Welcome — before we begin
This guide walks you through every step to get your Ledger device up and running. Read each section carefully — security is the first priority. Whether you have a Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, or another supported model, the process is similar: unbox, connect, create or restore an account, and secure your recovery phrase. The content below is intentionally colorful and approachable, with helpful visuals and code-like callouts for power users.
Unboxing — what should be in the box
When you receive your Ledger device, confirm the packaging is sealed and shows no signs of tampering. Ledger ships devices in secure packaging — if anything looks suspicious, stop and contact Ledger support.
- Ledger device (Nano series or equivalent)
- USB cable (USB-C or micro-USB depending on model)
- Recovery sheet(s) for your 24 — sometimes 12 — word recovery phrase
- Quick start guide and warranty card
- Box and protective sleeve
Do not use a device if the seal is broken, or if extra accessories are included that weren’t listed. Counterfeit hardware exists — only buy from ledger.com or authorized resellers.
Quick setup — step-by-step
This section takes you through the setup flow. Expect to spend 10–20 minutes the first time you initialize the device.
Step A — Download Ledger Live
On your computer or phone, open a browser and go to Ledger.com/Start or visit the official downloads page. Download the latest Ledger Live application for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android). Do not download Ledger Live from third-party websites.
Step B — Connect your device
Use the provided USB cable. When you connect your Ledger for the first time, the screen will show a welcome prompt. Follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll be asked to choose a new PIN. Choose a PIN you’ll remember — it should be at least 4 digits, preferably 6-8 digits. Avoid trivial combinations like 1234 or birthdays.
Step C — Write down your recovery phrase
The device will generate a recovery phrase (commonly 24 words). This is the single most important piece of information. Write it down **exactly** on the recovery sheet provided, in order, and store it somewhere safe and offline. Do not photograph it, do not type it into a computer, and never share these words with anyone. Ledger employees will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Step D — Install apps and create accounts
Open Ledger Live, choose Get started, then follow the prompts to configure a new device or restore an existing one. Ledger Live will let you install apps on your hardware (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Each cryptocurrency requires its specific app on the device to manage accounts.
Step E — Add accounts
In Ledger Live, go to Accounts > Add account, pick a coin, and follow the on-screen instruction. Ledger Live will communicate with your device to synchronize your account(s). After adding an account you can receive, send, and manage balances through the Ledger Live UI while the private keys remain on your device.
Quick checklist
- Downloaded Ledger Live from ledger.com
- Chose a secure PIN on the device
- Safely written and stored your recovery phrase
- Installed required crypto apps via Ledger Live
- Added accounts and confirmed balances
Security best practices
Hardware wallets dramatically reduce the risk of theft compared with software wallets — but they are not magic. Follow these practices to keep funds safe.
Never share your recovery phrase
The recovery phrase gives full access to funds. If someone obtains it, they can restore funds on a different device. Treat it like the keys to a vault.
Keep your device firmware updated
Ledger periodically releases firmware updates that include security patches and new features. Ledger Live will notify you when a firmware update is available. Always follow official update prompts from the Ledger Live app; avoid third-party instructions for modifying firmware.
Validate addresses on the device
Always confirm the receiving address directly on your Ledger’s screen before approving a transaction. Ledger Live will show the address but the device’s screen is the authoritative display — malware on your computer can alter addresses shown in the app but cannot change the hardware display (assuming firmware integrity).
Use passphrase (optional advanced)
Ledger devices support an additional passphrase (BIP39 passphrase) for more advanced users. A passphrase acts like a 25th word and creates hidden wallets. Only enable a passphrase if you understand the risks and backup requirements — losing the passphrase means irreversible loss of access.
Troubleshooting — common issues
Encountering a hiccup? Here are common problems and solutions.
Device not recognized by Ledger Live
- Try a different USB cable or port (prefer the cable included in the box).
- Restart Ledger Live and your computer.
- On Windows, ensure the latest drivers are installed and that you are using an account with sufficient privileges.
Forgot PIN
If you forget your PIN, the only option is to reset the device and restore it using your recovery phrase. This will erase the device — so make sure your recovery phrase is accessible and correct before resetting.
Recovery phrase mismatch when restoring
Double-check word spelling and order. Use a trusted wordlist (BIP39) if necessary. If your recovery phrase still fails, re-check all copies and try again. If issues persist, contact Ledger support — but never share your recovery phrase in support tickets.
Best practices for everyday use
- Receive funds: Use Ledger Live to generate an address and confirm it directly on your device screen.
- Send funds: Verify the amount and address on-device before approving.
- Small test sends: When sending to a new address, do a small test transfer first.
- Phishing awareness: Ignore emails or sites asking for your recovery phrase or PIN.
- Backups: Keep at least two secure backups of your recovery phrase.
Q: Can I restore my Ledger on a different brand of hardware wallet?
A: Yes — many hardware wallets use the same BIP39 standard. However, always check compatibility and understand that different wallets may handle passphrases or derivation paths differently.
Q: Is my crypto safe if Ledger goes out of business?
A: Your crypto is controlled by your private keys (the recovery phrase). If you hold your recovery phrase securely, you can restore access using other BIP39-compatible wallets even if Ledger as a company is no longer available.
Q: Can I use Ledger with mobile devices?
A: Yes — Ledger supports Bluetooth on specific models (e.g., Nano X) and Ledger Live is available for iOS and Android. When using mobile, keep the operating system updated and only install Ledger Live from official app stores.
Official resources and support channels are the safest place to get help. Always look for the ledger.com domain and official documentation. If you need to reach support, use the contact options listed on ledger.com/support.