Welcome to the official Ledger.com/Start® guide. This step-by-step walkthrough will help you power on, initialize, and secure your new Ledger® hardware wallet. Whether you’re setting up a Ledger Nano X®, Nano S Plus®, or another model, these instructions ensure your digital assets are protected from the start. Ledger® hardware wallets are trusted by millions of users for their top-tier security and user-friendly design.
When you receive your Ledger® device, begin by carefully unboxing the package. Inside, you should find:
Before proceeding, confirm that the packaging is sealed and untampered. Ledger® devices are never sent with pre-written recovery phrases or pre-set PINs. If your package contains such details, do not use the device. Genuine Ledger® wallets are configured by you — never by a third party.
To start your Ledger® device, connect it to your computer or mobile device using the provided cable. Once connected, press and hold the power button until the Ledger® logo appears on the screen. Follow the on-screen prompts to choose your language and begin the setup process. The device will then guide you through creating your personal PIN code.
Your PIN code protects your device from unauthorized access. Choose a code that’s easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess. Avoid using simple combinations such as “0000” or “1234.”
After creating your PIN, your Ledger® device will display a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is your only backup in case your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Write each word carefully on the provided recovery sheet in the exact order shown. Double-check the spelling before moving to the next step.
Never take photos of your recovery phrase or store it digitally. Keep your written sheet in a safe, offline location. Anyone with access to your recovery phrase can access your assets, so it must remain private at all times.
Once you’ve written down all 24 words, the device will ask you to confirm them one by one. This step ensures accuracy and verifies that your recovery phrase matches what the device generated. After confirmation, your device setup will be complete, and you’ll be ready to use your Ledger® with Ledger Live® for crypto management.
Ledger Live® is the companion app used to manage your assets and verify your device. Once installed, you can connect your Ledger® wallet, add crypto accounts, check balances, and perform secure transactions. All approvals happen directly on your Ledger® screen, ensuring full protection of your private keys. The app’s intuitive interface helps you easily manage multiple cryptocurrencies from one secure dashboard.
After pairing your device with Ledger Live®, you can start adding cryptocurrency accounts such as Bitcoin®, Ethereum®, and many others. Each transaction must be confirmed on your device, which guarantees that your private keys never leave your Ledger® hardware wallet. This level of security ensures that even if your computer is compromised, your crypto remains safe.
Ledger® devices are designed with a secure element chip and custom operating system to prevent unauthorized access. This combination of hardware and software protection makes Ledger® one of the safest ways to store digital assets.
Ledger® regularly releases firmware updates to improve device performance and enhance security. Always keep both your device firmware and Ledger Live® software up to date. Updates include bug fixes, new features, and additional cryptocurrency support. Make it a habit to check for updates periodically to ensure your wallet runs on the latest version.
Additionally, stay alert for phishing attempts. Only follow official Ledger® setup guides and never share your recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger® support will never ask for it under any circumstances.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully started up your Ledger® device. With your hardware wallet initialized, your recovery phrase securely stored, and Ledger Live® ready for use, you are now in full control of your crypto assets. Ledger® empowers you to manage your digital wealth independently — free from third-party risks and centralized control. Keep your device safe, stay informed, and explore the world of digital assets with confidence through Ledger.com/Start®.