🔒 Non‑custodial security · Beginner friendly

How to Set Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

This landing page walks you through a safe, step‑by‑step setup for your Ledger Nano X or Nano S Plus. You’ll create a PIN, generate and back up your 24‑word recovery phrase, install Ledger Live, add accounts, and learn battle‑tested security habits. No jargon—just practical guidance to protect your crypto.

⬇️ Download Ledger Live 📚 Read the Full Guide
Nano X Nano S Plus Beginner Security Checklist Troubleshooting

Quick Safety Facts

  • Your 24‑word recovery phrase is your wallet. Anyone with it can control your assets.
  • Ledger never sees or stores your recovery phrase. Never type it into websites or apps.
  • Buy hardware wallets from official channels only. Avoid pre‑seeded devices.
  • Do a test receive and test send with a small amount first.
Pro tip: Set aside 30–45 minutes in a quiet, private space. Put phones on Do Not Disturb.
What you need

Before You Start

  • Sealed Ledger Nano X or Nano S Plus device and included USB cable.
  • A computer (Windows/macOS/Linux) with administrator rights.
  • Stable internet to install Ledger Live (the companion app).
  • Paper and pen, or a metal backup kit, to record your 24 words.
  • 20–45 minutes without interruptions.
Trust but verify

Unboxing & Authenticity

Inspect packaging for tampering. Ledger devices arrive without pre‑written recovery phrases and without anyone asking you to share your seed. If someone provided a card with words already printed, do not use the device—contact support and return it.

Never import a seed phrase given to you by another person or retailer. Always let the device generate a brand‑new phrase offline.
Your foundation

Security Mindset

Think of your Ledger as a signing device. It keeps private keys offline and signs transactions only when you approve them on‑device. Your computer or phone can be compromised; your Ledger is designed to remain secure even if they are not. Keep your PIN secret, back up your seed safely, and verify every transaction on the device screen.

Step‑by‑Step

Set Up Your Ledger in 12 Clear Steps

1

Connect and Power On

Use the supplied cable to connect your Ledger to your computer. The device will power on automatically. Navigate with the two buttons on top: left = move left, right = move right, both together = confirm (✓).

2

Choose “Set up as new device”

When prompted, select Set up as new device. This ensures a fresh, unique private key is generated inside the secure element.

3

Create a Strong PIN

Pick a 6–8 digit PIN code. Avoid birthdays or repeating patterns. Your PIN protects the device if it’s lost. Don’t store it in email or notes apps; memorize it or keep it in a locked password manager.

If someone shoulder‑surfs your PIN, change it immediately from Settings → Security → Change PIN.
4

Generate and Write Down Your 24 Words

The Ledger will display 24 words one by one. Carefully write each word and position number on the supplied recovery sheets, or—better—onto a metal backup plate. Double‑check spelling. Keep multiple copies in separate, secret locations.

Never photograph or digitize your seed phrase. Cloud backups, screenshots, and email are common leak points.
5

Verify the Recovery Phrase

The device will quiz you to confirm the words. This is crucial: a properly backed‑up seed is your safety net if your Ledger is lost, damaged, or stolen.

6

Install Ledger Live

On your computer, install Ledger Live. Open the app and follow prompts to Set up a new device, run the genuine check, and update firmware if asked. Keep the device connected and unlocked with your PIN.

7

Add Crypto Accounts

In Ledger Live, go to Accounts → Add account. Select the network (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Ledger Live will install the necessary app on your device and then add the account to your portfolio.

8

Receive a Small Test Amount

Click Receive in Ledger Live, select the account, and verify the address on the device screen. Only proceed if both screens match. Send a tiny amount from an exchange or another wallet to test.

Verifying on the device prevents address‑swapping malware from tricking you.
9

Send a Test Transaction

After your test receive confirms, try sending a small portion back. Review fee settings, confirm details on the device, then approve. Practice builds confidence for later larger transfers.

10

Organize Your Backup

Place your seed backups in separate, secure locations (e.g., a safe and a bank deposit box). Consider a metal seed backup to protect against fire or water damage. Keep a private inventory so your heirs can locate the backup if needed.

11

Optional: Enable Passphrase (Advanced)

For power users, a 25th‑word passphrase creates hidden accounts. Use only if you fully understand the implications: losing the passphrase makes those accounts unrecoverable. Document your method carefully.

