Who this guide is for

This guide is for new Ledger users who want a clear, safe, and practical path to getting a Ledger Nano (S, S Plus, X, or similar) ready for use. It assumes you have a brand-new Ledger device (or are restoring to a device) and a computer or smartphone to run Ledger Live. Follow each step carefully — Ledger devices are designed so that all critical secrets (your private keys and recovery phrase) are created and stored on the device itself, never transmitted to the internet. For the official interactive setup and downloads, always start at Ledger.com/start. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Before you begin — what to prepare

Do not enter your recovery phrase into any website, software, or form. If anything ever asks for your 24-word phrase, treat it as a scam. Recent malware campaigns have targeted fake Ledger apps and pages; always verify downloads and sources. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Step 1 — Go to Ledger.com/start and install Ledger Live

Open your browser, type ledger.com/start and choose the correct Ledger Live version for your operating system (desktop or mobile). Ledger Live is Ledger’s official management application and provides guided onboarding, firmware updates, app management, and account management. Download only from the official Ledger site or the official app stores; do not use links from emails or search ads. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

  1. On desktop: download the .dmg (macOS) or .exe (Windows) or the Linux package and install. Follow OS instructions to allow the application to run.
  2. On mobile: install Ledger Live from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
  3. Open Ledger Live and choose Get started, then select your device model when prompted. The app will walk you through the rest of the steps interactively. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Step 2 — Connect and power on your Ledger device

Connect the Ledger to your computer or phone using the supplied USB cable. For Nano X, you can use Bluetooth on mobile (follow Ledger Live prompts). The device will power on and display a welcome screen. Use the device buttons to navigate the on-screen menu. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

If your device doesn’t power on, try a different cable/port. For Bluetooth issues, ensure your phone’s Bluetooth is enabled and that the device is charged.

Step 3 — Initialize: new device or restore from recovery

Ledger Live will ask whether to set up as a new device or restore from a recovery phrase.

Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger or Ledger Live will never ask for it. Store it physically in a secure, offline location. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Step 4 — Set a PIN

During setup you will be prompted to create a device PIN. This PIN prevents someone with physical access to your Ledger from using it without your consent. Choose a PIN you can remember but that is not trivial (avoid sequential or repeated digits). If you forget your PIN, you can restore using your recovery phrase on the same or another Ledger device. Do not store the PIN with the recovery phrase.

Step 5 — Write down and verify your recovery phrase

The device will display each recovery word on its screen. Write them down exactly, in order, on the supplied recovery card or another physical medium. Ledger Live will ask you to confirm several randomly selected words to verify you recorded them correctly. This verification proves you have the correct backup — it is essential. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Tip: consider using a steel backup plate if you want a fire- and waterproof backup option, but keep it physically secure.

Step 6 — Install firmware updates (if prompted)

After initialization Ledger Live may prompt a firmware update. Firmware updates improve security and add features, but they require careful attention: only install firmware through Ledger Live and confirm actions on the device screen. Firmware updates require you to confirm they come from Ledger; do not install firmware from untrusted sources. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Step 7 — Install blockchain apps and add accounts

Ledger devices run small "apps" for each blockchain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). In Ledger Live's Manager section you can install the apps you need. Once an app is installed on the device, use Add Account in Ledger Live to create an account for that asset. Ledger Live will synchronize and show balances and transaction history for supported chains. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Note: app storage is limited on-device. If you need to install a different app, you may temporarily uninstall another; doing so does not remove the funds — the keys are derived from the same recovery phrase and will be available after re-installing the app.

Step 8 — Receive and verify addresses

To receive funds, generate a receiving address from Ledger Live and always verify the address on your Ledger device screen. The device shows the true address derived from your keys; this step protects you from malware that might alter clipboard or screen content on your computer. Only send funds to addresses you verified on the device. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Step 9 — Sending transactions

When sending, create the transaction in Ledger Live, and the unsigned transaction will be sent to your Ledger device for confirmation. Carefully confirm the destination address, network fees, and amount on the device’s display — the physical confirmation is the final, secure step that prevents remote manipulation. After confirming, the device signs the transaction and Ledger Live broadcasts it. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Security best practices (non-negotiable)

  1. Download only from ledger.com/start or official app stores. Fake Ledger apps and installers are a known attack vector — never trust downloads from email links or search result ads. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
  2. Never type, photograph, or upload your recovery phrase. Treat it like gold: physical offline storage only.
  3. Confirm addresses on the device screen before approving any send operation; do not trust on-screen copy/paste alone.
  4. Use a PIN and consider an additional passphrase if you want hidden wallets and extra deniability, but treat passphrases with the same care as recovery phrases.
  5. Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated via official channels to benefit from security fixes. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Troubleshooting quick hits

Advanced tips

Final checklist — before you transact

Where to get help and official resources

Ledger’s official support and knowledge base contains specific device guides, firmware notes, and troubleshooting articles. If you need step-by-step help for a specific device model (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X) consult the device-specific guides on Ledger’s support site and the Ledger Academy how-tos. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}