Welcome — first things first
Ledger hardware wallets (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X) are purpose-built devices that keep your private keys offline and let you securely manage cryptocurrencies. This guide leads you through unboxing, installation, initialization, daily use, security best practices, and troubleshooting. Follow the official steps to minimize risk and protect access to your funds.
Always use official downloads from ledger.com/start and buy devices only from Ledger's official shop or authorized resellers to avoid tampered hardware.
What you'll need
- A genuine Ledger device and the supplied USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X).
- A desktop or laptop with a modern browser, or the Ledger Live desktop app.
- Paper and pen or a dedicated metal backup device to store your recovery phrase offline.
- A stable internet connection for initial firmware and app installs.
- Time and attention — read prompts carefully and never share your recovery phrase.
Step 1 — Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official companion app available for desktop and mobile. It manages accounts, installs apps on your device, and creates transactions that you sign on-device.
- Go to the official start page: ledger.com/start.
- Choose the Ledger Live version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or download the mobile app from official app stores.
- Install and launch Ledger Live. The app will guide you through setting up or restoring a device.
Tip: Keep a verified bookmark to ledger.com/start to avoid phishing sites.
Step 2 — Connect your Ledger device
Use the included USB cable to connect your Ledger device to your computer, or use Bluetooth for supported mobile pairing (Nano X only). When prompted, follow the on-screen instructions in Ledger Live and on your hardware device.
- Select your device model in Ledger Live.
- Choose whether to initialize a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase.
- If required, update the device firmware through Ledger Live (follow prompts carefully).
Only apply firmware updates when prompted by the official Ledger Live application.
Step 3 — Initialize and secure your device
When you initialize a new Ledger device, you'll create a PIN and receive a recovery phrase. These steps are critical — handle them carefully.
- Create a PIN: Choose a PIN code you can remember but that is hard to guess. PIN entry always occurs on the device screen, not the computer.
- Backup your recovery phrase: The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase (or 12/18 on some models/configs). Write the words exactly, in order, on the provided recovery sheet or a secure metal backup. Store the backup offline in one or more secure locations.
- Confirm the phrase: You'll be asked to confirm words to ensure you copied them correctly.
Warning: Ledger staff or support will never ask you for your recovery phrase. Never type it into a website or store it digitally.
Using Ledger Live — add accounts
After initialization, add cryptocurrency accounts in Ledger Live to view balances and prepare transactions.
- Open Ledger Live and go to Accounts > Add account.
- Select the coin (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and follow prompts to synchronize account data.
- Ledger Live will display derived addresses and balances; the device signs actions when you perform transactions.
Ledger Live does not hold your keys — signing always happens on the device.
Sending & receiving funds
All transactions are created in Ledger Live and must be verified and signed on your Ledger device.
- Receive: Click Receive for the chosen account. Verify the address shown in Ledger Live matches the address displayed on your device before sharing.
- Send: Click Send, enter recipient address and amount, then confirm details on the device screen before approving.
Always verify addresses and amounts on the hardware screen — this prevents host-level tampering.
Security best practices
- Never share your recovery phrase or enter it into a computer or website.
- Store recovery backups offline; consider durable options like steel plates for long-term safety.
- Use a strong, unique PIN and change it if you suspect compromise.
- Only download Ledger Live and firmware updates from ledger.com/start or the official stores.
- Verify transaction details on-device before approving any operation.
- Enable additional protections on linked services (email, exchanges) such as 2FA and hardware security keys.
Pro tip: Use separate devices or safes for different backup copies to protect against single-point failures.
Ledger Live Mobile & Bluetooth pairing
Ledger Live Mobile offers a convenient way to manage accounts on the go. For Ledger Nano X, pair via Bluetooth in the app; for USB-only devices, use a desktop or Android OTG connection where supported.
- Install Ledger Live Mobile from the App Store / Google Play.
- Open the app, select your device model, and follow pairing prompts. Approve pairing on the device.
- Use Bluetooth only in trusted environments and confirm pairing requests on-device.
Avoid Bluetooth in high-risk public networks if you can; desktop connections are recommended for critical operations.
Advanced features & integrations
Ledger supports a wide ecosystem: app management, staking support for selected assets, swap integrations, and third-party wallet compatibility. When using third-party services, always verify transaction details on your Ledger device and use reputable providers.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Device not detected: Try a different USB cable/port and ensure the cable supports data. Reboot Ledger Live and your computer.
- Firmware update fails: Reconnect the device and retry via Ledger Live. Do not install firmware from unofficial sources.
- Forgot PIN: Reset the device and restore from your recovery phrase — keep backups secure to enable this.
- Pairing problems (Bluetooth): Toggle Bluetooth, restart device and phone, and retry pairing. Confirm pairing on-device.
If issues persist, consult official Ledger support resources or contact Ledger support through ledger.com/start support links.
Privacy & responsible usage
On-chain transactions are public. To improve privacy, avoid address reuse, consider privacy-focused practices appropriate to your jurisdiction, and be mindful of the legal context for privacy tools. Ledger hardware helps protect keys and host-level metadata, but on-chain privacy depends on how you use addresses and services.
Ready to start?
Visit ledger.com/start to download Ledger Live, follow the guided setup, and secure your recovery phrase. With a properly initialized Ledger device and safe backup strategy, you can confidently manage cryptocurrencies with industry-grade protection.
Need help? Ledger's official Help Center and support pages are available at ledger.com/start — always verify URLs and never share your recovery phrase.