Welcome to the Future of Security
Owning crypto means holding your own keys. Ledger hardware wallets provide the highest level of security for your digital assets by keeping your private keys offline, away from internet threats. By setting up your device correctly, you are becoming your own bank. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to initialize your device and secure your funds.
Offline Storage
Your private keys never leave the secure element chip of your device, keeping them safe from online hacks.
Ledger Live App
Manage your assets, buy, swap, and grow your crypto securely through our all-in-one companion app.
Web3 Ready
Connect to dApps and NFT marketplaces securely. Clear signing technology ensures you know exactly what you sign.
How to Set Up Your Device
Follow these four critical steps to initialize your Ledger Nano S, Nano X, or Stax device. Please ensure you are in a private, secure environment before proceeding.
Download & Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official companion app for your hardware wallet. It allows you to set up your device, manage accounts, and update firmware.
- Download the official app from this page or ledger.com/app.
- Install the application on your computer or smartphone.
- Open Ledger Live and click "Get Started" to begin the setup wizard.
Initialize Your Device
Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable. Follow the on-screen instructions on the device itself.
- Navigate through the welcome screens using the device buttons.
- Select "Set up as new device" if this is your first time.
- Set a PIN code: Choose a 4 to 8 digit PIN. This code unlocks your device locally.
Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
This is the most important step. Your device will display a series of 24 words. This is your Secret Recovery Phrase.
Your recovery phrase is the only way to restore your funds if your device is lost, stolen, or broken.
- Write down the words carefully on the provided Recovery Sheets.
- Verify each word on the device to confirm you wrote them correctly.
- Never store this phrase digitally (no photos, no cloud storage).
Install Apps & Add Accounts
Once initialized, your device is ready. Use Ledger Live to install apps for the blockchains you want to use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
- Go to the "My Ledger" tab in Ledger Live to install apps.
- Navigate to the "Accounts" tab to add accounts for your crypto assets.
- You can now receive assets securely by verifying the address on your device.
Critical Security Reminders
Never share your 24 words
Ledger Support will never ask for your recovery phrase. If anyone asks for it, they are trying to steal your funds.
Always verify on device
Computer screens can be hacked. Always trust the display on your Ledger device when verifying addresses and transactions.
Keep your PIN private
Your PIN code protects your device from unauthorized physical access. Choose a complex PIN and do not share it.
Buy from official sources
Only purchase Ledger devices from Ledger.com or authorized resellers to ensure the hardware has not been tampered with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about setting up and using your Ledger wallet.