Ledger Wallet — Official Quick Start Setup Guide

A modern, secure, and easy walkthrough to set up your Ledger hardware wallet and protect your crypto assets.

Before you begin — what you’ll need

To complete setup smoothly, gather these items first:

  • A Ledger hardware device (Nano S / Nano X / Nano S Plus).
  • The USB cable included in the box or a compatible USB-C cable for Nano X.
  • A computer or mobile device with a modern browser, and (for mobile) Bluetooth if using Nano X.
  • A secure pen and the recovery sheet — write your recovery phrase on paper, not on a digital file.
1

Unbox & power up

Carefully open the original packaging and confirm the tamper-evident seal is intact. Connect your Ledger to power using the supplied cable and follow the on-screen prompts.

Tip: Never use a device that shows an unexpected menu or message when first powered on. Contact official support if packaging looks tampered with.

2

Select a PIN code

Choose a PIN between 4 and 8 digits. Avoid simple sequences (1234, 0000) and never share this PIN. If you forget it, you'll need your recovery phrase to restore the wallet.

3

Write your recovery phrase

Your device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (some Ledger models may use 12 or 24). Write the words down in order on the provided sheet. This phrase is the single most important backup for your funds.

  • Store the paper in a safe, fireproof place. Consider metal backup options for long-term durability.
  • Never photograph, screenshot, or type your recovery phrase into a computer or cloud storage.
4

Install Ledger Live

On your computer or phone, download and install Ledger Live (official app for managing accounts). Always download software from the official source and verify checksums when provided.

5

Add accounts & manage apps

Open Ledger Live and follow the prompts to add crypto accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and others. Ledger Live installs small apps on the device — these are necessary to interact with each blockchain.

Apps are small and isolated; installing an app does not expose other assets on your device.

6

Receive a test transaction

Before moving large sums, send a small test amount to your new address to confirm everything works end-to-end: generation of an address, receipt, and visibility in Ledger Live.

Security Essentials

Follow these non-negotiable rules to keep your crypto safe:

  • Only enter your recovery phrase on the Ledger device — never on a website or app.
  • Beware of phishing: verify domain names and never follow unsolicited setup links. Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase.
  • Use a passphrase (optional advanced feature) only if you understand how it works — losing it means permanent loss of access.
  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated regularly from official sources.

Troubleshooting

If the device appears frozen or fails to connect:

  • Try a different USB port or cable.
  • Restart Ledger Live and your computer or phone.
  • Confirm the device shows the expected Ledger logo and menu on-screen.
  • If problems persist, consult official Ledger support — do not disclose your recovery phrase to anyone.

Advanced tips

  • Consider a hardware-secured backup (stamped metal plate) for long-term peace of mind.
  • Use a separate, dedicated computer when performing large transfers for extra safety.
  • Enable Bluetooth only when necessary for Ledger Nano X — modern Bluetooth stacks are secure, but limiting exposure reduces risk.

Step-by-step condensed checklist

  1. Unbox & check seals.
  2. Power up and set a strong PIN.
  3. Write down and secure the recovery phrase.
  4. Install Ledger Live from the official site.
  5. Install apps & add accounts in Ledger Live.
  6. Send a small test transaction.
  7. Keep firmware and apps up to date.