Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started

Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Started with Ledger Hardware Wallets Welcome to the world of self-custody and ultimate security for your cryptocurrencies and digital assets. If you’ve just purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or the new Ledger Stax, you’ve taken a crucial step in protecting your wealth from online threats. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the unboxing, setup, and initial use of your Ledger device, ensuring you start your journey with confidence.

Why This Setup Process is Non-Negotiable Unlike a traditional bank account, cryptocurrencies place you in full control. This means you are your own bank, and with that power comes the absolute responsibility of security. Ledger hardware wallets are designed to keep your private keys—the secret codes that control your assets—offline in a secure chip, immune to hackers. The setup process is the foundation of this security. Do not rush it.

Step 1: Unboxing and Initial Verification Your Ledger package should include the hardware wallet itself, a USB-C cable, a recovery sheet, and keychain straps. Immediately verify the anti-tamper seal. If the seal is broken or looks compromised, do not use the device and contact Ledger Support immediately. This is your first critical security check.

Step 2: The Heart of Security: Setting Up Your Recovery Phrase Connect and Power On: Plug your Ledger device into your computer using the provided cable. It will boot up with the "Welcome" message.

Initialize as New Device: You will be prompted to "Configure as new device." Choose this option unless you are recovering an existing wallet.

The 24-Word Secret: Your device will now generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase, also known as a seed phrase. This is the single most important piece of information in your crypto life.

Write it down on the provided recovery sheet. Use a pen, not a digital device.

Never, ever type it on a computer or phone.

Store it physically, in a fireproof and waterproof safe or a secure location. Consider a metal backup solution for long-term safety.

Confirm the Phrase: The device will ask you to re-enter several words from the phrase to ensure you recorded it correctly. This step is vital.

⚠️ Critical Security Rules: Your recovery phrase is your wallet. Anyone with these 24 words can take your assets. Never share it, never digitize it, and never store it online. Ledger will never ask for it.

Step 3: Installing Ledger Live – Your Command Center The Ledger Live app is your secure interface to manage your portfolio. It is available for desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android).

Download from the Official Source: Always download Ledger Live only from the official website: Ledger.com/Start. This prevents phishing attacks.

Install and Create Account: Follow the installation prompts. You'll create a Ledger Live account (this is not your wallet, just a local profile).

Step 4: Connecting and Configuring Ledger Live In Ledger Live, navigate to "My Ledger" and connect your device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X/Stax).

Authenticate Your Device: The app will verify the genuine Ledger firmware. This ensures you are not using a counterfeit device. Follow the prompts to install any necessary firmware updates.

Install Apps: Your Ledger device manages assets via small apps. Navigate to the "Manager" in Ledger Live and install apps for the cryptocurrencies you own (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polygon). These apps are tiny and safe to install/uninstall as needed; your keys remain secure.

Step 5: Your First Receive Transaction – Safely Adding Crypto To receive assets, you must verify the address on your Ledger device.

In Ledger Live, go to the account you want to fund (e.g., Bitcoin) and click "Receive."

The app will show an address and ask you to "Verify on Device."

Crucially, check the address displayed on your Ledger's screen. It must match the one shown in Ledger Live. This confirms the transaction hasn't been hijacked by malware. Only then, approve it.

Use this verified address to send a small test transaction first from your exchange or other wallet.

Step 6: Exploring Ledger Live’s Features Now that you're set up, explore the ecosystem:

Buy: Purchase crypto directly through Ledger Live's partners.

Staking: Earn rewards by staking assets like ETH, DOT, or ATOM directly from your secure wallet.

Discover: Access decentralized applications (dApps) securely through the Ledger's "Discover" section, knowing your keys remain protected.

Best Practices for Ongoing Security Regular Firmware Updates: Always keep your Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live app updated via the official app. Updates contain critical security patches.

Use a Strong PIN: Your device PIN should be unique and complex.

Beware of Phishing: Ignore emails, tweets, or DMs claiming to be from "Ledger Support" asking for your recovery phrase or directing you to a fake website. Always bookmark the official Ledger.com site.

Consider a Passphrase: For advanced users, the "25th word" passphrase feature adds an extra layer of security, creating a hidden wallet.

Conclusion: You Are Now in Control Congratulations. By completing these steps meticulously, you have successfully moved from holding assets on vulnerable exchanges to true, sovereign ownership. Your crypto is now secured by one of the most robust systems available. The peace of mind that comes with this security is invaluable.

Bookmark this guide for future reference, and remember: in crypto, security is not a product, but a practice. Your Ledger device is your vault, and you now hold the only key.

Ready to begin? Start your secure journey at the official Ledger setup page: Ledger.com/Start