A Ledger recovery phrase is the word sequence shown during initialization and recorded as the offline backup reference for that setup. It should be handled as part of the setup flow, not as an ordinary app note. The practical task is to read the device screen, write the words offline, check readability, and keep the phrase separate from PIN and completion records.
Where the phrase appears
The phrase appears during the initialization flow on the Ledger device screen. The app can guide the sequence, but the device screen is where the words and confirmation prompts must be read. If the wider setup flow is unclear, start with What Is Ledger Initialization before reviewing the phrase.
How to record it
Write the words on offline backup material, in order, and check that each word is readable. Do not place the phrase inside a photo, chat, cloud note, or ordinary document. If you need to compare backup media, continue with How to Back Up the Recovery Phrase.
How it differs from the PIN
The PIN controls local access to the device. The recovery phrase belongs to backup. Keep them in different records and do not write the PIN on the phrase card. For PIN handling, use How to Choose a Ledger PIN During Initialization.
What a completion note should contain
After setup, the local completion note should include date, device model, app entry, and visible completion state. It should not include the phrase itself. This keeps later review useful without turning private backup material into a routine note.
A simple way to remember the boundary is: the device displays, the offline backup records, and the local completion note summarizes. Keeping those three roles separate makes future review clearer.
If the setup session is interrupted, return to the stable entry and read the current device screen before deciding the next step. Do not reconstruct the phrase from memory or from partial notes. The safer operational habit is to verify the current state and keep the backup record offline.
