A comprehensive, secure, step-by-step guide to setting up your new Ledger Nano hardware wallet using Ledger Live.
Congratulations on taking the essential step of securing your cryptocurrency assets with a **Ledger Nano** hardware wallet. This device represents the gold standard in crypto security, moving your private keys offline—a concept known as **cold storage**. This guide will walk you through the entire initialization process, from unboxing to sending your first transaction, prioritizing security at every turn.
Ledger uses a proprietary software application called **Ledger Live**, which acts as the secure interface between your computer (or mobile phone) and your physical Ledger device (Nano S, Nano X, etc.). All sensitive operations, such as signing a transaction, require physical confirmation on the device itself, making it virtually impossible for remote hackers to steal your funds. We strongly advise reading this entire guide before starting the process to fully grasp the importance of the steps, especially those involving the 24-word Recovery Phrase.
🚨 STOP! Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase is EVERYTHING.
The **24-word Recovery Phrase** (often called the Seed Phrase) is the master key to your funds. If your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or destroyed, this phrase is the *only* thing that can restore your crypto wallet on a new Ledger or any other compatible wallet.
If someone gains access to your 24-word phrase, they gain full, irreversible control over all the funds associated with it, regardless of where your Ledger device is located. This phrase is the ultimate security layer, and its physical security must be prioritized above all else. Ledger devices are shipped blank and the phrase is generated *only* by the device itself during setup—never trust a pre-written phrase.
The Ledger Live software is your portal to managing your assets. It’s crucial to download it from the correct source.
Navigate directly to the official download page: ledger.com/ledger-live/download. Select the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or mobile device (iOS/Android). **Do not use search engine results or third-party links**, as these can lead to malicious clone sites designed to steal your keys.
Install the application by running the downloaded file and following the standard installation prompts. The software is lightweight and should install quickly on most modern computers.
Inspect the packaging carefully. Ledger Nano X and S devices use specific anti-tampering seals. Look for signs of damage, re-sealing, or opening. If anything looks suspicious—like a recovery phrase already included or a pre-set PIN—**DO NOT PROCEED**. Contact Ledger Support immediately. All genuine Ledger devices are shipped without a PIN and without a pre-written Recovery Phrase.
Use the USB cable provided in the box to connect your Ledger device to a reliable USB port on your computer. The device screen should light up and display a welcome message, typically "Welcome to Ledger Nano X" or "Welcome to Ledger Nano S," prompting you to press the buttons to continue.
This is the core security step. You will use the two physical buttons on your Ledger device to navigate and confirm choices shown on the device's small screen.
On the Ledger device, select "Set up as new device." The device will prompt you to choose a **PIN code**. Use the left and right buttons to change the number, and press both buttons simultaneously to confirm. Choose a PIN between 4 and 8 digits long. It's recommended to use 6-8 digits for better security, but choose one you can easily remember without writing down. You will enter the PIN twice to confirm.
The device will display the 24 words one by one. **Take your time.** Use the provided recovery sheets and write each word down clearly and accurately in the correct order. Check your spelling against the word displayed. Press the right button to advance to the next word. Do this without any digital interference or onlookers.
After displaying all 24 words, the Ledger will ask you to confirm specific words (e.g., "Confirm word #12"). You must scroll through the entire dictionary on the device until you find the correct word you wrote down. This is tedious, but absolutely necessary to ensure you wrote the phrase down correctly. If you confirm successfully, the device will show "Your device is ready."
With your device initialized, the Ledger Live application can now perform the most crucial verification step: the **Genuine Check**.
In the Ledger Live application, click "Start your journey" and follow the prompts. You will select your device type. Ledger Live will then connect to your device and verify its cryptographic integrity. This process ensures that the hardware and firmware are original and have not been tampered with by a malicious third party. **This verification process cannot be faked.** If the check fails, contact Ledger Support immediately; do not attempt to use the device.
Within Ledger Live, navigate to the **Manager** tab. Here, you can install the specific cryptocurrency applications you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Note that Ledger devices have limited storage, so you may need to uninstall an app to make space for another. **Uninstalling an app does NOT affect your funds**, as your keys are safe on the device, not in the app data.
The Manager tab also handles **Firmware updates**. If a firmware update is available, Ledger Live will prompt you. Always follow the on-screen and device instructions carefully for firmware updates, and ensure your Recovery Phrase is accessible beforehand (though it is rarely needed).
✨ Golden Rule: Always Verify the Address
When receiving funds, you must verify the receiving address displayed in Ledger Live against the address shown on the **physical screen of your Ledger device**. A malicious program could potentially swap the address in the software, but it cannot change what is displayed on the tamper-proof Ledger screen. Never approve a receiving address that does not match.
Go to the **Accounts** tab in Ledger Live and click **+ Add Account**. Select the cryptocurrency you want (e.g., Bitcoin), and Ledger Live will prompt you to open the corresponding app on your physical device. The application will then scan the blockchain and automatically generate a new address for that coin under the account.
To receive, click the **Receive** button, select the account, and follow the **address verification process** as detailed in the golden rule above. Use this verified address on the exchange or wallet from which you are sending funds.
To send, click the **Send** button, enter the recipient's address and the amount. Before confirming, Ledger Live will ask you to confirm the transaction details (amount, fee, and recipient address) on your physical Ledger screen. **Only press the confirmation button on your device after you have visually confirmed that all details are correct.** This is your final security check against external malware.
You have successfully secured your Ledger device. Before you finish, conduct a final security audit:
By taking these steps, you have achieved a level of security that far surpasses keeping your funds on an exchange or a mobile hot wallet. The journey of securing your crypto is complete, and you can now transact with confidence, knowing your private keys are protected by cryptographic hardware. Remember, your Ledger is only as secure as the physical location of your 24-word Recovery Phrase.
For continued learning, explore the **Discover** section in Ledger Live for staking, DeFi, and exchange partners, all managed securely through your device.