How to Set Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Setting up your Ledger wallet involves installing Ledger Live, initializing the device, securing your recovery phrase, and managing assets.
1. Unbox Your Ledger Wallet Carefully
- Only buy Ledger wallets from the official website or authorized resellers.
- Check the packaging: it should be sealed and untampered.
- Inside the box, you should find:
- Ledger device (Nano X or Nano S Plus)
- USB cable
- Keychain strap
- Recovery sheet(s)
- Instruction manuals
⚠️ Do not use the device if packaging looks tampered.
2. Install Ledger Live on Your Computer or Mobile
- Go to Ledger Live official website and download the Ledger Live app for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS).
- Install and open the app.
- Ledger Live is the official management software for:
- Firmware updates
- Installing apps for cryptocurrencies
- Sending and receiving funds
- Tracking your portfolio
3. Initialize Your Ledger Device
- Turn on your device
- Nano X: Press the side buttons simultaneously.
- Nano S Plus: Plug into USB and press buttons to navigate.
- Choose “Set up as new device”
- Select a PIN code
- 4–8 digits
- You must enter this PIN whenever the device is powered on
- Avoid obvious PINs like “1234”
4. Write Down Your 24‑Word Recovery Phrase
- Your Ledger will generate a 24-word recovery phrase (sometimes called a seed phrase).
- Write it exactly in order on the recovery sheet provided.
- Store it offline in a safe place—do not store digitally or online.
- This recovery phrase is the only way to restore your wallet if it’s lost, stolen, or damaged.
⚠️ Never share this phrase with anyone. Ledger staff will never ask for it.
5. Confirm Your Recovery Phrase
- The device will ask you to confirm several random words from your 24-word phrase.
- This ensures you wrote it down correctly.
6. Install Cryptocurrency Apps on Your Ledger
- Open Ledger Live → Manager → Allow Ledger Manager
- Browse supported crypto apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.)
- Install the apps you need
- Each app allows Ledger to manage the respective cryptocurrency securely
7. Add Accounts in Ledger Live
- Go to Accounts → Add account
- Select the cryptocurrency and the app installed on the device
- Ledger Live will scan the blockchain and add your account
- Repeat for all supported assets you want to manage
8. Receive Cryptocurrency Safely
- Open Ledger Live → Accounts → Receive
- Select the cryptocurrency
- Connect and unlock your Ledger device
- Verify the address on your device screen (never rely solely on computer/phone display)
- Share this address to receive funds
9. Send Cryptocurrency Safely
- Open Ledger Live → Accounts → Send
- Enter recipient address and amount
- Verify all transaction details on your Ledger device screen
- Press both buttons to approve the transaction
10. Keep Your Ledger Firmware Updated
- Ledger frequently releases firmware updates to improve security and add features
- Update only via Ledger Live
- Never download firmware from unofficial sources
✅ Tips for Maximum Security
- Always buy from official sources
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
- Verify all addresses on the Ledger device before approving transactions
- Consider using a passphrase for added security
- Store your device and recovery phrase in a secure location