Your Gateway to Ultimate Crypto Security
Welcome to the official Ledger setup guide. Follow our comprehensive instructions to securely initialize your Ledger hardware wallet and protect your digital assets with industry-leading security.
Protected by certified secure chip technology, keeping your private keys offline and safe from hackers.
You own your private keys. Complete sovereignty over your crypto assets with no third-party involvement.
Intuitive Ledger Live app makes managing your crypto portfolio simple and accessible on any device.
Welcome to Ledger.com/Start, your comprehensive resource for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you've purchased a Ledger Nano S, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Nano S Plus, this guide will walk you through every step of the initialization process. Ledger devices represent the gold standard in cryptocurrency security, utilizing certified secure element chips to protect your private keys from online threats.
Setting up your Ledger device correctly is crucial for ensuring the long-term security of your digital assets. This process involves creating a unique PIN code, generating a recovery phrase, and installing the Ledger Live application. By following this official guide from Ledger.com/Start, you'll establish a secure foundation for managing your cryptocurrency portfolio with confidence.
Begin by carefully unboxing your Ledger hardware wallet. Your package should include the Ledger device itself, a USB cable for connectivity, a Recovery Sheet for recording your recovery phrase, a quick start guide, and a keychain accessory. Before proceeding with setup, verify that the security seal is intact and hasn't been tampered with. An untampered seal ensures your device hasn't been compromised during shipping.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable. For Ledger Nano X users, you also have the option of setting up via Bluetooth using the Ledger Live mobile app on iOS or Android. The device screen will illuminate, displaying the Ledger logo and prompting you to begin the initialization process.
When your Ledger device powers on, you'll be presented with two options: "Set up as new device" or "Restore from recovery phrase." For first-time users following this Ledger.com/Start guide, select "Set up as new device" by using the buttons on your Ledger. This initiates the process of generating a completely new set of cryptographic keys unique to your device.
The device will guide you through on-screen instructions. Take your time reading each prompt carefully, as understanding these security measures is essential for protecting your cryptocurrency investments. This initialization process establishes the cryptographic foundation that will secure all your future transactions.
Your PIN code is the first line of defense protecting your Ledger device from unauthorized physical access. You'll be prompted to create a PIN between 4 and 8 digits long. Choose a PIN that is memorable to you but difficult for others to guess—avoid obvious combinations like "1234" or your birthdate. This PIN will be required every time you connect your Ledger device.
Use the device buttons to scroll through numbers and confirm your selection. You'll be asked to enter your PIN twice to ensure accuracy. Remember this PIN carefully—after three incorrect attempts, your Ledger device will reset for security purposes, requiring recovery via your 24-word recovery phrase. Store your PIN securely but separately from your device and recovery phrase.
This is the most critical step in the Ledger.com/Start setup process. Your Ledger device will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase or mnemonic phrase). This phrase is the master key to all your cryptocurrency accounts and must be recorded with extreme care. Use the blank Recovery Sheet included with your Ledger device to write down each word in the exact order displayed.
Write clearly and legibly using a pen. Double-check each word as you write it. The device will display one word at a time—use the buttons to navigate through all 24 words. Never photograph your recovery phrase, store it digitally, or share it with anyone, including Ledger support staff. Anyone with access to your recovery phrase has complete control over your cryptocurrency.
After writing down all 24 words, your Ledger device will quiz you by asking you to confirm certain words from your phrase. This verification ensures you've recorded everything correctly. Store your Recovery Sheet in a secure location such as a fireproof safe or safety deposit box. Consider creating multiple copies stored in separate secure locations for redundancy.
Ledger Live is the official companion application for your Ledger hardware wallet, available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Visit the official Ledger website at Ledger.com/ledger-live to download the genuine application. Be extremely cautious about downloading Ledger Live only from official sources—malicious fake versions exist that could compromise your security.
Install Ledger Live following the standard installation process for your operating system. Once installed, open the application and follow the setup wizard. You'll be asked to select your device model, and Ledger Live will verify that your device is genuine using Ledger's authenticity check. This cryptographic verification confirms you have a legitimate Ledger product, not a counterfeit device.
With Ledger Live installed and your device connected, you're ready to add cryptocurrency accounts. Ledger supports over 5,500 different coins and tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Polkadot, and thousands of ERC-20 tokens. Click "Add Account" in Ledger Live and select the cryptocurrency you wish to manage. You'll need to install the corresponding app on your Ledger device first.
Follow the prompts to install the required cryptocurrency app on your device. Your Ledger has limited storage, but you can install and uninstall apps as needed without affecting your holdings—your accounts are derived from your recovery phrase, not the apps themselves. Once the app is installed, Ledger Live will scan and create your account, displaying your receiving address and balance.
Congratulations on completing the Ledger.com/Start setup process! You've taken a crucial step toward securing your cryptocurrency investments with industry-leading hardware wallet technology. Your Ledger device now safeguards your private keys in a certified secure chip, isolated from internet-connected devices and protected from malware, hackers, and online threats.
Remember that cryptocurrency security is an ongoing responsibility. Regularly review security best practices, keep your device firmware updated, and stay informed about emerging threats through official Ledger communications. Visit Ledger Academy for educational resources about cryptocurrency security, blockchain technology, and best practices for managing your digital assets. Your journey to financial sovereignty and self-custody starts here with Ledger.com/Start.
Everything you need to know about setting up your Ledger device
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