**Crucial First Step:** Always purchase your Ledger device directly from the official manufacturer or authorized resellers. Never trust a second-hand device.
This initial phase is about ensuring your device is authentic and ready for setup. Inspect the packaging carefully for any signs of tampering. (This is where you would place several hundred words of your detailed content on inspection and authenticity.)
Use the included USB cable to connect your Ledger Nano S/X to your computer. The welcome screen should appear. Follow the on-screen prompts to begin the configuration. **A brand new device will always prompt you to set up as a new wallet.**
Your PIN code is the primary local security layer. Choose a code that is easy for you to remember but impossible for others to guess. (More detailed content about PIN selection best practices goes here.)
Navigate the device using the physical buttons. Choose a PIN of 4 to 8 digits, confirming it twice. **Memorize this PIN!** Do not write it down on the same paper as your Recovery Phrase.
The 24-word Recovery Phrase (also called the Seed Phrase) is the **master key** to your crypto assets. If your device is lost or destroyed, this phrase is the *only* way to recover your funds. **Protect it above all else.**
The Ledger device will display 24 words one by one. Write them down *precisely* in the numbered recovery sheets provided. **Double-check the spelling and order of every word.** This is the most critical step in the entire setup process.
The device will prompt you to re-enter a random selection of words from your phrase to ensure you have documented it correctly. This confirmation process is non-negotiable for security.