 1800-word content, detailing topics like firmware management, transaction signing, and troubleshooting guides.
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