Ledger Setup Guide — ledger.com/start

Welcome to Secure Crypto Management

Congratulations on taking control of your cryptocurrency security! This guide will walk you through the entire process of setting up your Ledger device, from unboxing to managing your first transactions. Ledger hardware wallets provide the highest security standard for storing crypto assets by keeping your private keys offline.

Pro Tip: Take your time with this setup. Rushing through security steps is the most common mistake beginners make.

What You'll Need

Your Ledger device (Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X)
The USB cable provided with your device
A computer or mobile device with internet access
The Ledger Live application (we'll download this together)
A safe place to store your recovery phrase (more on this later)
About 30-45 minutes of uninterrupted time

Step-by-Step Setup Process

Step 1: Download Ledger Live

Visit the official ledger.com/start page to download Ledger Live, the companion application for your device.

Select your device model and operating system
Download and install the application
Launch Ledger Live once installation is complete

Step 2: Initialize Your Device

Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable.

Follow the on-screen instructions on your Ledger device
Choose "Configure as new device" if this is your first setup
Set up a PIN code (4-8 digits) that you'll remember but others can't guess

Security Alert: Never share your PIN with anyone. Ledger will never ask for it.

Step 3: Secure Your Recovery Phrase

This is the most critical security step. Your device will display a 24-word recovery phrase.

Write down each word in the exact order shown on your device
Use the provided recovery sheet or a dedicated notebook
Never digitize this phrase (no photos, cloud storage, or text files)
Store it in a secure, fireproof location
Verify that you've written it correctly by confirming words when prompted

Critical Warning: Your recovery phrase is the master key to all your crypto assets. Anyone with access to these words can steal your funds. Never share them with anyone, under any circumstances.

Step 4: Install Apps and Add Accounts

Now you'll install the specific apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage.

In Ledger Live, go to "My Ledger"
Connect and unlock your device
Browse available apps and install those you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
Return to the portfolio view and click "Add account" for each cryptocurrency
Follow the prompts to sync your accounts

Step 5: Transfer Your Crypto

Now you're ready to transfer your cryptocurrency to your new secure wallet.

In Ledger Live, select the account you want to fund
Click "Receive" to generate a deposit address
Verify this address on your Ledger device screen
Copy the address and use it to transfer funds from your exchange or other wallet
Start with a small test transaction to ensure everything works correctly

Best Practice: Always verify receiving addresses on your device screen. This protects against malware that might alter addresses on your computer.

Using Ledger with Browser Extension and Mobile App

Ledger Browser Extension

The Ledger browser extension allows you to securely connect to decentralized applications (dApps) and DeFi platforms.

Install the Ledger Extension from your browser's extension store
Connect your Ledger device and open the Ethereum app
Enable "Contract data" in the Ethereum app settings on your device
The extension will detect your device when visiting supported dApps

Ledger Mobile App

Manage your crypto on the go with the Ledger Live mobile app.

Download Ledger Live from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
Sync your mobile app with your desktop application using QR codes
For Nano X users, connect via Bluetooth for wireless management
Check balances and receive crypto anywhere

Download Ledger Live Mobile App