Congratulations on taking a crucial step toward securing your cryptocurrency assets! Your Ledger hardware wallet provides enterprise-grade security for your digital wealth by keeping your private keys isolated in a secure chip, completely separate from your internet-connected devices.
This guide will walk you through the initial setup process, ensuring your device is properly configured and ready to safeguard your cryptocurrencies. The setup typically takes about 15-20 minutes to complete.
Begin by carefully unboxing your Ledger device. You should find the hardware wallet itself, a USB cable, a recovery sheet, and keychain strap. Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable. For mobile setup, you'll need an OTG adapter.
When you power on the device for the first time, you'll be greeted with a welcome message. Use the buttons on the device to navigate through the initial screens.
Your Ledger will prompt you to configure as new device. This is the recommended option for first-time users. You'll then set up a PIN code that will be required every time you access your device.
Choose a PIN code between 4-8 digits. This PIN protects your device from physical access. Never share your PIN with anyone, and avoid using easily guessable combinations like 1234 or your birth year.
This is the most critical security step. Your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write down each word in the exact order on your recovery sheet.
Never digitize your recovery phrase—no photos, cloud storage, or text files. Store it in a secure, fireproof location. This phrase is the master key to all your cryptocurrencies stored on the device.
Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and install it on your computer. Open the application and follow the setup instructions to connect your device.
You'll need to install specific apps for each cryptocurrency you want to manage. For example, install the Bitcoin app to manage BTC, or the Ethereum app for ETH and ERC-20 tokens.
The information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only. Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and high-risk. Ledger does not provide financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making investment decisions.
Ledger is not responsible for any loss of funds due to user error, failure to follow security protocols, or unauthorized access to recovery phrases. The security of your assets ultimately depends on your adherence to security best practices.
This guide describes the standard setup process, but specific steps may vary slightly depending on your device model (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X) and firmware version. Always refer to the official Ledger documentation for the most current instructions.
Be extremely cautious of phishing attempts. Only download Ledger software from the official Ledger.com website, and never enter your recovery phrase on any website or application other than your Ledger device itself.