Congratulations on choosing Ledger, the industry leader in cryptocurrency security. Your Ledger hardware wallet provides the highest level of protection for your digital assets by keeping your private keys secure in an isolated environment.
This step-by-step guide will help you set up your device, create secure backups, and start managing your cryptocurrencies with confidence.
Ledger devices combine state-of-the-art security with user-friendly design, making them the preferred choice for millions of users worldwide.
Secure Element chip (CC EAL5+ certified) provides military-grade protection for your private keys.
Ledger Nano X offers Bluetooth connectivity for managing assets on-the-go via Ledger Live Mobile.
Manage 5,500+ coins and tokens including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polkadot, and many more.
Regular security audits by independent firms ensure ongoing protection against emerging threats.
Choose your device model to view specific setup instructions:
The advanced Bluetooth-enabled device with larger screen and support for 100+ apps.
Nano X SetupThe upgraded version with more memory, supporting 100+ applications simultaneously.
Nano S Plus SetupThe original Ledger device, trusted by millions for its proven security and reliability.
Nano S SetupFollow these steps to securely initialize your Ledger hardware wallet. The entire process takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Use the provided USB cable to connect your Ledger to your computer. The device will display a welcome message.
Choose "Configure as new device" and follow the on-screen instructions to begin setup.
Create a secure PIN code (4-8 digits) that will be required each time you use your device.
Carefully write down your 24-word recovery phrase in the exact order shown on your device.
Verify your recovery phrase by selecting the words in the correct order when prompted.
Download and install Ledger Live application to manage your crypto assets.
When you first connect your Ledger device, it will guide you through the initial setup process. Make sure you're in a private environment where no one can see your screen as you set up your PIN and recovery phrase.
Ledger Live is the official application for managing your cryptocurrencies. It's available for desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android). Download it only from the official Ledger website to avoid phishing attempts.
Your PIN code protects your device from unauthorized physical access. Choose a code that's difficult to guess but easy for you to remember. If someone enters an incorrect PIN three times, the device will reset itself.
This is the most critical security element. Your 24-word recovery phrase can restore access to all your cryptocurrencies if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet and store it in a secure location.
Never share your recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger staff will never ask for it. Avoid digital storage (no photos, cloud storage, or text files). The safest approach is to write it on the provided recovery sheet and store it in a secure physical location like a safe or safety deposit box.
Protecting your cryptocurrency requires ongoing vigilance. Follow these best practices to maintain the security of your assets:
If your Ledger is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can recover all your funds using your recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. This is why protecting your recovery phrase is so important - it essentially is your cryptocurrency wallet.
If you encounter any issues during setup or have questions about using your Ledger, our support resources are available:
You can also find helpful community discussions and troubleshooting tips on our official forums and social media channels.
With your Ledger hardware wallet properly set up, you now have complete control over your cryptocurrency assets. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your digital wealth is protected by industry-leading security technology.
Take the next step in your cryptocurrency journey by exploring advanced features like staking, DeFi applications, and the growing ecosystem of services that integrate with Ledger.