Ledger.com/Start^®

At the heart of the Ledger device lies the **Secure Element (SE)**, a tamper-proof chip also used for highly sensitive applications like passports and credit cards. This is not just a USB stick; it’s a dedicated cryptographic chip designed to isolate your private keys from your vulnerable computer or smartphone. The fundamental principle is separation: your private keys never leave the Secure Element. This means that even if your computer is completely compromised with malware, your assets remain secure because the keys required to sign a transaction are physically locked away on the device. **The physical confirmation** on the device screen—pressing the buttons—is the final, non-negotiable step for any outgoing transaction, making remote theft practically impossible. This architecture represents a paradigm shift from software wallets, establishing a new gold standard for cold storage.

The device runs a proprietary operating system, **BOLOS (Blockchain Open Ledger Operating System)**, which ensures that third-party applications run in strict isolation from the critical seed phrase, preventing any application (even Ledger’s own) from accessing your recovery data. This layered security approach is what elevates Ledger above simple encrypted storage solutions. Furthermore, Ledger's commitment to **reproducible deterministic builds** allows the community to verify that the code running on the device is exactly what was publicly reviewed, fostering transparency and trust in its security claims.

Understanding the security model is your first defense. You are the guardian of your seed. Ledger is merely the physical vault that prevents digital threats. Your vigilance against phishing, malicious software, and, most importantly, improper handling of the Recovery Phrase dictates the security of your entire portfolio.

This is the **most crucial step** in the entire setup: the generation and recording of your **24-word Recovery Phrase (or Seed)**. The Ledger device generates this phrase offline, using a cryptographically secure random number generator embedded in the Secure Element. It is the master key to all your crypto assets, and it can be used to restore your wallet on any Ledger device, or any compatible wallet using the **BIP39 standard**. The device will display one word at a time, and you must meticulously write them down on the provided Recovery Sheets, in the exact order they appear.

**Absolute rule:** **Do not digitize this phrase.** Do not take a picture, do not store it in a password manager, do not type it into your computer, and do not save it to the cloud. Your hand-written copy, stored securely offline (e.g., a safe or bank vault), is the only acceptable method. Treat this paper as the equivalent of millions of dollars in cash—because it is. The security of the Ledger device is meaningless if the seed phrase is compromised.

The Verification Process

Once you have written down all 24 words, the device will immediately prompt you to verify them. This verification step is a mandatory security measure. The device will ask you to confirm specific words (e.g., "Confirm word 12" or "Confirm word 24"). You must use your physical buttons to scroll through the dictionary and select the correct word based on your written list. **This confirmation is essential; it proves that you have correctly written the phrase before the device finalizes the setup.** Many users make mistakes during the recording phase, and this verification protects you from losing access to your funds later.

Upon successful verification, the device will confirm that it is "Ready" or "Processing finished." Only then can you connect it to your computer and install the necessary Ledger Live software to manage your accounts and install cryptocurrency applications. The seed phrase is the key; the device is the lock. Guard the key with your life.