Welcome to Ledger
Ledger is a hardware wallet that helps you store, manage, and secure your cryptocurrencies and digital assets. With Ledger Live®, you can manage your crypto securely from your desktop or mobile device. This guide will walk you through the steps to get started with your Ledger device, from unboxing to securing your assets.
What You Need
- Your Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X device
- USB cable (included)
- A computer or smartphone
- Ledger Live app (download from official site)
- Pen and recovery sheet (included in the box)
Step 1: Unbox and Check Contents
Inside your Ledger box, you should find:
- Ledger device
- USB-C or USB-A cable
- 3 recovery sheets
- Getting started guide
- Keychain and accessories
Always make sure your box is sealed and undamaged. If anything looks suspicious, do not use the device. Contact Ledger support immediately.
Step 2: Download Ledger Live®
Go to the official Ledger website and download Ledger Live® for your operating system. Only download it from ledger.com to avoid fake or malicious software.
Once downloaded, install the app and open it. You will be guided through initial setup steps.
Step 3: Set Up Your Device
Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the cable. You will see the Ledger logo and a welcome screen.
Follow the on-screen instructions on your device:
- Choose “Set up as new device”
- Select a secure PIN code (at least 4 digits, up to 8)
- Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the recovery sheet
Important: Never take a picture of your recovery phrase. Keep it offline and secure. Anyone with access to it can access your crypto.
Step 4: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase
After writing down the 24 words, your Ledger will ask you to confirm them by selecting each word in the correct order.
This step ensures you have written the words correctly and in the right order.
Step 5: Pair with Ledger Live®
Open Ledger Live® and choose “Initialize as new device.” Follow the steps:
- Select your Ledger model
- Connect the device via USB or Bluetooth (Nano X)
- Allow Ledger Live to verify your device is genuine
This is done securely via Ledger’s attestation protocol. If your device is not genuine, the app will let you know.
Step 6: Install Apps and Add Accounts
Inside Ledger Live®, navigate to the “My Ledger” section. You can install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
Once installed, go to “Accounts” and add a new account for each coin. You can then view balances, receive, or send crypto from the app.
Step 7: Receive and Send Crypto
To receive crypto:
- Go to the “Receive” tab
- Select your crypto account
- Verify the address shown on your Ledger device screen
- Copy and share it to receive crypto
To send crypto:
- Click on “Send”
- Enter the recipient’s address and amount
- Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device
Security Tips
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
- Only download Ledger Live® from official sources
- Keep your recovery sheet offline and hidden
- Enable password lock for Ledger Live®
- Be cautious of phishing emails or fake Ledger sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
You can restore your crypto using another Ledger device with your 24-word recovery phrase. That’s why keeping the phrase safe is critical.
Is Ledger Live® free to use?
Yes. Ledger Live® is completely free. Ledger does not charge fees for using the app.
Can I store NFTs on Ledger?
Yes, Ledger supports NFTs on supported blockchains like Ethereum. You can manage them via Ledger Live® and third-party apps like MetaMask.
Conclusion
Setting up your Ledger device might seem technical at first, but once you go through the steps, it becomes easy. With Ledger and Ledger Live®, you are taking control of your crypto and protecting it from hacks, theft, or exchange failures.
Always stay updated with the latest firmware and app versions, and keep your recovery phrase safe. Your crypto, your responsibility — Ledger makes it secure.