Welcome to your new Ledger device. This official guide will walk you through the unboxing, setup, and first use of your Ledger hardware wallet to ensure your crypto assets are secured from the start.
Before you begin, verify your device's integrity. Your Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Stax is your personal vault.
Check the packaging: Ensure the anti-tamper seal is intact.
Start setup connected: When you first connect your device, the screen should only display "Welcome" or "Configure as new device." If any other text appears, do not proceed and contact Ledger Support immediately.
Never use a pre-configured device. Your device should generate a new, unique secret recovery phrase during setup.
Ledger Live is the official app to manage your crypto and configure your device.
Go to our official website: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live
Download Ledger Live for your desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile (iOS, Android).
⚠️ Security First: Never download software from any other source. This is your first defense against phishing.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
Follow the on-screen instructions in Ledger Live to initialize your device.
Choose "Set up as new device."
Create a PIN code: Choose a PIN (4-8 digits) that will lock your device. This is required every time you connect.
This is the most important step. Your 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your cryptocurrency. Anyone with these words can access your assets.
Your device will generate 24 words, one by one.
Write them down by hand on the included recovery sheet. Never type them on a phone or computer.
Confirm the phrase on your device's screen to ensure you recorded it correctly.
Store it securely: Keep it safe from sight, fire, and water. Consider a certified fireproof safe or a metal backup solution.
🛡️ The Golden Rule of Self-Custody:
Ledger will NEVER ask for your 24-word phrase.
Never share it with anyone. Ever.
There is no "backup" or "support" link. You are your own bank.
Your Ledger device runs apps to manage different cryptocurrencies.
In Ledger Live, go to the 'My Ledger' tab.
Connect and unlock your device.
Install Apps: Browse or search for the crypto app you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) and click 'Install'.
Add an Account: Return to the 'Accounts' tab, click 'Add account', select the cryptocurrency, and follow the prompts. Your device will derive your public address.
To Receive Funds: Go to the 'Receive' tab in Ledger Live, select an account, and always verify the receiving address on your device's screen before sending any crypto.
To Send Funds: Go to the 'Send' tab, enter the details, and verify the transaction amount and address on your device's screen before approving.
Explore: Use the 'Buy', 'Sell', and 'Swap' tabs to manage your assets directly within Ledger Live.
Discover Web3: Safely connect to DeFi, NFT marketplaces, and other dApps through the 'Discover' tab—your private keys always stay secure on your device.
Stay Updated: Regularly update your Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live app through the 'Manager' tab for the latest security features.
Need Help?
Visit our comprehensive Help Center at support.ledger.com for detailed articles, troubleshooting, and video tutorials.