Welcome — Quick overview

Ledger devices (Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus) provide a secure, easy-to-use foundation for managing cryptocurrencies. This guide walks you through buying an authentic Ledger device, setting it up for the first time, installing Ledger Live, protecting your recovery phrase, and performing basic transactions.

Ledger hardware wallets on a wooden surface

What is Ledger & Ledger Live?

Ledger is a company that builds hardware wallets — small, tamper-resistant devices that store your private keys offline. Ledger Live is the official companion app (desktop & mobile) used to interact with your Ledger device: view balances, receive/send crypto, stake supported assets, and connect to decentralized applications (DApps) securely.

The core security advantage: private keys never leave the device. Every action that requires authorization (sending funds, signing messages) must be confirmed physically on the device.

Before you buy

  • Only purchase Ledger devices from the official Ledger store or authorized resellers to avoid tampered units.
  • Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase; be suspicious of anyone who does.
  • Plan how you’ll securely store your recovery phrase (steel backup recommended for long-term security).

Choose the right Ledger device

Ledger offers models with different features and price points. Two popular options:

Ledger Nano X

Bluetooth & USB connectivity, bigger memory (multiple apps), mobile-friendly. Recommended if you want on-the-go management.

Best for: active users with many assets and mobile/desktop use.

Ledger Nano S Plus

USB connection, compact, lower price with strong security and support for many tokens. Great for users who primarily use desktop or want a secure cold storage device.

Best for: users prioritizing affordability with robust security.

What you'll need

  • A genuine Ledger device (Nano X or Nano S Plus).
  • A computer (Windows, macOS, Linux) or a mobile device (iOS/Android) and a cable or Bluetooth (Nano X) for connection.
  • An internet connection to download Ledger Live and firmware updates.
  • A secure place to write and store your 24-word recovery phrase — ideally offline and duplicated in secure backups.

Step-by-step: Set up your Ledger device (beginner friendly)

1

Unbox & verify authenticity

Open the box and check tamper-evident seals. Confirm the packaging looks authentic and includes the device, a USB cable, recovery sheets, and instructions. If anything looks altered, contact Ledger support before proceeding.

2

Download Ledger Live

Go to the official start page and download Ledger Live for your operating system. Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com. Install and open Ledger Live.

3

Initialize your device

  1. Connect the device to your computer or mobile.
  2. Follow on-screen prompts to choose “Set up as new device” or “Restore from recovery phrase” if you already have one.
  3. Create a PIN code directly on the device — choose a PIN you can remember but that isn’t easily guessable.
4

Write down your recovery phrase

The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase — write these words in order on the provided recovery sheet. Do not take a photo, do not type the phrase on a computer, and do not share it with anyone. Your recovery phrase is the only way to restore your wallet if you lose the device.

5

Confirm your recovery phrase and finish setup

The device will ask you to confirm a selection of words to verify you have recorded them correctly. When complete, Ledger Live will guide you to install apps and add blockchain accounts.

Tip: Use a steel backup (e.g., Cryptosteel) for long-term storage of your recovery phrase to survive fire, water, and physical degradation.

Install apps & add accounts in Ledger Live

Ledger devices manage multiple blockchains via lightweight apps. Use Ledger Live's Manager to install the crypto apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). Each app occupies device memory; the Nano X has more capacity than the Nano S Plus.

  1. Open Ledger Live → Manager → Connect and unlock your device.
  2. Search for the app you want (e.g., Bitcoin) and click “Install”.
  3. After installation, go to Accounts → Add account → select the currency and follow the prompts to synchronize.

Receive & send crypto (first transaction)

To receive funds, open the desired account in Ledger Live and click “Receive”. Verify the receive address on your device screen matches Ledger Live before sharing the address. For sending, create a transaction in Ledger Live and confirm the details on your device before approving — the device shows the exact amount and recipient address for verification.

