How to Set Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet | Ledger

Welcome to Ledger! If you're reading this guide, you're about to take a key step toward securing your cryptocurrency with one of the most trusted names in crypto security. Whether you’ve just received your Ledger Nano S or Ledger Nano X, or you're preparing to use one for the first time, this guide will walk you through every step of setting up your Ledger hardware wallet.

By using a Ledger device, you’ll store your private keys offline, ensuring maximum security for your digital assets. Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Need

Before you begin setting up your Ledger wallet, ensure you have the following:

  • Ledger Device (e.g., Ledger Nano S or Ledger Nano X)
  • USB Cable (provided with your device)
  • Recovery Phrase Sheet (for writing down your 24-word backup phrase)
  • A Computer or Mobile Device with internet access
  • Ledger Live software (for managing your device and cryptocurrencies)

Step 1: Unbox Your Ledger Device

When you receive your Ledger hardware wallet, ensure that the box is sealed and undamaged. Ledger takes great care to provide tamper-proof packaging. Inside the box, you will find:

  • Ledger hardware wallet (either Nano S or Nano X)
  • USB cable for connecting your device
  • Recovery phrase sheet (for securely recording your backup)
  • Instruction manual (quick setup guide)
  • Stickers (for added security)

Make sure to keep the recovery phrase sheet safe, as it’s crucial for restoring your wallet if your device is lost or damaged.

Step 2: Download and Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion application you’ll use to interact with your Ledger hardware wallet. You can install it on both Windows, macOS, and Linux computers. It’s also available for iOS and Android for mobile use.

  1. Go to Ledger’s Official Website:
  • Visit the official Ledger website to download the appropriate version of Ledger Live for your operating system.
  1. Install the Software:
  • After downloading, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the app on your device.
  1. Launch Ledger Live:
  • Open Ledger Live on your computer to begin the setup process.

Step 3: Set Up Your Ledger Device

Once Ledger Live is installed, it’s time to set up your hardware wallet.

  1. Connect Your Ledger Device:
  • Use the USB cable provided to connect your Ledger device to your computer.
  • The device will power on automatically.
  1. Choose Your Language:
  • Once powered on, the device will prompt you to select your language. Use the device’s buttons to scroll and select the language that suits you.
  1. Set Up a PIN Code:
  • You’ll be asked to create a PIN code (between 4 and 8 digits). This PIN will protect access to your Ledger device.
  • Use the device’s buttons to scroll through numbers and select your PIN. Remember, this PIN is device-specific, so don’t forget it!

Step 4: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

This step is crucial for backing up and recovering your wallet. Your 24-word recovery phrase is the key to your cryptocurrency. If you lose your device or forget your PIN, the recovery phrase is the only way to recover your assets.

  1. Record Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase:
  • Your Ledger device will display a 24-word recovery phrase on the screen. Write each word down in the exact order on the recovery phrase sheet provided in the box. Make sure to keep this sheet in a safe, offline location.
  1. Confirm Your Recovery Phrase:
  • To ensure you’ve written the phrase down correctly, the device will ask you to confirm some of the words by selecting them in the correct order. This ensures that you have correctly noted the recovery phrase.

Important Note: Do not store your recovery phrase online, and never share it with anyone. Anyone with access to your recovery phrase can access your cryptocurrency.

Step 5: Install Apps for Your Cryptocurrencies

Your Ledger hardware wallet doesn’t come preloaded with apps for cryptocurrencies, but you can install them easily using Ledger Live.

  1. Open Ledger Live:
  • Go to the Manager tab in Ledger Live, which allows you to manage apps for the supported cryptocurrencies.
  1. Install Cryptocurrency Apps:
  • Select the cryptocurrency apps you want to install (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin).
  • For each cryptocurrency, you can click on the “Install” button in Ledger Live to install the respective app onto your device.
  1. Check Available Space:
  • Your device can store a limited number of apps based on available space. If you install too many apps, the device will prompt you to remove some apps to make room for others.

Step 6: Add Accounts for Each Cryptocurrency

Now that you’ve installed the apps, you’ll want to create accounts to manage your cryptocurrency.

  1. Go to the Accounts Tab:
  • In Ledger Live, navigate to the Accounts tab.
  1. Add Cryptocurrency Accounts:
  • For each cryptocurrency you’ve installed an app for, you’ll need to create an account. Select the cryptocurrency and follow the prompts to add the account.
  1. Start Managing Your Assets:
  • Once your accounts are created, you can begin sending, receiving, and checking the balances of your cryptocurrencies right from Ledger Live.

Step 7: Secure Your Ledger Device

While your Ledger hardware wallet is already highly secure, you can further enhance its protection with a few additional features:

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

  • Many cryptocurrency exchanges support 2FA to add an extra layer of security when logging into your accounts. This can be a good way to protect your online crypto activities.

2. Use a Strong PIN:

  • Ensure your PIN is not easily guessable. Avoid using common PINs such as 1234 or 0000.

3. Store Your Recovery Phrase Securely:

  • Make sure your recovery phrase is stored in a safe offline location. Never store it online, and never share it with anyone.

Step 8: Regularly Back Up and Update Your Ledger

1. Backup Regularly:

  • If you acquire new cryptocurrencies or make significant changes to your portfolio, consider backing up your Ledger device. Although the 24-word recovery phrase is your backup, having additional written notes about your setup can be useful.

2. Keep Your Ledger Firmware Updated:

  • Ledger frequently releases firmware updates to improve security and add new features. Regularly check for updates in Ledger Live and apply them to keep your device running smoothly and securely.

Why Trust Ledger?

Ledger is trusted by millions of users worldwide to secure their digital assets. Here's why:

  • State-of-the-Art Security: Ledger hardware wallets store your private keys in a Secure Element (SE) chip, making them highly resistant to hacks and attacks.
  • Industry Leader: Ledger has been a leader in the hardware wallet industry for over 7 years, with a proven track record of providing top-tier security for digital assets.
  • Comprehensive Support: Ledger offers a wide range of resources, including customer support, educational materials, and a growing ecosystem of partners.

Conclusion

Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet is a straightforward process that ensures your digital assets are protected from threats. By following the steps above, you'll have your wallet set up, your cryptocurrencies secured, and your private keys offline. With Ledger, you are in control of your assets.

If you’re ready to secure your crypto portfolio, don’t wait! Head to Ledger.com/Start today and get started with one of the most secure hardware wallets available.