Welcome to the official Ledger® startup guide. At Ledger.com/Start®, you’ll find everything you need to activate, secure, and use your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you’re using a Ledger Nano X or Ledger Nano S Plus, this guide provides all the steps to get started securely and confidently with your cryptocurrency journey.
Begin by opening the box and confirming that all contents are included. A genuine Ledger device box contains the hardware wallet, a USB cable, a recovery sheet, and instructions. Check the packaging to ensure it has not been tampered with. Ledger hardware wallets are never shipped with a pre-set PIN or recovery phrase. If you find either, stop immediately.
Find a quiet, private space to complete the setup. Have a pen ready for writing down your 24-word recovery phrase. Make sure your computer or mobile device is secure and free of malware. Your security starts from this very first step, so avoid public Wi-Fi or shared computers during setup.
Turn on your Ledger Nano device by pressing the appropriate button(s). Follow the instructions on the screen. You'll be asked to set up as a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase. Choose to set up a new device if this is your first time using Ledger.
Use the device buttons to navigate through options. Confirm selections by pressing both buttons at once. The interface is designed to be simple, secure, and intuitive for all users.
Select a secure PIN code consisting of 4 to 8 digits. This code protects your device from unauthorized access. Each time you power on your wallet or connect it to manage assets, you’ll need to enter this PIN. Choose a code that you can remember but that is hard for others to guess.
Your Ledger device will now generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This is the most critical part of your setup. Carefully write down the words on the recovery sheet provided. Do not store these words digitally. Do not take photos. Keep this sheet offline and in a safe, private location.
This recovery phrase is your only way to restore access to your crypto if the device is lost, damaged, or stolen. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase, and you should never share it with anyone under any circumstance.
Once all 24 words are written down, your device will prompt you to confirm them. Select each word in the correct order. This confirmation ensures that you’ve recorded the phrase correctly and without errors. Take your time. If a mistake is made, you will be prompted to start over.
After setting up your device, install the official Ledger software on your computer or smartphone. This software allows you to manage your crypto assets, install apps, update firmware, and view your portfolio. Only use the software that comes directly from the official Ledger source to maintain maximum security.
When you connect your device to the Ledger software, it will run a check to confirm that your device is genuine. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete this verification process. This step ensures that your device has not been compromised and that it can be safely used to store your digital assets.
To manage individual cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or others, you must install apps on your Ledger device. Each supported coin has its own app. You can install and uninstall apps at any time depending on which assets you want to manage. The apps are small in size and designed to keep your wallet flexible.
After installing apps, create accounts for each cryptocurrency you plan to use. These accounts allow you to view balances, generate receiving addresses, and send crypto. Each account is securely linked to your Ledger hardware wallet, meaning your private keys never leave the device.
With your device fully set up and apps installed, you can now receive and send cryptocurrency securely. Always verify transaction details on your device screen before confirming. Use the Ledger interface to monitor your portfolio, track transactions, and manage multiple accounts from one place.
You’ve successfully started your journey with Ledger. With your device and Ledger software fully set up, you now control your own private keys and assets. You no longer rely on third parties to protect your wealth. Ledger puts security, control, and transparency into your hands.
Ledger® – Your keys. Your crypto.