Getting Started with Your Ledger Device

Welcome to Ledger.com/start, your comprehensive resource for setting up your new Ledger hardware wallet. This guide will walk you through the entire process of initializing, configuring, and securing your Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X device.

Ledger hardware wallets provide the highest level of security for your cryptocurrency assets by keeping your private keys offline in a secure element chip. Proper setup is crucial to ensure your digital assets remain protected against cyber threats.

Begin Your Setup Process

Follow these steps to get started with your Ledger device

Start Setup Now

Estimated setup time: 15-20 minutes

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

  1. Unbox your device: Check package contents including your Ledger device, USB cable, recovery sheet, and keychain strap.
  2. Connect to computer: Use the provided USB cable to connect your Ledger device to your computer.
  3. Initialize device: Choose to set up as new device or restore from recovery phrase if you're recovering an existing wallet.
  4. Set PIN code: Create a secure PIN code with 4-8 digits that will be required to access your device.
  5. Write down recovery phrase: Carefully transcribe the 24-word recovery phrase shown on your device display onto your recovery sheet. This is the most critical security step.
  6. Confirm recovery phrase: Verify your recovery phrase by selecting the words in the correct order when prompted.
  7. Install Ledger Live: Download and install Ledger Live application on your computer or mobile device.
  8. Add cryptocurrency accounts: Use Ledger Live to add accounts for each cryptocurrency you wish to manage.

Security Warning

Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger will never ask for this phrase. Never digitize your recovery phrase by taking photos or storing it in cloud services. Store it physically in a secure location. Beware of phishing websites - always ensure you're on the official Ledger website.

Why Proper Setup Matters

Correctly setting up your Ledger device is essential for maintaining the security of your cryptocurrency investments. The hardware wallet generates your private keys in an isolated environment, ensuring they never touch internet-connected devices that could be compromised.

By following the official Ledger.com/start guide, you're ensuring that your device hasn't been tampered with and that you're using genuine Ledger software. This protects you from malicious attacks and hardware tampering that could result in loss of funds.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

If you encounter issues during setup, first ensure you're using the original USB cable and that it's firmly connected. Try different USB ports if the device isn't recognized. For connection issues with Ledger Live, check that you have the latest version of the application and that your computer meets the system requirements.

If your device freezes or becomes unresponsive during setup, disconnect it, wait 10 seconds, then reconnect while holding the left button. This will typically reset the device without affecting your setup progress.