Welcome to the official setup guide for Ledger Wallet. Follow our step-by-step instructions to securely set up your Ledger hardware wallet and protect your cryptocurrency assets with military-grade security.
Begin Setup Compare DevicesBegin by carefully unboxing your Ledger hardware wallet. Inside, you should find your Ledger Nano S, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Nano S Plus device, a USB cable, a keychain strap, recovery sheets, and getting started materials. Ensure all components are present and the device shows no signs of tampering.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable. For Ledger Nano X, you can also use Bluetooth connectivity with the Ledger Live Mobile app. The device should power on automatically. If this is your first time using the device, you'll see a welcome message prompting you to either set up as a new device or restore from a recovery phrase.
Select "Configure as new device" when prompted. Your Ledger device will then guide you through choosing a PIN code. This PIN is your first line of defense, protecting your device from unauthorized physical access. Choose a PIN code between 4 and 8 digits that you can remember but others cannot easily guess.
After setting your PIN, your device will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This is the most critical security element of your Ledger wallet. Write down each word in the exact order presented on your recovery sheet. Never store this phrase digitally - no photos, cloud storage, or text files. The recovery phrase is your ultimate backup that can restore access to all your cryptocurrencies if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
While your device is completing setup, download the Ledger Live application from the official Ledger website. Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Always verify you're downloading from the genuine Ledger website to avoid malicious software.
After installation, open Ledger Live and follow the onboarding process. You'll be prompted to select your device model and connect your Ledger hardware wallet. The application will then check for firmware updates - it's crucial to install any available updates to ensure you have the latest security enhancements and cryptocurrency support.
With Ledger Live open and your device connected, navigate to the "Accounts" section and click "Add account." Select the cryptocurrency you wish to manage - Ledger supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 5,500 other crypto assets. The application will synchronize with your device to generate the appropriate receiving addresses.
For each cryptocurrency you want to use, you'll need to install the corresponding app on your Ledger device through the "Manager" section in Ledger Live. These apps are lightweight and don't take up much space. Once installed, you can create accounts for each cryptocurrency and begin receiving funds to your secure hardware wallet addresses.
The upgraded version of the popular Nano S with a larger screen and more memory for installing multiple cryptocurrency apps simultaneously.
Best for: Beginners and cost-conscious users
Flagship device with Bluetooth connectivity, larger screen, increased storage capacity, and longer battery life for mobile use.
Best for: Active traders and mobile users
Your private keys are stored in a certified secure element, the same technology used in passports and credit cards, providing military-grade security.
Manage 5,500+ crypto assets, stake coins, swap tokens, and buy crypto through the intuitive Ledger Live desktop and mobile applications.
Connect your Ledger device with popular wallets like MetaMask, MyEtherWallet, and Electrum for enhanced DeFi and Web3 capabilities.
Receive firmware updates that add new features, support additional cryptocurrencies, and enhance security protections.
Your 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your cryptocurrency holdings. Never share it with anyone, and store it securely offline. Consider using a fireproof and waterproof safe for maximum protection.
Avoid digital storage completely - no photos, cloud backups, or text files. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase through email, phone, or any other communication channel.
Choose a PIN code that's difficult for others to guess but memorable for you. The device will wipe itself after three incorrect PIN attempts, protecting your funds from physical attacks.
Never use easily guessable combinations like 1234, 0000, or repeating digits. Change your PIN periodically if you suspect it may have been compromised.
Always verify transaction details on your Ledger device screen before confirming. Malware on your computer could alter destination addresses displayed on-screen.
Check that the amount and recipient address match what you see in Ledger Live. This simple step prevents man-in-the-middle attacks and ensures you're sending funds to the correct destination.
The Ledger Nano X offers several upgrades over the Nano S, including Bluetooth connectivity for mobile use, a larger screen for better transaction verification, increased storage capacity for more cryptocurrency apps, and a built-in battery for portable operation. The Nano S Plus bridges this gap with the larger screen and more memory of the Nano X but without Bluetooth capability. For users who primarily use their device with a computer, the Nano S Plus offers excellent value, while the Nano X is ideal for those needing mobile flexibility.
Yes, your Ledger hardware wallet can be used with any computer or mobile device that has the Ledger Live application installed. Your cryptocurrency private keys remain securely stored on the device itself, not on the computer. This means you can access your funds from different devices while maintaining the same security level. Simply connect your Ledger device to any compatible computer, open Ledger Live, and you'll have full access to manage your accounts. This flexibility makes Ledger wallets ideal for users who need to access their crypto assets from multiple locations.
If you lose your Ledger device, your funds remain safe as long as you have your 24-word recovery phrase. To regain access, simply purchase a new Ledger device (or any BIP39-compatible hardware wallet) and select the "Restore from recovery phrase" option during setup. Enter your 24 words in the exact order, and your new device will regenerate the same private keys, giving you full access to your cryptocurrency accounts. This is why securely storing your recovery phrase is critically important - it's your ultimate backup that cannot be replaced if lost.
You should install firmware updates whenever they become available. Ledger regularly releases updates that include security patches, new features, and support for additional cryptocurrencies. The Ledger Live application will notify you when updates are available. Keeping your device firmware current is essential for maintaining the highest security standards and ensuring compatibility with the latest cryptocurrency protocols. The update process is straightforward and guided within Ledger Live, typically taking just a few minutes to complete.
Yes, Ledger Live supports staking for several proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum (after The Merge), Tezos, Cosmos, Polkadot, and others. Staking allows you to earn rewards while helping secure the network. The process varies by cryptocurrency but generally involves delegating your tokens to a validator directly through Ledger Live. Your coins remain in your secure custody on your Ledger device while staked, unlike exchange staking where you surrender custody of your assets. Staking rewards and requirements differ between cryptocurrencies, so check the specific details for each asset in Ledger Live.
Join millions of users worldwide who trust Ledger to protect their cryptocurrency assets. Setup takes just minutes, and security lasts a lifetime.
Get Your Ledger Wallet