Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®

Getting started — an easy & secure walkthrough

This guide takes you through everything you need to know to set up a Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Ledger Nano X or Ledger S Plus), configure Ledger Live, safely create and protect your recovery phrase, install apps, use integrations, and troubleshoot common issues. It prioritizes security best practices and gives practical tips so you can confidently manage your crypto.

Quick table of contents

Chapters:

Before you start — checklist
Unboxing & inspection
Connect & install Ledger Live
Firmware, PIN & recovery phrase
Using Ledger Live & installing apps
Mobile & integrations
Plugins, dApps & security considerations
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Long-term best practices and inheritance planning

1 — Before you start: a short checklist

Spend a few minutes on this checklist to reduce risks:

Purchase from a trusted retailer or the official store — avoid second-hand devices for seed safety reasons.
Use your personal, up-to-date computer or phone for setup. Avoid public machines and unknown USB hubs.
Have a pen and the provided recovery cards ready; do not photograph your recovery phrase.
Disable macOS/Windows clipboard history or cloud sync while setting up if you're concerned about security.
Plan a secure storage method for the recovery phrase (fireproof safe, bank safety deposit box, or a metal backup plate).

Note: This tutorial is a template. Always double-check official instructions from your device vendor before critical actions like firmware updates or recovery.

2 — Unboxing & inspection

When unboxing, check for tampering. Typical contents include the device (Nano X or S Plus), a USB cable, recovery cards/paper, quick start guide, and packaging.

Inspect packaging

Look for broken seals, damage, or altered stickers. If anything looks off, stop and contact the seller or vendor support before proceeding.

Verify accessories

Confirm the cable type (USB-C or USB-A) and that the recovery cards are present. If a separate SIM or Bluetooth dongle is included for your model, check the instructions.

3 — Connect the device & install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile app for managing accounts. Use only the official download link. During setup, Ledger Live will detect your device and guide you through firmware and initialization.

Download Ledger Live: Visit the official download page and choose the desktop or mobile version for your OS. Verify the domain and SSL certificate in your browser.

Connect the device: Use the supplied cable. For Bluetooth models (e.g., Nano X), follow the Bluetooth pairing prompts in Ledger Live — only pair via the official app.

Choose “Set up as new device” or “Restore from recovery phrase”: If new, follow prompts to generate a recovery phrase. If restoring, do so only if you possess a legitimate recovery phrase and understand the process.

Warning: Do not reveal your recovery phrase to any website, support agent, or stranger. Legitimate support will never ask for your seed.

4 — Firmware, PIN, and recovery phrase

Firmware

Firmware is the device’s signed internal software. Ledger Live will handle verified firmware updates. Always:

Install firmware only via Ledger Live (or the official firmware path).
Confirm any displayed fingerprint or message on the device when prompted.
Never install unofficial firmware provided by someone else.

Set a PIN

Choose a PIN that you can remember but isn’t obvious. Enter it only on the device screen — never disclose it. If you enter the wrong PIN too many times, the device may temporarily lock or increase delay between attempts.

Create & record your recovery phrase

The recovery phrase (12–24 words) is the only reliable backup of your private keys. You will be shown words on the device and required to write them down. Follow these best practices:

Write words in order on the supplied recovery cards or a metal plate solution.
Store the written phrase in a safe place offline; consider two geographically separated locations.
Do not photograph, type, email, or store the phrase in cloud backup or password managers.

Extra security: Some users choose to use a passphrase (an additional secret word) to create hidden wallets. A passphrase is powerful — but if lost, it is unrecoverable. Use only if you understand the risks and have a secure way to store/manage the passphrase.

5 — Using Ledger Live & installing apps

Ledger Live lets you install blockchain-specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on your device. Each app lets you create and manage accounts for that coin.

Open Ledger Live and navigate to the Manager tab.
Connect and unlock your device; Ledger Live will request permission to manage the device.
Install only the apps you need. Apps take device storage; uninstalling an app does not delete account funds—your keys remain recoverable via your recovery phrase.

When sending or receiving funds, always verify addresses on the physical device screen and never copy/paste addresses blindly from the host computer.

6 — Mobile & Bluetooth usage

Some Ledger devices support mobile pairing via Bluetooth. If you use mobile:

Pair only via the official Ledger Live mobile app.
Keep your phone updated and avoid installing suspicious apps that may attempt to intercept communications.
If you suspect a compromised phone, prefer desktop Ledger Live and direct USB connections for sensitive operations.

7 — Plugins, dApps, and third-party integrations

Ledger integrates with many wallets, exchanges, and dApps via connectors like Ledger Live, WalletConnect, or browser extensions. Safety tips:

Prefer official or widely-reviewed integrations. Research reputation and reviews before granting permissions.
When authorizing transactions in dApps, confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device screen — that is the single source of truth.
Limit token approvals; revoke approvals you no longer need through trusted tools.
Avoid entering your recovery phrase anywhere. If a dApp asks for a seed, disconnect immediately — it’s a scam.

8 — Advanced topics: passphrases, multi-sig & backup strategies

Advanced users might use passphrases, Shamir backups, or multi-signature setups to increase security:

Passphrases: Add an extra secret word to create hidden wallets. The passphrase is not stored on the device and must be memorized or stored separately.
Shamir backups / split secret: Some ecosystems support splitting a secret into multiple shares — increasing redundancy but adding complexity.
Multi-signature: Using multiple hardware wallets to require several approvals for transactions reduces single-device risk.

These techniques are powerful but require disciplined management. For large holdings, consult a trusted security advisor and test restoration flows carefully.

9 — Troubleshooting & common issues

Device not detected

Try a different cable/port, ensure the device screen is active, and restart Ledger Live. Some cables are charge-only—use a data-capable cable.

Firmware update failed

Do not disconnect mid-update. Reopen Ledger Live, connect the device, and follow recovery flows. If the device is unresponsive, consult official recovery instructions.

Forgot PIN

Wiping and restoring from your recovery phrase is the usual path if you forget your PIN. You will need your recovery phrase to restore funds.

Seed mismatch during verify

Double-check spelling and order. If words don’t match, consider generating a new wallet and new seed in a secure environment.

10 — Long-term security & best practices

Protect your crypto for years by adopting these habits:

Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated via official releases. Check official domains for updates.
Use multiple geographically separated backups for your recovery phrase, preferably in physical/metal form for fire/water resistance.
Periodically audit smart-contract approvals and revoke those you no longer need.
Consider a hardware-based vault strategy for large holdings: multiple devices, multi-signature, and clear inheritance plans.
Never share seed words, PINs, or passphrases with anyone claiming to be support over social media or chat.

11 — FAQ

Q: Can I restore my wallet on another hardware wallet?
A: The recovery phrase follows standards like BIP39 for many wallets, but confirm compatibility. Only restore on trusted devices.

Q: What if I lose my recovery phrase?
A: Losing your recovery phrase means losing access to your funds if the device is lost/damaged. Treat the phrase as your single point of recovery.

Q: Is it safe to use Ledger with decentralized exchanges and DeFi?
A: Yes, but be careful with approvals and contract interactions. Approve only minimal allowances and verify details on the device.

12 — Final checklist before sending funds

Device firmware is verified and up to date.
Recovery phrase recorded offline and stored securely.
PIN set and remembered (not written with the seed).
Ledger Live installed from an official source and apps installed only for the coins you use.
Test with a small transaction before moving large sums or interacting with new dApps.

Tip: practice a restore on a spare device (with a small test wallet) to ensure your recovery procedure works before relying on it for large balances.