> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://eng-ledgercdn.mintlify.site/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started Discover useful [Ledger.com/start](http://Ledger.com/start) information about wallet preparation, device recognition, recovery phrase awareness, and managing digital currencies responsibly. # [Ledger.com/start](http://Ledger.com/start): Essential Checks for a Safer Hardware Wallet Experience ## Why Setup Checks Matter A hardware wallet is an important tool for managing access to digital assets, but using one responsibly requires more than completing the initial configuration. Users should understand how their device works, recognize suspicious requests, and verify important details before approving transactions. [Ledger.com/start](http://Ledger.com/start) offers a starting point for learning about Ledger device setup. This guide focuses on practical checks that can help users approach the setup process with greater awareness. ## Check the Website Before You Begin The first step is making sure you are following genuine setup information. When visiting [Ledger.com/start](http://Ledger.com/start), examine the website address carefully. Watch for misspellings, unusual domain endings, and unexpected redirects. Avoid opening setup pages through suspicious advertisements, unsolicited emails, or messages from unknown accounts. If you are uncertain about a link, navigate to the Ledger website independently and locate the relevant support or setup information from there. ## Check Your Device Before Initialization Before configuring a new hardware wallet, inspect the packaging and device for anything unexpected. A new device should be initialized by its owner. It should not arrive with a PIN already selected or a recovery phrase that someone tells you to use. If you discover pre-existing recovery information, stop the setup process and consult genuine Ledger guidance. These checks help you avoid relying on information that may have been created or controlled by another person. ## Check That the Instructions Match Your Model Not every hardware wallet uses the same interface or setup procedure. Device controls, supported connections, displays, and software compatibility can differ. Identify your model before following any instructions from [Ledger.com/start](http://Ledger.com/start). Read each step carefully and avoid copying procedures from unrelated videos or older tutorials. If the instructions on your device differ from what you expected, check the current documentation for your exact product. Taking a moment to verify compatibility can prevent confusion later. ## Check Your PIN Security During initial configuration, you may be asked to create a device PIN. The PIN is intended to protect access to the physical hardware wallet. It should be difficult for another person to guess. Avoid using obvious combinations such as birthdays, repeated digits, or simple number sequences. Keep the PIN private and do not store it alongside your recovery backup in an easily accessible place. Remember that the PIN and recovery phrase have separate functions. Protecting one does not replace the need to secure the other. ## Check Your Recovery Phrase Backup The Secret Recovery Phrase is among the most sensitive parts of your wallet setup. It can be used to restore access to the private keys associated with your wallet. Anyone who obtains it may be able to access the associated assets. During initialization, follow the device's recommended process to record and verify your phrase. Keep the backup offline in a secure location. Avoid: * Taking photographs of the phrase. * Saving it in cloud storage. * Sending it through messaging applications. * Typing it into websites or online forms. * Sharing it with supposed support representatives. [Ledger.com/start](http://Ledger.com/start) should never be treated as a place to submit your recovery phrase. If a website or person requests it, stop immediately. ## Check the Software Source Wallet software should always come from a trusted source. Use genuine Ledger resources to identify the compatible application for your hardware wallet and operating system. Check installation instructions and avoid unofficial downloads. After installing the software, explore its features before attempting to transfer assets. Make sure you understand how accounts are displayed, how supported assets are managed, and how the hardware wallet participates in transaction approval. ## Check Every Transaction Before Approval Transaction verification is one of the most important everyday security habits. Before confirming a transfer, review the recipient address, amount, network, and transaction fee. Then compare the relevant details with the information displayed on your physical hardware wallet. If the information differs from your intended transaction, reject it. Never approve a transaction simply because a website or application tells you it is safe. Blockchain transactions may be irreversible, so checking details before approval is essential. ## Check for Suspicious Support Messages Fraudulent messages sometimes claim that a wallet has a security problem or needs immediate verification. These messages may use urgent language, fake support identities, or links to imitation websites. Do not respond by sharing recovery information or installing unfamiliar applications. Use independently verified support resources instead. A legitimate support process should not require you to reveal your Secret Recovery Phrase. ## Build a Consistent Security Routine Once your setup is complete, continue practicing good security habits. Keep compatible software updated through trusted channels, protect your recovery backup, and review transaction information before every approval. Avoid using unfamiliar computers for wallet operations, and investigate unexpected device behavior before continuing. Returning to [Ledger.com/start](http://Ledger.com/start) can help you locate setup guidance when needed, but ongoing security depends on careful decisions throughout your wallet use. ## Conclusion: Make Every Setup Check Count A safer hardware wallet experience begins with informed preparation. Checking the website, inspecting your device, securing your PIN and recovery phrase, verifying software, and reviewing transactions can all help reduce avoidable risks. Use [Ledger.com/start](http://Ledger.com/start) as a reference for getting oriented, follow instructions for your exact model, and never disclose your recovery phrase. Consistent attention to these checks can help you manage digital assets more responsibly. This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.