> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://start-ledgercdn.mintlify.site/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started™ | Ledger® Discover what [Ledger.com/start](http://Ledger.com/start) covers, from hardware wallet preparation and device recognition to account organization and cryptocurrency safety awareness. ![Guide](https://mintcdn.com/start-ledgercdn/IHFQQkMTnl1A9t7W/images/guide.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=IHFQQkMTnl1A9t7W\&q=85\&s=c1579bad8658f2c01724d4c97e1390f4) # [Ledger.com/start](http://Ledger.com/start): A Complete Starting Guide for Safer Digital Asset Management Cryptocurrency gives users greater control over their digital assets, but that control also comes with important security responsibilities. Choosing a hardware wallet is one part of the process. Learning how to configure it, protect recovery information, and verify transactions is equally important. [**Ledger.com/start**](http://Ledger.com/start) offers a useful starting point for people preparing to use a Ledger hardware wallet. Understanding the setup process before getting started can help users avoid common errors and establish better wallet-management habits. ## Understand the Setup Process Before You Begin Before connecting your device, identify its exact model. Ledger hardware wallets can differ in their screens, connection methods, supported features, and software compatibility. Visit [Ledger.com/start](http://Ledger.com/start) directly through your browser and carefully verify the website address. Use genuine official resources when reviewing instructions or downloading applications. It is worth spending a few minutes understanding the setup requirements before proceeding. A clear understanding of your device can make the initialization process easier to follow. ## Prepare Your Device for Initial Configuration Begin by inspecting the hardware wallet. Check that it matches the model you expected and that there are no obvious signs of damage or tampering. Use a trusted computer or compatible mobile device and an appropriate connection method. Avoid public computers and unfamiliar accessories when configuring your wallet. Remember that a new device should be initialized by you. If it arrives with a PIN or Secret Recovery Phrase already supplied, stop and consult official Ledger guidance before continuing. ## Learn the Difference Between Device Access and Wallet Recovery Two important security elements are introduced during the setup process: the device PIN and the Secret Recovery Phrase. The PIN helps protect access to your physical hardware wallet. It should be private, difficult to guess, and never shared with another person. The Secret Recovery Phrase has a different purpose. It can restore access to the private keys associated with your wallet if your device becomes unavailable. Understanding this distinction is essential. A PIN protects the device, while the recovery phrase protects the ability to restore access to the associated wallet. ## Create a Reliable Recovery Backup During initialization, your device may generate a Secret Recovery Phrase. Record the words accurately using the recommended offline method. Check the spelling and order carefully before storing your backup in a secure location. Avoid creating digital copies that could be exposed through an online account or compromised device. Follow these recovery precautions: * Keep the phrase completely private. * Never enter it into a website or online form. * Do not send it through email or chat. * Avoid screenshots and cloud storage. * Never share it with customer support. * Protect the written backup against unauthorized access. Anyone who obtains your recovery phrase may be able to access the associated assets. Treat it with the same seriousness as the keys to your digital finances. ## Explore Your Supported Wallet Software After following the instructions at [Ledger.com/start](http://Ledger.com/start), review the applications supported by your hardware wallet model. Install software only through genuine official sources. Once installed, explore the interface and learn where account information, supported assets, and transaction history may appear. Features depend on your device and the software you use. Check compatibility before attempting to access a particular cryptocurrency or service. If your device is not recognized, review the connection requirements and official troubleshooting instructions. Avoid downloading unofficial tools that promise to fix the problem. ## Build a Transaction Checking Habit Before approving a cryptocurrency transfer, carefully review the information displayed on your physical device. Pay attention to the recipient address, transfer amount, network, and applicable fee. Compare these details with the transaction you intended to make. If any information is unexpected, reject the transaction and investigate before proceeding. Do not rely entirely on the information displayed by a computer or phone. This extra attention is important because blockchain transactions are generally irreversible once confirmed. ## Keep Your Wallet Away From Common Online Threats Fake wallet websites and fraudulent support messages can look convincing. Some may claim that your device is locked or that an immediate security verification is required. Be suspicious of unexpected requests for confidential information. Do not follow unfamiliar links or install software from unverified sources. Genuine troubleshooting should never require you to disclose your Secret Recovery Phrase. Use verified support channels and describe your technical issue without revealing sensitive information. ## Maintain Your Device Over Time Completing the initial setup is only the beginning. Keep your device and supported applications updated through trusted channels. Review your recovery backup periodically and make transaction verification part of every transfer. You can revisit [Ledger.com/start](http://Ledger.com/start) for general setup guidance, while model-specific questions should be checked against the latest official instructions. ## Conclusion A well-prepared hardware wallet can make cryptocurrency management more organized, provided its owner understands the security responsibilities involved. [Ledger.com/start](http://Ledger.com/start) offers a useful introduction to device preparation, initialization, software compatibility, and recovery protection. Follow genuine instructions, protect confidential information, and verify every transaction before approving it. Consistent habits can help you manage digital assets more confidently. This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.