As the world of cryptocurrency continues to evolve, so does the need for strong, reliable security. With millions of dollars in crypto lost each year due to hacks, phishing scams, and exchange collapses, Ledger® offers a trusted, hardware-based solution for securing digital assets. If you're new to Ledger or just unboxing your Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or other device, the best place to begin is the official start page: .
This guide walks you through setting up your Ledger hardware wallet from start to finish, ensuring your assets are protected by industry-leading security technology.
Ledger® is a global leader in hardware wallets—physical devices that store your crypto’s private keys offline. This method, called cold storage, protects your assets from online threats like viruses, malware, or hackers. Unlike software or “hot” wallets, Ledger devices offer complete self-custody over your funds, giving you full ownership and control.
To begin, navigate to , the official onboarding portal. It provides tailored instructions for each Ledger device and access to the Ledger Live app, which is essential for managing your crypto.
⚠️ Important: Always double-check that you're on the real Ledger website to avoid phishing attacks. Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase.
Ledger Live is the software companion to your Ledger device. It’s available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Through Ledger Live, you can:
Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger site to ensure authenticity and security.
Your Ledger device should include:
Connect your device via USB and launch Ledger Live. It will automatically walk you through the genuine check, ensuring that your device has not been tampered with and is running authentic firmware.
Choose the option to “Set up as new device.” Your Ledger will now generate your 24-word recovery phrase, which serves as the master key to your wallet.
🛡️ Write It Down & Store Securely
This phrase is the only way to recover your wallet if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
You’ll then be asked to create a 4- to 8-digit PIN. This PIN must be entered every time you access your Ledger device, preventing unauthorized access if your device falls into the wrong hands.
Make it unique and memorable, but not easily guessed (avoid “0000” or “1234”).
Once your device is set up, use Ledger Live to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Each coin requires a separate app to function with your device.
After installing the app, you can: