Introduction
Welcome — this guide helps you start up your Ledger hardware wallet safely and confidently. Whether you own a Ledger Nano X or a Ledger Nano S Plus, these steps will walk you through unboxing, initializing, installing Ledger Live, securing your recovery phrase, and performing your first receive/send transaction.
This page focuses on practical, security-first instructions. The goal: keep your private keys offline while giving you a clear, repeatable onboarding process.
Before you begin
Before you unbox your device, prepare these items:
- Stable internet connection for downloading Ledger Live and updates.
- A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or a mobile device (Android or iOS). Nano X supports Bluetooth for mobile; Nano S Plus uses a USB cable.
- Pen and the recovery sheet included in the box (or a steel backup product for long-term storage).
- Time: allow 15–30 minutes for the full first-time setup.
ledger.com/start. Do not trust third-party download links or attachments.Unbox & verify authenticity
When you receive your Ledger device, carefully inspect the packaging. Ledger devices come sealed and include the device, a USB cable, recovery sheets, and quick start materials. If the box looks tampered with or if components appear missing, contact support before proceeding.
- Check tamper-evident seals and packaging integrity.
- Confirm the device model matches your purchase (Nano X or Nano S Plus).
- Beware of counterfeit listings on marketplaces — always buy from the official store or authorized resellers.
Download & install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official application that communicates with your Ledger device. It handles account management, firmware updates, and sending/receiving transactions.
- Open your browser and navigate to
https://www.ledger.com/start. - Choose Ledger Live for your operating system and download the installer.
- Install Ledger Live and open the app.
Ledger Live provides guided flows for initial device setup and will prompt you when firmware or software updates are needed.
Initialize your Ledger device — step-by-step
Follow these exact steps to create a secure wallet on your Ledger device:
Connect the device to your computer or pair via Bluetooth (Nano X). Use the device buttons to navigate and choose your language when prompted.
Select Set up as new device if this is your first device, or Restore from recovery phrase if you already have a 24-word phrase.
Enter a PIN directly on the device. Choose a PIN you can remember but which is hard to guess. Do not write the PIN on your recovery sheet.
The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase, one word at a time. Write them in order on the supplied recovery sheet. Do not take photos or store the phrase digitally.
The device will ask you to confirm a few words to verify you recorded them correctly. This prevents mistakes that could lose access to your funds later.
After confirming the phrase, the device completes initialization. Ledger Live will then prompt you to install apps for the blockchains you plan to use.
Install apps & add accounts in Ledger Live
Ledger devices support multiple blockchains through individual apps. Use Ledger Live's Manager to install the apps you need.
- Open Ledger Live and go to Manager.
- Connect and unlock your device when asked.
- Search for the blockchain app (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and click Install.
- After installing, go to Accounts > Add account and follow the prompts to synchronize addresses and balances.
Note: The Nano X has more storage capacity than the Nano S Plus and can hold more apps simultaneously.
Receiving and sending crypto — first transactions
Always verify addresses on your device screen before sharing or sending funds. Malware on a computer can alter displayed addresses — device verification prevents this attack.
To receive funds
- Open the account in Ledger Live and click Receive.
- Select the address and verify that the address shown in Ledger Live matches exactly the address shown on your device screen.
- Share the verified address with the sender.
To send funds
- Create a send transaction in Ledger Live and enter the recipient address and amount.
- Review the transaction details in Ledger Live, then confirm the details on your device screen and approve.
Firmware updates & maintenance
Ledger periodically releases firmware updates to improve security and add features. Ledger Live notifies you when updates are available. Always update through Ledger Live and follow on-device prompts to verify the update.
- Do not install firmware from unofficial sources.
- Back up your recovery phrase before performing major firmware updates as a precaution.
- If an update fails, follow official support guidance rather than third-party instructions.
Security best practices
Adopt a security-first mindset:
- Never share your recovery phrase or PIN.
- Keep the recovery sheet offline and stored in a secure location (consider a steel backup for long-term durability).
- Use a dedicated device for managing high-value wallets when possible.
- Consider using an optional passphrase for additional wallet separation (advanced users only).
Passphrase caution: a passphrase creates a hidden wallet derived from your recovery phrase — if you lose the passphrase, funds in that hidden wallet are irretrievable.
Troubleshooting — common issues & fixes
If you run into trouble, try these steps:
- Restart your computer/mobile and reconnect the device.
- Try a different USB cable or USB port.
- Ensure Ledger Live is the latest version.
- Reboot your device and retry the action.
If issues persist, consult the official Ledger Support Center and avoid third-party help that requests your recovery phrase.
FAQ
- Q: Can I restore my wallet on another device?
- A: Yes — use your 24-word recovery phrase to restore your wallet on another Ledger device or compatible wallet.
- Q: What happens if I lose my device?
- A: If you have your recovery phrase, you can restore access to your funds on a new device. If you don't have the recovery phrase, you cannot recover the wallet.
- Q: Is Ledger Live required to use my device?
- A: Ledger Live simplifies management but the device can also be used with compatible third-party wallets and developer tools that support Ledger devices.
- Q: Will Ledger ever ask for my recovery phrase?
- A: No. Ledger support will never request your recovery phrase. Anyone asking for it is a scam.
Advanced tips
- For high-value storage, consider multiple devices and geographically distributed backups of your recovery phrase (understood risks required).
- Use PGP-signed communications when interacting with services for an extra layer of trust verification.
- Developers: explore Ledger’s SDKs for integrating hardware wallet functionality into custom applications — follow official docs for secure implementation.
Final notes
Starting up your Ledger device is the most important step toward self-custody of your digital assets. Follow these steps, secure your recovery phrase, keep firmware and Ledger Live updated, and always verify transaction details on-device. With these practices in place, Ledger provides strong protection for your private keys while enabling flexible and powerful crypto management.