Start your crypto journey securely in just a few easy steps
Ledger hardware wallets are the most trusted tools for securing cryptocurrencies. Whether you're new to crypto or a seasoned holder, setting up your Ledger wallet properly is essential to protecting your assets. In this guide, we'll walk you through each step—safely, clearly, and confidently.
Ledger wallets like the Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X provide secure, offline (cold) storage for your crypto assets. Unlike software wallets that can be vulnerable to hacking or phishing, Ledger hardware wallets keep your private keys isolated from the internet, making them nearly impossible to hack.
Start by unboxing your Ledger device. Inside the box, you should find:
Check the packaging for tampering. If the seal is broken or the box looks suspicious, contact Ledger support before continuing.
Ledger Live is the official companion app for managing your wallet, assets, and settings.
Always make sure you're downloading from the official site to avoid malicious copies.
Connect your Ledger wallet to your computer or phone via USB or Bluetooth (Nano X only). On the device screen, follow the on-screen prompts:
Use the buttons on the device to navigate and confirm choices.
This is the most critical step. Your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down on the recovery sheet provided, in the correct order.
Once you’ve written all 24 words, your device will ask you to confirm them by selecting each word in the correct order.
Now that your device is initialized, return to the Ledger Live app:
Ledger Live will perform a genuine check to ensure your device hasn’t been tampered with.
In Ledger Live, go to the “My Ledger” section. Here, you can install apps for each cryptocurrency you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
Your Ledger device has limited storage, so install only the apps you plan to use. You can uninstall/reinstall apps later without losing your funds.
After installing an app, go to the “Accounts” tab in Ledger Live and click “Add Account.” Select the cryptocurrency and follow the prompts to create a wallet address for that coin.
You can now send and receive funds using your Ledger device, all while keeping your private keys safely offline.
To receive crypto:
All transactions must be manually approved on the device—your last line of defense.
Store your Ledger device in a safe location. Backup your 24-word phrase in a fireproof, waterproof medium (e.g., metal backup plate). Never share it, and never store it online.
If your device is lost or damaged, you can restore access using your recovery phrase on any Ledger device.
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