Welcome to the world of secure cryptocurrency storage. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up your new Ledger device. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your digital assets remain safe.
Before You Begin
Make sure you have the following ready:
- Your Ledger device (Nano S, Nano X, or Nano S Plus)
- The USB cable that came with your device
- A computer with internet access
- Approximately 20 minutes of uninterrupted time
- A pen and paper for writing down your recovery phrase (do not use a digital device)
Unbox Your Ledger Device
Carefully unbox your Ledger device and check that all components are present. You should find the Ledger device itself, a USB cable, recovery sheet, and keychain strap. Ensure the packaging has not been tampered with.
Connect to Computer
Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable. For mobile setup with Ledger Nano X, you can use Bluetooth connectivity. Avoid using USB hubs or extension cables as they may cause connection issues.
When you connect your device for the first time, it should display "Welcome" or "Configure as new device."
Install Ledger Live
Visit the official Ledger website and download Ledger Live, the companion application for your Ledger device. Install it following the on-screen instructions for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Ledger Live is available for desktop and mobile devices, allowing you to manage your crypto assets on the go.
Initialize Your Device
Follow the on-screen instructions in Ledger Live to initialize your device. You'll be prompted to set a PIN code. This PIN protects your device from unauthorized access.
Choose a PIN code between 4 and 8 digits. Make sure it's something you'll remember but hard for others to guess. You'll need this PIN every time you connect your Ledger device.
Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
Your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This is the most important part of your setup. Write down these words exactly in the order they appear on the recovery sheet provided.
Store your recovery sheet in a safe place, preferably in a fireproof and waterproof container. Consider storing it in multiple secure locations.
Confirm Your Recovery Phrase
Your Ledger device will ask you to confirm your recovery phrase by selecting some of the words. This ensures you've written it down correctly and understand the process of verifying your phrase.
If you make a mistake during this process, you can start over. It's crucial that you get this right to ensure you can recover your funds if needed.
Install Apps
Use Ledger Live to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. Each crypto asset has its own app that needs to be installed on your Ledger device.
You can install multiple apps simultaneously, but note that the Ledger Nano S has limited storage capacity and may not hold all apps at once.
Create Accounts
In Ledger Live, create accounts for each cryptocurrency you want to use. Each account will have its own receiving address.
Your Ledger device will need to be connected and unlocked to add new accounts. The accounts are derived from your recovery phrase, so you can always recover them even if you lose your device.
Receive Crypto
You're now ready to receive cryptocurrencies! In Ledger Live, select the account you want to receive to and click "Receive." Verify the receiving address on your Ledger device's screen to ensure it matches what's shown in Ledger Live.
Explore Additional Features
Now that your device is set up, explore Ledger Live's additional features like buying crypto, staking, lending, and swapping through partner services.
Regularly update your Ledger device's firmware and apps through Ledger Live to benefit from the latest security enhancements and features.
Pro Tips
- Always purchase Ledger devices from the official website or authorized resellers
- Consider using a passphrase for creating hidden wallets (advanced feature)
- Regularly verify your recovery phrase using the recovery check app
- Enable auto-lock on your Ledger Nano X for additional security
- Keep your Ledger Live application updated
Need Help?
If you encounter any issues during setup, visit the Ledger Support Center or check the Ledger Help Articles for detailed guides and troubleshooting tips.