Ledger Device Setup Guide: Get Started

Your journey to secure crypto ownership begins here.

Initial Setup Checklist

Before you begin, ensure you have the following ready:

The 5 Essential Setup Steps

Follow these steps in order to securely initialize your Ledger device and install the required software.

  1. 1. Power On Your Device

    Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the USB cable. The device will automatically power on and display a welcome message like "Welcome to Ledger Nano X" or "Welcome." Follow the on-screen instructions using the physical buttons on the device to navigate and confirm.

  2. 2. Install Ledger Live Software

    On your computer, go directly to the official setup page: Ledger.com/Start. Download and install the official Ledger Live application. This is the essential gateway for managing your assets, installing applications, and updating firmware.

    🚨 **Security Warning:** Always download Ledger Live ONLY from the official website. Never from third-party sites or app stores, as these can contain malicious software.

  3. 3. Choose and Set a PIN Code

    Your Ledger device will prompt you to choose a **4 to 8-digit PIN code**. This code protects physical access to your device. Choose a strong PIN you can remember and confirm it. **Do not use simple sequences** like 1234 or your birth year. If you enter the PIN incorrectly three times, the device will wipe itself for security.

  4. 4. Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

    This is the MOST CRITICAL STEP. Your device will display a sequence of 24 words one by one. This is your **Recovery Phrase** (or Seed Phrase). These 24 words are the master key to your crypto funds. Use the official Recovery Sheet provided to **write down the words exactly as they appear, in the correct order.**

    • **NEVER** store this phrase digitally (e.g., photo, computer file, cloud).
    • **NEVER** tell anyone your phrase, even Ledger support.
    • Store your physical sheet in a secure, hidden, fireproof location.

    The device will then ask you to confirm several words to ensure you've copied it correctly.

  5. 5. Pair with Ledger Live & Install Apps

    Once your Recovery Phrase is confirmed, your device is ready. Open Ledger Live, and follow the on-screen prompts to "Set up a new device." The application will verify the device's authenticity. Once verified, you can use Ledger Live to install the specific cryptocurrency applications (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) you wish to manage on your device.

✅ Next Steps and Best Practices

Congratulations, your Ledger device is set up!

**REMEMBER:** Your Ledger device is the physical key. Your 24-word Recovery Phrase is the universal backup key. **Protect it at all costs.** Ledger will NEVER ask you for your Recovery Phrase.