Ledger.com/Start® - Secure your crypto with confidence

amileaama

— 4 min read

Getting Started With Ledger: A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up Your Hardware Wallet

In a world where digital assets such as cryptocurrency are becoming more widely used, securing them properly is essential. Unlike traditional money stored in banks, crypto ownership means full personal responsibility. If your private keys are lost or compromised, there is usually no recovery method. This is why many investors choose hardware wallets—secure offline devices that protect the keys to your crypto.
Ledger, a leading hardware wallet provider, offers products like the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X, designed to protect digital assets through advanced security features.

This guide walks you through everything you need to begin with a Ledger device: unboxing, setup, installation of the Ledger Live companion app, safeguarding your recovery phrase, adding accounts, and making your first transfer.

1. What You Need to Start

Before beginning, make sure you have the following:

  • A genuine Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax)
  • A computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux) or compatible smartphone for Bluetooth-enabled models
  • USB-C cable (comes with the box)
  • Internet connection
  • Pen and paper to write down your recovery phrase

Ledger products should always be purchased directly from Ledger or authorized retailers to avoid tampering or counterfeit risks. Never use a used device.

2. Unboxing and Initial Security Verification

When opening the box:

  • Ensure the device is sealed and the packaging has not been manipulated
  • Ledger hardware wallets do not come with a pre-written recovery phrase—if one is included, stop using the device immediately
  • Inside the box you should find:
    • Ledger device
    • USB-C cable
    • Recovery sheets for writing your phrase
    • Instructions or quick start card

Once confirmed, you can power the device on by pressing the buttons on top simultaneously.

3. Download and Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official application that allows you to manage your hardware wallet, install apps for cryptocurrencies, check balances, and send or receive assets.

To install Ledger Live:

  1. Visit the official Ledger website (type it manually into your browser to avoid phishing).
  2. Download the version that matches your operating system.
  3. Install and open the application.
  4. Choose “Set up a new device” if your device is brand new.

Ledger Live also provides step-by-step instructions throughout setup.

4. Create a New Wallet and Set a PIN Code

Once your Ledger device is connected, you’ll be asked to create a PIN code. This code restricts access to the wallet whenever it is powered on.

Tips for a safe PIN:

  • Use 4–8 digits that are not guessable
  • Avoid birthdays or repeating numbers
  • Never share the PIN with anyone

Enter the PIN on the device itself using the buttons to scroll and confirm.

If you enter the incorrect code three times in a row, the device resets for security.

5. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

After setting the PIN, the device generates a 24-word recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase). This phrase is the backup for your wallet—it allows you to restore your crypto if your Ledger is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Important rules:

  • Write the words down exactly as displayed
  • Keep the recovery phrase offline
  • Do not take photos or store it digitally
  • Do not share it with anyone—not even Ledger support
  • Store copies in secure, separate places

Anyone with these 24 words can access your entire wallet.

Ledger will ask you to confirm the words in sequence before moving to the next step.

6. Ledger Live Dashboard & Device Setup Check

After confirming the recovery phrase, return to Ledger Live and complete the security checklist. The app will verify that the recovery phrase was generated by the device and not by anyone else. This confirms your wallet is genuine and safe to use.

Once complete, you’ll have access to the Ledger Live dashboard where you can:

  • Install apps for different cryptocurrencies
  • Add accounts like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.
  • Monitor your portfolio in real time

7. Installing Crypto Apps

To hold different cryptocurrencies, install the corresponding app on the device via Ledger Live.

Example:

  • Bitcoin → Bitcoin app
  • Ethereum → Ethereum app
  • Polygon → Ethereum app + Polygon account
  • Solana → Solana app

To do this:

  1. Go to My Ledger in Ledger Live
  2. Select the apps you need
  3. Confirm installation on the device

Apps store public-key functions, not coins themselves. Your crypto remains on the blockchain—your Ledger stores the keys that secure access.

8. Adding Accounts and Receiving Crypto

Once apps are installed, you can add accounts:

  1. Go to Accounts in Ledger Live
  2. Click Add account
  3. Choose the asset and verify through the device

To receive crypto:

  1. Click Receive on Ledger Live
  2. Select the account
  3. Verify the address on the device
  4. Share the address with the sender or copy it to your exchange

Always verify the address on the Ledger screen—not only on the computer—to avoid phishing.

9. Sending Crypto

To send assets:

  1. Select Send in Ledger Live
  2. Paste the destination address
  3. Enter the amount
  4. Confirm on the app and physically approve on the device

The physical confirmation ensures no transaction can be executed remotely.

10. Using Ledger Safely

Security best practices:

  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated
  • Never share your recovery phrase or PIN
  • Watch for fake websites and support scams
  • Do not store your phrase online or digitally
  • Use a secure offline storage system such as a fireproof safe
  • Consider additional metal backup plates for long-term protection

Ledger support will never ask for your 24-word phrase.

11. Expanding Your Setup

With Ledger, you can later:

  • Manage NFTs (depending on network)
  • Connect to Web3 or DeFi platforms using Ledger Live or Wallet Connect
  • Stake assets to earn rewards
  • Pair multiple devices as backups

Ledger Nano X also supports Bluetooth for mobile management.

Conclusion

Setting up a Ledger hardware wallet is one of the most reliable ways to secure cryptocurrency. By moving your private keys offline and controlling your own recovery phrase, you dramatically reduce the risk of hacks and unauthorized access. Ledger Live provides a simple interface to manage assets, track your portfolio, and interact safely with the crypto ecosystem.

Taking a few extra minutes to properly write down and secure your 24-word recovery phrase ensures long-term protection for your digital wealth. Whether you are managing long-term holdings or exploring Web3 applications, a hardware wallet is a powerful foundation for safe crypto management.

Read more