Step 1 — Unbox & inspect
Carefully inspect packaging and the device. Only proceed if the tamper-proof seal is intact and the device shows the official Ledger boot screen. If you suspect tampering, stop and contact the vendor.
Quick overview
Ledger hardware wallets store your private keys offline in a secure element. This guide covers unboxing, initializing, pairing with Ledger Live, backing up your recovery phrase, and best practices for security.
What you'll need
- A genuine Ledger device (Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X).
- A computer or mobile device with the latest Ledger Live app installed.
- A safe place to write and store your recovery phrase (metal backup recommended).
- An official USB cable (included) and internet connection for Ledger Live only — the device itself remains offline.
Step-by-step setup
Step 2 — Power on & choose an option
Power on your Ledger. Choose "Set up as new device" unless you are restoring from an existing recovery phrase. Create a new PIN when prompted — choose 4 to 8 digits that you can remember but others cannot guess.
Step 3 — Write down your recovery phrase
Your device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (24 words is the standard for Ledger). Write each word carefully on the provided recovery sheet in the exact order shown. Never store your recovery phrase digitally (photos, screenshots, cloud storage) — physical and offline only.
Step 4 — Confirm the phrase
The device will ask you to confirm a few words from the phrase to ensure you've backed it up correctly. Confirm by selecting the correct words on the device.
Step 5 — Install Ledger Live
Download Ledger Live from the official site and install it on your computer or mobile device. Open Ledger Live and follow the on-screen instructions to pair it with your Ledger device. Ledger Live is the companion software used to manage accounts — it does not hold your private keys.
Step 6 — Add crypto accounts
Within Ledger Live, go to Accounts > Add account, select the currency and follow the prompts. Your device will verify addresses — always confirm the address on your Ledger's screen before approving any transaction.
Step 7 — Receive and verify
When receiving funds, use Ledger Live to generate a receiving address and verify that same address is shown on your device's screen. This prevents man-in-the-middle attacks where the host computer might display a different address.
Security best practices
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.
- Use a metal backup for long-term storage of your recovery phrase to resist fire, water, and physical decay.
- Keep your PIN private. If you enter your PIN incorrectly 3 times the device will wipe itself to protect the keys.
- Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Avoid third-party links or altered software.
- Enable a passphrase (optional advanced security) only if you understand how it works. A passphrase adds a secret word to your recovery phrase and creates hidden wallets — losing the passphrase means losing access to funds in the hidden wallet.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Storing recovery words on a phone photo or cloud storage.
- Sharing screenshots or sending your recovery phrase to anyone claiming to help.
- Buying used hardware wallets. Always buy new from an authorized reseller or directly from ledger.com.
- Using random USB cables from unknown sources — use the one included or a high-quality cable to reduce hardware issues.
Advanced
If you are comfortable with advanced security, consider:
- Using a hardware security module (HSM) or multi-signature setup for large holdings.
- Storing recovery phrase parts in geographically separate secure locations.
- Combining a Ledger device with air-gapped signing workflows for heightened operational security.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can Ledger Live be used on multiple devices?
Yes — Ledger Live can be installed on multiple computers or mobile devices. Your private keys never leave the Ledger device; Ledger Live only reads public information and communicates transaction requests for your approval on the device.
Q: What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
If you lose the physical device but still have your 24-word recovery phrase, you can restore your wallets on a new Ledger or any compatible BIP39-compatible device. Without the recovery phrase, funds are irrecoverable.
Q: Is the recovery phrase unique to Ledger?
Ledger uses the standard BIP39 recovery phrase. This phrase can be restored on other compatible wallets, which is useful for recovery but highlights why the phrase must remain private.