Ledger™ Live: The Gateway to **Self-Custody**
**Download** the Official Application to Begin **Getting Started** with Your **Ledger Nano** Device.
Welcome to the most secure way to manage your **digital assets**. **Ledger Live** is the mandatory application for initiating your **Ledger Nano** S Plus or X. This guide provides comprehensive, clear instructions for secure **firmware update**, setting your **PIN code**, and safeguarding your crucial **24-word recovery phrase**. Follow these steps for reliable and trusted **cryptocurrency management**.
Start Your Secure Journey NowSection 1: **Ledger Live Download** and Installation
Official **Secure Installation** Protocol
To ensure your security, the **Ledger Live Download** must only be obtained from the official Ledger website. Avoid third-party app stores or shared links. The official application guarantees that you are connecting to genuine Ledger servers and that your **firmware update** process is verified cryptographically. **Ledger Live** is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as mobile devices (for the Ledger Nano X and Plus). Choosing the correct version for your operating system is the first step toward **getting started** with true **self-custody**.
After downloading, run the installer. The application is designed for a smooth, user-friendly **secure installation**. Once installed, open the application. **Ledger Live** will immediately prompt you to connect your **Ledger Nano** device and begin the initialization process. This desktop application is the heart of your **cryptocurrency management**, allowing you to check balances, send/receive assets, and install necessary crypto-specific applications onto your hardware device, utilizing the power of the **secure element**.
Supported Platforms
- Windows 10+ (64-bit)
- macOS 10.15+
- Linux (64-bit)
- iOS / Android (for **Ledger Nano** X/Plus)
Requirements Check
Ensure your Ledger device is fully charged and you have the USB-C cable ready for the connection process before starting the initial setup in **Ledger Live**.
Section 2: **Getting Started** – Initializing Your **Ledger Nano**
Connect, **PIN Code**, and Verification
Connect your new **Ledger Nano** device to your computer via the USB cable. **Ledger Live** will prompt you to create a **PIN code**. This PIN is your physical access key. You must set this PIN directly on the hardware device using its two buttons—never on your computer. Choose a strong, memorable PIN (4 to 8 digits). This PIN is stored within the **secure element** chip, ensuring that even if the device is stolen, your funds are protected from unauthorized physical access. The software also verifies the authenticity of your Ledger device during this phase, confirming it's a genuine product ready for **self-custody**.
The **24-Word Recovery Phrase** (The Master Key)
The most critical step in **getting started** is generating and securing your **24-word recovery phrase**. The phrase is displayed on the device's screen and is the single **offline backup** of your crypto assets. You must write these words down on the provided recovery sheets **in the correct order**. Do not store it digitally. This phrase is the only way to restore access to your wallets if your device is lost or damaged. Treat it like a physical treasure. **Ledger Live** will then guide you through a verification check where you confirm several of the words to ensure you recorded them correctly before proceeding to full **cryptocurrency management**.
**Firmware Update** and Account Creation
Once your PIN and **24-word recovery phrase** are secured, **Ledger Live** will prompt you for a **firmware update**. Always keep your device firmware up-to-date for optimal security. After the firmware is confirmed, you can use the Manager section to install the specific applications (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) you need onto your device. Finally, use the 'Accounts' section to add corresponding accounts for those applications. This completes the essential steps for robust **cryptocurrency management** and sets the stage for your first **secure transaction**.
The Ledger Security Advantage: **Secure Element** & **Self-Custody**
The core of the Ledger security model is the **Secure Element** chip, the same technology used for highly secure applications like passports and credit cards. This dedicated chip physically isolates your private keys from your computer, where they might be vulnerable to malware or phishing. When you execute a **secure transaction**, only the transaction details are sent to the device; the signing (the cryptographic act that proves ownership) occurs *inside* the **secure element**. This fundamental design choice is the foundation of genuine **self-custody**.
**Ledger Live**, through its authenticated connection with the **Ledger Nano**, acts as a trust layer. It ensures that the **firmware update** is official and that the user interface correctly reflects the transaction you are signing on your device screen. The integration of the hardware and the software ensures a seamless but highly protected experience, making it the superior choice for serious **cryptocurrency management**. The process described in this **Getting Started** guide guarantees you maintain ultimate control, reinforcing the principle: **Not your keys, not your crypto.**
This layered approach to protection—physical **PIN code** security combined with cryptographic isolation via the **secure element**—is why millions rely on Ledger for comprehensive **self-custody** and safe **cryptocurrency management**.
Key Security Concepts
- ✓ **Secure Element** (CC EAL5+ certified chip) protection.
- ✓ Physical confirmation on device for every **secure transaction**.
- ✓ Isolation of the **24-word recovery phrase** from the computer.
- ✓ Regular **firmware update** checks via **Ledger Live**.
- ✓ Decentralized **self-custody** model.