Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started with Ledger Wallet

m.a.rl

— 3 min read

Setting up a Ledger hardware wallet is the first step toward securing your cryptocurrency with industry-leading protection. Whether you're using the Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X, the setup process is simple, fast, and designed to help you take full control of your digital assets.

This guide walks you through every essential step so you can start using your Ledger device safely and confidently.

1. What You Need Before You Start

Before unboxing your Ledger device, make sure you have:

  • A Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
  • A computer or smartphone (depending on your model)
  • A USB cable (included with the device)
  • A secure, private environment
  • A pen to write down your 24-word recovery phrase

⚠️ Never share your recovery phrase with anyone and never enter it into a website, app, camera, or computer. It must be written on paper only.

2. Visit Ledger.com/Start (Typed Manually)

To ensure safety, always type the address directly into your browser.
This page guides you through:

  • Verifying your device’s authenticity
  • Downloading Ledger Live, the official management app
  • Following the official setup checklist

Avoid links sent by messages, ads, or social media to prevent phishing risks.

3. Install Ledger Live (The Official App)

Ledger Live is the central dashboard for your Ledger wallet. It allows you to manage crypto, install apps, check balances, and update firmware.

Choose the version for your device:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • iOS / Android (for Ledger Nano X via Bluetooth)

After downloading, install Ledger Live and launch the application.

4. Initialize Your Ledger Device

Once Ledger Live is installed:

1. Connect your Ledger wallet

Use the USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X).

2. Create a new wallet

If prompted, choose “Set up as new device.”

3. Set your PIN

Choose a secure 4–8 digit PIN code.
You will enter it each time you unlock your device.

4. Write down your 24-word recovery phrase

Your Ledger will display 24 unique words.
This phrase:

  • Restores your wallet if your device is lost
  • Gives complete access to your crypto
  • Must never be photographed, typed, or stored digitally

Write it on the recovery sheet provided and store it somewhere safe.

5. Verify Your Recovery Phrase

The device will ask you to confirm the 24 words in the correct order.

This step ensures that you copied the phrase accurately.
If you ever need to restore your wallet, this phrase is the only way to do so.

6. Complete Device Setup in Ledger Live

After initializing your device, return to Ledger Live to finish setup.

Ledger Live will help you:

  • Check your device’s authenticity
  • Install crypto apps on your Ledger (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)
  • Create accounts within the app
  • Update firmware if needed

Firmware updates strengthen security, so it’s recommended to keep your device up-to-date.

7. Add Crypto Accounts in Ledger Live

Each cryptocurrency requires a dedicated app installed on your Ledger device.

To add accounts:

  1. Open Ledger Live
  2. Go to Accounts
  3. Select Add account
  4. Choose the crypto you want to manage
  5. Install the required app on your Ledger device

Once installed, you can view balances, receive addresses, and send transactions.

8. Receive Your First Crypto Safely

To receive crypto:

  1. Open Ledger Live
  2. Select Receive
  3. Choose the crypto account
  4. Your Ledger device will show a receiving address
  5. Confirm the address on your device screen
  6. Only share the address after confirming it

Always verify addresses on the physical device to prevent phishing or malware tampering.

9. Sending Crypto with Ledger

Sending funds is straightforward:

  1. Go to Send in Ledger Live
  2. Enter the recipient address and amount
  3. Choose your network fee
  4. Confirm all details on your Ledger device
  5. Approve the transaction physically by pressing the buttons

No transaction can be sent without your manual confirmation.

10. Security Best Practices

To keep your crypto safe:

✔ Store your 24-word phrase offline

Never type it, share it, or keep it on a phone or computer.

✔ Use only Ledger Live

Do not trust third-party wallet apps unless they are known to be compatible.

✔ Keep your firmware updated

Ledger regularly improves security via updates.

✔ Physically verify every address

Your device’s screen is the only trusted display.

✔ Beware of phishing

Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase under any circumstance.

11. What to Do If Your Ledger Is Lost or Damaged

You can recover your wallet using any Ledger device (or another BIP39-compatible hardware wallet).

Simply choose “Restore from recovery phrase” and enter your 24 words.

Your crypto lives on the blockchain—your Ledger device is just the key.

12. You’re Ready to Use Your Ledger Wallet

Once set up, you can use Ledger Live to:

  • Store and secure your crypto offline
  • Buy, sell, swap, and stake supported assets
  • Track your portfolio
  • Install and manage crypto apps
  • Connect to DeFi platforms (with compatible services)
  • Manage NFTs (on supported chains)

Ledger gives you full control and the strongest form of protection available: hardware-level security with offline private keys.

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