Welcome to Ledger
Ledger hardware wallets empower you to take full control of your cryptocurrencies. Whether you hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital assets, your private keys are stored securely within your Ledger device — completely isolated from online risks. This guide will walk you through setting up your Ledger, installing the Ledger Live app, and safely managing your crypto portfolio.
1. Unbox Your Ledger Device
When your Ledger Nano X or Nano S Plus arrives, make sure the packaging is sealed and free from tampering. Inside the box, you should find:
- Your Ledger hardware wallet
- A USB cable
- Recovery sheets for your 24-word phrase
- Instructions and optional keychain accessories
Never use a device that already contains a recovery phrase. Your 24-word phrase must always be generated on your device during setup.
2. Download and Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is your all-in-one app for managing crypto securely. Download it only from the official website: ledger.com/start. It’s available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
After installation, launch Ledger Live and follow the guided steps to connect and initialize your device.
3. Set Up Your Device
Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth on Nano X). Then:
- Select “Set up as new device.”
- Create a secure PIN code.
- Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided sheet.
This recovery phrase is your backup key. Keep it offline and private — it’s the only way to restore access to your funds if the device is lost or reset.
4. Install Crypto Apps & Add Accounts
In Ledger Live, go to the Manager section to install cryptocurrency apps such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana. Then, under Accounts, add wallets for your preferred coins and tokens. Your balances, transaction history, and portfolio overview will appear within Ledger Live.
5. Keep Your Assets Safe
Always confirm transactions directly on your Ledger screen before approving them. This ensures your private keys remain safe from online hacks and phishing attacks. Ledger supports thousands of tokens and integrates with popular DeFi and NFT platforms for secure Web3 access.
6. Security Best Practices
Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. Watch out for phishing links, fake apps, or suspicious websites. Always verify you are visiting https://www.ledger.com and keep your device firmware and Ledger Live app updated.
7. Get Support & Learn More
Need assistance? Visit the Ledger Support Center for FAQs, video tutorials, and troubleshooting steps. You can also explore the Ledger Academy to deepen your understanding of crypto and blockchain security.
Take Control of Your Crypto Future
By setting up your Ledger device, you’ve taken the most important step in securing your digital wealth. Continue exploring staking, NFTs, and DeFi — all while keeping your private keys safe and offline with Ledger.