Ledger® Start — Secure Setup Guide for Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ledger SAS. For the official setup process, always go directly to https://www.ledger.com/start. Never download Ledger software from third-party websites or links sent by email or social media.

Introduction: Why a Ledger hardware wallet?

When you invest in cryptocurrencies, security is paramount. Software wallets are convenient, but they’re only as secure as your computer or phone. A hardware wallet like the Ledger Nano X or Ledger Nano S Plus adds a physical layer of security. Your private keys never leave the device, meaning even if your computer is compromised, your digital assets stay protected.

This guide will walk you through every step of setting up your Ledger device properly — from unboxing and installation to PIN setup, recovery phrase creation, and safe everyday use.

Quick Summary: Ledger hardware wallets protect your private keys by keeping them isolated from the internet. Transactions are verified and signed inside the device, reducing exposure to hacks or malware.

What you need before starting

Your Ledger device (Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Nano S).
A USB cable (or Bluetooth if using the Nano X).
A computer or smartphone with internet access.
The provided recovery sheet and a pen.
About 20–30 minutes of quiet time to complete setup carefully.

Step 1 — Purchase and verify authenticity

Only purchase your Ledger wallet from ledger.com or official resellers. Counterfeit or second-hand devices could already be compromised. When your package arrives, check:

The box is sealed and untampered.
No recovery phrase card has words pre-written.
The device powers on and requests initialization.

Never use a device that arrives pre-configured or includes a pre-written recovery phrase. Contact Ledger Support immediately if you suspect tampering.

Step 2 — Download Ledger Live from the official site

Visit ledger.com/start by typing the URL directly into your browser.
Download Ledger Live for your operating system — Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android.
Install and open the application.

Ledger Live is your interface for managing firmware updates, installing crypto apps, viewing balances, and sending/receiving assets.

Always verify that the Ledger Live website is secured with HTTPS and spelled correctly. Fake websites can look identical but steal funds.

Step 3 — Connect and initialize your device

Plug in your Ledger device using the provided cable (or connect via Bluetooth for Nano X).
Select “Set up as new device.”
Choose a secure 4–8 digit PIN. This PIN locks your wallet each time you use it.
The device will display your 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down carefully, word by word, in order.

Your recovery phrase is the master key to your crypto assets. It’s the only backup that can restore access if your device is lost, stolen, or reset.

Never store your recovery phrase digitally. Do not take photos, screenshots, or upload it to cloud storage. Write it down on paper or metal, and store it offline.

Step 4 — Confirm your recovery phrase

The device will now ask you to confirm a few words from your phrase to ensure you copied it correctly. This step prevents simple mistakes that could lock you out later. Once verified, your device is securely initialized and ready for use.

Store your recovery sheet in a safe and private location. Many users also create a backup copy stored separately to protect against fire, water, or theft.

Step 5 — Install apps via Ledger Live

Each cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, etc.) requires its own app installed on your Ledger. To add them:

Open Ledger Live and select Manager.
Connect and unlock your device with your PIN.
Approve Ledger Live’s connection request on the device screen.
Install the coin apps you plan to use (for example, Bitcoin or Ethereum).

Uninstalling apps later will not affect your funds. As long as you have your 24-word recovery phrase, your assets remain recoverable.

Step 6 — Add accounts and receive funds

Once apps are installed, you can add accounts in Ledger Live:

Go to the “Accounts” section.
Click “Add account” and select a cryptocurrency.
Follow prompts to verify the account on your device screen.

To receive funds:

Click “Receive” in Ledger Live for the chosen account.
Verify the address displayed on your computer matches the one on your device screen.
Only share the address after confirming both match exactly.

Important: Always verify addresses on your Ledger screen. A compromised computer could display a fake address to divert your funds.

Step 7 — Sending crypto securely

To send crypto from your Ledger wallet:

Select “Send” in Ledger Live.
Enter the recipient address and amount.
Confirm the details on your Ledger device screen.
Approve the transaction by pressing both buttons on the device.

This process ensures your private keys never leave the secure element. Even if your computer is infected with malware, it cannot authorize a transaction without your physical approval on the device.

Step 8 — Firmware and app updates

Ledger releases periodic firmware updates for bug fixes and added security.
To update, connect the device, open Ledger Live, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Ensure your recovery phrase is backed up before updating firmware.

Never download firmware files from third-party sites or unofficial sources. Ledger Live handles all legitimate updates automatically.

Step 9 — Optional: Use a passphrase for hidden wallets

Advanced users may add a passphrase to create an additional hidden wallet. The passphrase acts as a 25th word appended to your recovery phrase, providing extra privacy and security. However, be careful:

Each unique passphrase generates a completely separate wallet.
If forgotten, funds in that wallet are permanently lost.

Use the passphrase feature only if you fully understand it. Forgetting it is irreversible.

Step 10 — Everyday safety practices

Keep your recovery phrase offline and private.
Never share your PIN or phrase with anyone — not even Ledger support.
Beware of phishing attempts asking for your seed phrase.
Always verify transaction details on the hardware screen.
Use a strong PIN and enable auto-lock on your device.

Troubleshooting common issues

Here are quick fixes for some common user issues:

Device not recognized: Try a new USB cable, restart Ledger Live, or use another USB port.
Forgot PIN: Reset your device and restore it using your 24-word recovery phrase.
Ledger Live not syncing: Update the app, clear cache, or reinstall from the official site.
Firmware update failed: Retry via Ledger Live; never use external firmware files.

Best long-term storage practices

For users storing significant crypto holdings, consider these advanced security measures:

Keep multiple copies of your recovery phrase in different secure physical locations.
Use fireproof and waterproof seed storage (metal plates).
Test your recovery phrase occasionally by restoring on a spare device.
Maintain a dedicated, offline computer for crypto transactions if possible.

Final security checklist

[✔] Device purchased from official Ledger source.
[✔] Ledger Live downloaded only from ledger.com/start.
[✔] New PIN and 24-word recovery phrase recorded offline.
[✔] Apps installed and verified on device.
[✔] Test transactions completed successfully.
[✔] Recovery phrase stored safely and redundantly.

Ledger devices are trusted by millions because they balance usability and strong cryptographic security. When used properly, they dramatically reduce the chance of loss due to hacks or malware.