Ledger.com/start® | Starting Up Your Device | Ledger™
A clear, presentation-ready guide to set up and secure your Ledger hardware wallet.
Overview
This guide walks new users through powering on, initializing, and securing a Ledger hardware device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax, etc.), plus best practices for firmware, Ledger Live and recovery safety. It’s written for presenters and documentation—use the headings to split slides or handouts.
Important: Always download Ledger Live and firmware updates from Ledger’s official website. Never reveal your recovery phrase to anyone.
Quick links (official)
1. Unboxing & first impressions
What to expect
In the box: the Ledger device, USB cable, recovery sheet and quick start leaflet. Inspect the box for tamper-evidence and ensure holograms/seals (if present) look intact.
Safety checklist
- Purchase only from authorized vendors or ledger.com.
- Do not accept a device that looks opened or tampered.
- Never type your 24-word recovery phrase into a phone or website.
2. Install Ledger Live
Download & install
Go to the official Ledger Live download page and choose the version for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android). Ledger Live is the companion application used to manage accounts, install apps on your device, and apply firmware updates.
After installing, open Ledger Live and choose Get started to begin the guided flow.
Always verify you are on ledger.com before downloading — fake apps exist. See Ledger's phishing alerts for details.
3. Initialize your Ledger device
Steps at a glance
- Power on the device and choose to set up as a new device (or restore from recovery phrase if replacing).
- Create a PIN directly on the device—do not enter it anywhere else.
- Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet; keep it offline and secure.
- Confirm the recovery phrase when prompted on the device.
Notes on the recovery phrase
The recovery phrase is the single point of control for funds: anyone with it can restore the wallet. Store it in multiple secure locations (physical safe, safe deposit box) and never store an unencrypted digital copy.
4. Add accounts & apps
Using Ledger Live
In Ledger Live, open “Manager” (or “My Ledger”), connect and unlock your device, then install the crypto app(s) you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). After installing, go to “Accounts” → “Add account” to create software-visible accounts tied to your device.
Compatibility
Ledger supports many blockchains and integrates with external wallets; consult Ledger’s device compatibility pages for specifics.
5. Firmware & security maintenance
Keep firmware updated
Ledger periodically releases OS (firmware) updates to improve security and compatibility. Use Ledger Live → Manager to install firmware updates when available. Before updating, ensure you have your recovery phrase safely stored.
Tips
- Check Ledger Support for release notes and instructions before performing major updates.
- If Ledger Live reports issues, consult the Support troubleshooting article to avoid common pitfalls.
6. Safety best practices
Everyday rules
- Never reveal your 24-word phrase to anyone or enter it into apps or websites.
- Beware of phishing — Ledger will not ask for your recovery phrase.
- Use a secure PIN and consider an additional passphrase if you understand how it works.
If you suspect a scam or fake app, stop and verify on the official support pages and phishing status page.
7. Recovery & device replacement
Restore the device
If you lose or replace a device, you can restore access by choosing “Restore from recovery phrase” during setup and carefully re-entering your 24 words. If you used a passphrase (BIP39 passphrase), you must supply that extra word or key as well to recover the same accounts.
8. Troubleshooting & support
Where to get help
Use Ledger’s official Support portal for installation guides, troubleshooting steps, and contact options. If you need to submit a ticket, use the official support/contact channels.