Ledger Setup Guide — ledger.com/start 🔐

Step-by-step presentation-style walkthrough to get your Ledger device ready — secure, simple, and smart. 🚀

Quick Start

Estimated time:
10–20 minutes ⏱️

Works for Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus & Nano X

Welcome — Why setup matters

Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet is the most important step to keep your crypto secure. This guide walks you through unpacking, initializing, backing up your recovery phrase, installing Ledger Live, and making your first transaction — all with clear visuals and friendly tips. 🔎

What you'll accomplish

  • Initialize your Ledger device and create a secure PIN 🔢
  • Safely record your 24-word recovery phrase ✍️
  • Install Ledger Live and add accounts to manage assets 💼
  • Make a test transaction and verify operations on-device ✅

Setup Steps — Follow along (Visual Slide)

1

Unbox & Inspect 📦

Open the packaging, confirm the tamper-evident seals, and check the device powers on. If anything looks suspicious, stop and contact support.

2

Choose a Secure Location 🛡️

Pick a private, distraction-free area to set up your device and write down your recovery phrase. Avoid cameras and phones nearby.

3

Initialize the Device 🔐

Power on, choose "Set up as new device", create a PIN code, and confirm it on the device screen. Use a PIN you can remember but not easily guessable.

4

Write Your Recovery Phrase ✍️

Carefully copy the 24-word phrase in order onto the provided recovery sheet. Store the sheet in at least one secure physical location — never store the phrase digitally.

5

Install Ledger Live & Add Accounts 💻

Download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start, install it, and use it to add accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Ledger Live will guide you to connect the device and install coin apps.

6

Make a Small Test Transaction 🧪

Send a small amount to/from your Ledger to validate that everything works. Verify addresses on the device display before confirming.

Start setup at ledger.com/start ➜

Security Best Practices 🔒

Security is simple when you follow a few rules consistently. Treat your recovery phrase like the master key to your fortune.

Do:

  • Store your recovery phrase offline in at least two secure locations 🗄️
  • Use the official Ledger site and app — avoid third-party downloads 🌐
  • Verify every address on your device display before approving transactions 👀

Don't:

  • Don't share your 24-word phrase with anyone — Ledger support will never ask for it 🚫
  • Don't type your recovery words into a computer or phone 📵
  • Don't buy secondhand Ledger devices — get them new from official channels 🛒

Hardware Tips

Use a durable metal backup if you have high-value holdings, and consider geographically splitting copies for redundancy. 🔧

FAQ — Common Questions ❓

Q: Can I set up Ledger without internet?
A: Yes — initial device setup and recovery phrase recording happen offline. Download Ledger Live on a separate device when ready.
Q: What if I lose my recovery phrase?
A: If you lose it, you WILL lose access to funds if the device is lost/damaged. Always make secure backups.
Q: Is Ledger Live mandatory?
A: Ledger Live simplifies account management but the core security is the hardware. Advanced users can use compatible third-party wallets.