Begin your journey to ultimate cryptocurrency protection with our step-by-step setup guide for Ledger hardware wallets.
Welcome to the comprehensive setup guide for your new Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you've purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or another Ledger device, following these steps carefully will ensure your cryptocurrencies are secured with enterprise-grade protection.
Carefully unbox your Ledger device and ensure all components are present. Connect your device to your computer using the provided USB cable. For Ledger Nano X, you may also connect via Bluetooth for mobile setup.
Navigate to Ledger.com/start® on your computer or smartphone browser. This official portal will guide you through the entire setup process with device-specific instructions.
Download and install Ledger Live, the official companion application for your Ledger device. This application is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android operating systems.
Follow the on-screen instructions in Ledger Live to initialize your device. You'll be prompted to set a PIN code - this is your first line of defense, so choose a code that's difficult to guess but memorable to you.
Your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This is the most critical security element. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet and store it in a secure, offline location. Never digitize this phrase or share it with anyone.
After completing the initial setup at Ledger.com/start®, implement these security best practices:
Ledger.com/start® is the web-based setup portal that guides you through the initial configuration of your device, while Ledger Live is the desktop/mobile application for ongoing management of your cryptocurrency assets.
While technically possible through Ledger Live directly, we strongly recommend using the official Ledger.com/start® portal for your initial setup to ensure you follow all security best practices from the beginning.
If you lose your recovery phrase and still have access to your device, immediately transfer your assets to a temporary wallet, reset your device, and generate a new recovery phrase. If you've lost both your device and recovery phrase, your funds cannot be recovered.
We strongly recommend against purchasing used devices. Always buy from the official Ledger store or authorized retailers to ensure your device hasn't been tampered with. Ledger devices from Ledger.com/start® come with guaranteed security.
Check for firmware updates regularly through Ledger Live. We recommend updating whenever a new version is available, as these often include important security enhancements and new features.
Yes, you can recover your entire wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase on any new Ledger device or compatible wallet. This is why securing your recovery phrase is critically important.