Ledger Setup Guide

Updated November 2025

Complete Ledger Wallet Setup Guide

Secure your cryptocurrency with step-by-step instructions for Ledger Nano S, X, and Stax

Nano S PlusNano XStax
Trusted by 8+ million users

What You'll Learn

Initial Setup

  • • Download Ledger Live app
  • • Connect your device
  • • Choose setup method
  • • Device verification

Security Setup

  • • Create secure PIN
  • • Generate seed phrase
  • • Backup verification
  • • Security best practices

Before You Start

What You'll Need:

  • ✓ Your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax)
  • ✓ USB cable (included with device)
  • ✓ Computer or smartphone
  • ✓ Pen and paper for seed phrase backup
  • ✓ 15-30 minutes of uninterrupted time

Step 1: Download Ledger Live

Get the Official App

Ledger Live is the official companion app for your Ledger device. Download it from the official website only.

🖥️

Desktop

Windows, macOS, Linux

📱

iOS

iPhone & iPad

🤖

Android

Android devices

Security Warning

Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com or official app stores. Never download from third-party websites to avoid malware.

Step 2: Connect Your Ledger Device

Physical Connection

For Nano S Plus & Nano X:

  1. 1Connect USB cable to your device
  2. 2Connect other end to your computer
  3. 3Press both buttons to power on

For Stax:

  1. 1Connect USB-C cable to your device
  2. 2Connect other end to your computer
  3. 3Touch the screen to power on

First Time Setup

If this is your first time using the device, you'll see "Welcome to Ledger" on the screen. If you see "Enter PIN", the device has already been set up.

Step 3: Choose Your Setup Method

Set up as new device

Choose this option if you're setting up a brand new Ledger device for the first time.

  • ✓ Creates new seed phrase
  • ✓ Generates new private keys
  • ✓ Fresh start with maximum security

Recommended for new users

Restore from recovery phrase

Choose this option if you're restoring an existing wallet from a 12, 18, or 24-word seed phrase.

  • ✓ Restores existing wallet
  • ✓ Recovers your crypto assets
  • ✓ Uses your existing seed phrase

For wallet recovery

Step 4: Create Your PIN Code

PIN Security Guidelines

✓ Do This:

  • • Use 4-8 digits
  • • Make it unique and memorable
  • • Avoid obvious patterns (1234, 0000)
  • • Don't use birthdays or addresses
  • • Write it down securely

✗ Avoid This:

  • • Sequential numbers (1234, 5678)
  • • Repeated digits (1111, 2222)
  • • Personal dates (birth year)
  • • Common PINs (0000, 1234)
  • • Sharing with others

PIN Entry Process:

  1. 1

    Choose PIN length

    Select between 4-8 digits using device buttons

  2. 2

    Enter your PIN

    Use left/right buttons to select digits, both buttons to confirm

  3. 3

    Confirm your PIN

    Re-enter the same PIN to verify

Step 5: Backup Your Recovery Phrase

Critical Security Step

Your recovery phrase is the ONLY way to restore your wallet if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Never share it with anyone and store it securely offline.

Recovery Phrase Generation

What is a Recovery Phrase?

A recovery phrase (also called seed phrase) is a list of 24 words that represents your private keys. These words are generated randomly and give you access to all your cryptocurrency accounts.

Backup Process:

  1. 1Get the Recovery Sheet from your Ledger box
  2. 2Write down each word in order (1-24)
  3. 3Double-check spelling and order
  4. 4Store in a secure location

Security Tips:

  • • Use only pen and paper
  • • Never take photos or screenshots
  • • Don't store digitally
  • • Consider multiple copies
  • • Store in different locations
  • • Use fireproof/waterproof storage

Step 6: Verify Your Recovery Phrase

Confirmation Quiz

Your Ledger device will ask you to confirm specific words from your recovery phrase to ensure you've written them down correctly.

What to Expect:

  • • Device will ask for word #7, #15, #22 (random selection)
  • • Use buttons to navigate through word list
  • • Select the correct word for each position
  • • Must get all words correct to proceed

If Verification Succeeds:

  • ✓ Setup is complete
  • ✓ Device is ready to use
  • ✓ You can install apps
  • ✓ Start managing crypto

If Verification Fails:

  • • Check your written words
  • • Verify spelling and order
  • • Reset device if needed
  • • Start setup process again

Step 7: Install Cryptocurrency Apps

Add Crypto Apps to Your Device

Your Ledger device needs specific apps installed for each cryptocurrency you want to manage.

Bitcoin

Store and manage BTC

Ξ

Ethereum

Store ETH and ERC-20 tokens

Solana

Store and manage SOL

Installation Steps:

  1. 1Open Ledger Live on your computer
  2. 2Go to "Manager" tab
  3. 3Search for the cryptocurrency app you want
  4. 4Click "Install" and confirm on your device

Security Best Practices

✓ Do This

  • Keep firmware updated

    Regular updates include security improvements

  • Verify receiving addresses

    Always confirm addresses on device screen

  • Use official Ledger Live

    Only download from official sources

  • Store recovery phrase offline

    Physical backup in secure location

✗ Never Do This

  • Share your recovery phrase

    Ledger will never ask for your seed words

  • Enter seed phrase on computer

    Only enter on the device itself

  • Buy from unofficial sellers

    Only purchase from Ledger or authorized retailers

  • Ignore security warnings

    Always verify transactions on device screen

Common Issues & Solutions

Device Not Detected

Possible Causes:

  • • USB cable not properly connected
  • • Device not powered on
  • • USB port issues
  • • Driver problems

Solutions:

  • • Try different USB port
  • • Use original USB cable
  • • Restart Ledger Live
  • • Update device drivers

Forgot PIN Code

What Happens:

  • • Device resets after 3 wrong attempts
  • • All data is wiped from device
  • • Need to restore from recovery phrase

Recovery Steps:

  • • Choose "Restore from recovery phrase"
  • • Enter your 24-word seed phrase
  • • Create new PIN code
  • • Reinstall cryptocurrency apps

App Installation Failed

Common Causes:

  • • Insufficient storage space
  • • Connection interrupted
  • • Outdated firmware

Solutions:

  • • Uninstall unused apps
  • • Update device firmware
  • • Restart installation process

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does setup take?

Initial setup typically takes 15-30 minutes, including downloading Ledger Live, creating your PIN, backing up your recovery phrase, and installing your first cryptocurrency apps.

Can I use my Ledger on multiple devices?

Yes! You can install Ledger Live on multiple computers and mobile devices. Your Ledger hardware wallet will work with any device that has Ledger Live installed.

What if I lose my recovery phrase?

If you lose your recovery phrase and your device breaks or is lost, you will permanently lose access to your cryptocurrency. This is why it's crucial to store multiple copies in secure locations.

How many apps can I install?

Storage varies by model: Nano S Plus can hold 100+ apps, Nano X can hold 100+ apps, and Stax can hold 100+ apps. You can always uninstall and reinstall apps without losing your crypto.

Is my crypto stored on the device?

No, your cryptocurrency is stored on the blockchain. Your Ledger device stores the private keys that give you access to your crypto. Even if the device is damaged, you can recover everything with your recovery phrase.

You're All Set! 🎉

Congratulations! Your Ledger hardware wallet is now set up and ready to secure your cryptocurrency.

Secure

Your crypto is protected by industry-leading security

Private

You control your private keys and recovery phrase

Ready

Start managing your cryptocurrency portfolio

Next Steps:

  • • Transfer a small amount to test your setup
  • • Explore DeFi applications with your Ledger
  • • Set up additional security features
  • • Join the Ledger community for support