12

Keep Firmware & Apps Updated

Periodically open Ledger Live to update the device firmware and coin apps. Updates deliver security improvements and new features—always read the notes and allow time to complete without interruptions.

Best Practices

The Security Checklist

✅ Never share your 24 words. Ledger support will never ask for them.
✅ Verify every address on the device display before sending.
✅ Use a unique PIN. Change it if exposed.
✅ Keep multiple offline backups in separate, secure locations.
✅ Consider using a dedicated, clean computer profile for crypto.
✅ Beware of fake browser pop‑ups and phishing sites.
✅ Update firmware and apps from Ledger Live only.
✅ Start with small test transactions.
Avoid these pitfalls

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

  • Entering your seed on a website: Only ever enter words on your Ledger device during recovery, never on a keyboard.
  • Photographing the seed: Photos sync to cloud by default—do not capture digital copies.
  • Skipping test send/receive: Practicing reduces stress when moving larger amounts.
  • Buying from resellers: Use official channels to avoid tampered devices.
  • Storing all funds on a single chain: Understand network fees, congestion, and bridge risks before moving assets.
Deep dive

How Ledger Protects Your Assets

Ledger devices generate and store private keys within a secure element—a tamper‑resistant chip similar to what protects passports and credit cards. The operating system isolates apps, and transactions must be physically approved on the device. When you use Ledger Live, the app prepares a transaction, but the signature happens inside the Ledger. The signed transaction then goes back to your computer to broadcast to the network. Your keys never leave the device.

Because the seed follows the BIP39 standard, your 24 words can restore your accounts on any compatible wallet if you ever lose your Ledger. The seed creates a deterministic tree of keys (BIP32/44 paths), allowing you to generate countless accounts from the same words. This is powerful—and dangerous—so treat your seed like the master key to a vault.

Ledger supports hundreds of networks through dedicated apps. Some assets (e.g., ERC‑20 tokens) ride on top of networks like Ethereum and may not require separate device apps; others (like Bitcoin, Solana) require their own. Always ensure you install the correct app before receiving funds. Sending to the wrong network can result in loss.

Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my Ledger is lost or destroyed?

Use your 24‑word recovery phrase to restore on a new Ledger or another compatible wallet. As long as the seed is safe, your assets remain accessible on the blockchain.

Is the passphrase (25th word) right for me?

It’s optional and advanced. It adds plausible deniability by creating a separate set of accounts. If you forget the passphrase, those accounts are irrecoverable. Only enable if you can manage the complexity.

Can I use Ledger with DeFi and NFTs?

Yes. Many web3 apps connect via Ledger Live or third‑party wallets (e.g., WalletConnect). Always verify smart contract details and approvals, and double‑check addresses on your device.

Should I split my seed into parts?

Shamir backups or multisig can reduce single‑point risk but add complexity. If you’re new, start with two to three complete, high‑quality backups instead of splitting words.

Is it safe to travel with my Ledger?

It’s better to travel with no seed words on you. If you must, consider using a device with an empty wallet and keep the backup phrase secured elsewhere.

Recovery drill

Test Your Backup (Optional but Recommended)

Once you’re comfortable, perform a recovery test with a spare device or a software wallet offline. Enter your 24 words and confirm you can view balances (without sending anything). This validates that your backup works, giving you peace of mind.

If you use a software wallet for testing, disconnect from the internet after download, verify checksums, and wipe it afterwards.
Next steps

Operational Hygiene

  • Maintain a dedicated email for crypto accounts with strong, unique passwords.
  • Enable hardware‑based two‑factor authentication (U2F/FIDO) where possible.
  • Keep your operating system and browser up to date.
  • Bookmark important domains; avoid clicking links from DMs or ads.
  • Audit token approvals and revoke unused permissions regularly.

Ready to Secure Your Crypto?

Download Ledger Live, follow the 12 steps above, and complete a test transaction. You’ll be ready to self‑custody with confidence.

Start Setup in Ledger Live Print Checklist

Works with Nano X and Nano S Plus

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Always verify instructions with official Ledger documentation. Never share your 24‑word recovery phrase with anyone. Crypto assets are volatile and carry risk. You are responsible for your own security practices.