Welcome to your step-by-step guide to getting started with your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you have a Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax, this guide will help you securely set up your device and begin managing your crypto assets with confidence.
A Ledger hardware wallet is a physical device that allows you to securely store and manage your cryptocurrency assets offline. It protects your private keys and helps you interact safely with decentralized applications and crypto services. Using a Ledger device greatly reduces the risk of hacks, malware, and phishing attacks compared to software wallets.
Start by carefully unboxing your Ledger wallet. Inside the box, you’ll find your Ledger device, a USB cable, recovery sheets, and a quick start guide. Make sure the box was sealed properly when you received it. If anything seems tampered with, contact Ledger support immediately.
Open a browser on your computer and go to the official Ledger setup page. This page will guide you through downloading Ledger Live, the official companion app for your Ledger hardware wallet. It’s important to only use the official setup source to avoid scams or phishing sites.
Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Download and install the version appropriate for your operating system. Once installed, open Ledger Live and select "Get Started" to begin the setup process.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable. Follow the on-screen instructions in Ledger Live to set up your device. You will choose a PIN code on the device. This PIN protects access to your wallet in case someone gets physical access to your Ledger.
Your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This is the most important part of your wallet. Write down the phrase in the exact order and store it in a secure, offline place. Never share this phrase with anyone, and never store it digitally.
After writing down the recovery phrase, your device will ask you to confirm a few of the words to ensure you’ve written them correctly. Take your time and double-check each word. This step is vital to being able to recover your wallet in the future.
Once the setup is complete, Ledger Live will open the main dashboard. From here, you can install apps for different cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others) on your Ledger device. These apps allow you to manage and send/receive different coins and tokens securely.
To begin managing your crypto, add accounts in Ledger Live by selecting the appropriate cryptocurrency and following the prompts. After setting up your accounts, you can transfer your existing crypto assets to your Ledger wallet by sending them to your new wallet addresses.
Now that your Ledger device is set up, you're ready to explore the world of cryptocurrency with confidence and security. Continue learning about new features in Ledger Live, DeFi apps, staking, and more — all while knowing your assets are protected by one of the most secure hardware wallets on the market.