Keep firmware & Ledger Live updated

Ledger periodically releases firmware updates to improve security and add features. Ledger Live will notify you when updates are available. Always update through Ledger Live and confirm updates on the device. Never install firmware from unofficial sources.

Strong security practices

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase or PIN with anyone.
  • Use a dedicated computer or phone for cryptographic operations when possible.
  • Split backups: consider splitting your recovery words into multiple safe locations (only if you understand the risks).
  • Enable passphrase (optional): a passphrase acts as an extra secret added to your 24-word phrase — powerful but complex; only use if you understand how to manage it safely.

Troubleshooting & common questions

If you encounter issues, try these steps:

  • Restart your computer/phone and reconnect the device.
  • Ensure Ledger Live is updated to the latest version.
  • Try a different USB cable or USB port.
  • Check official Ledger support articles — they provide step-by-step fixes for common errors.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Ledger safe?
A: Ledger devices are designed with a Secure Element to protect private keys. When used correctly (genuine device, secure recovery phrase storage), they are one of the most secure options for self-custody.
Q: Can I recover my wallet if I lose my device?
A: Yes — using your 24-word recovery phrase you can restore your wallet on another compatible Ledger device or supported wallet that accepts Ledger-compatible recovery phrases.
Q: Will Ledger ever ask for my recovery phrase?
A: No. Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase. If someone asks for it, treat it as a scam and do not share it.
Q: Do I need to be online to use Ledger?
A: The device itself works offline to sign transactions. You need an internet connection for Ledger Live to broadcast transactions, check balances, and download updates.

Further resources

Ready to start? Click the button below to go to the official Ledger Start page for downloads and setup instructions.

Go to Ledger Start

Deep dive: How Ledger secures your private keys

Ledger devices use a combination of hardware and software design choices to keep your private keys safe. Inside the device, private keys are generated and stored within a certified Secure Element (SE) — a tamper-resistant hardware chip designed to protect sensitive data. The firmware running on the Ledger device enforces strict rules: keys cannot be exported, and all signing operations (required to approve transactions) must be performed inside the device itself.

This architecture prevents remote attackers from extracting keys even if your computer is compromised. Additionally, Ledger Live and the device establish a secure channel for communication and require user confirmation on the device for any critical action.

Passphrase (optional advanced protection)

For users needing extra security, a passphrase is an additional secret — like a 25th word — that creates a new, hidden wallet derived from the 24-word phrase. Be cautious: if you forget your passphrase, you lose access to the funds in that hidden wallet permanently. Only use passphrases if you can securely manage and remember them.

Open-source components and audits

Ledger publishes and maintains open-source components of its software and subject parts of its stack to security audits. Regular firmware updates and community scrutiny help improve the platform. For maximum assurance, review the official security documentation and audit reports on Ledger’s site.

Common scams & social engineering to avoid

  • Phishing websites: Always verify the URL before downloading Ledger Live or visiting support pages. Bookmark official Ledger domains.
  • Fake support: Scammers posing as support may ask for your PIN or recovery phrase — never share these.
  • Counterfeit devices: Only buy from the official store or authorized resellers and verify packaging seals.
  • Recovery phrase sharing: Ads, messages, or someone offering technical help that asks for your recovery phrase is a scam.

Advanced & enterprise use

Ledger also offers enterprise-grade solutions (Ledger Enterprise Solutions) for institutions requiring secure custody, multi-user workflows, and compliance features. For developers, Ledger provides SDKs and documentation to integrate Ledger devices into custom applications and services.

Final words — ownership & responsibility

Using a Ledger device gives you full control of your crypto assets — that control comes with responsibility. Back up your recovery phrase, protect your PIN, apply updates, and follow the security guidance in this guide. If you do these things, you’ll have a secure, reliable way to hold and manage cryptocurrencies for years to come.

Note: This page is a getting-started guide. For technical specifications, support tickets, warranty or detailed tutorials, visit the official Ledger website and support center.