Ledger Device Setup Guide 🚀

Your secure journey into managing digital assets starts here. Follow these steps carefully.

Phase 1: Initial Setup and Hardware Check

Before beginning, ensure you have a few minutes of uninterrupted time. Security is paramount.

1 Unbox and Verify Contents

Check the packaging for any signs of tampering or damage. Your Ledger Nano S/X should come with:

  • The device itself.
  • A USB cable.
  • 3 Recovery Sheets (blank paper cards).
  • A "Getting Started" leaflet.

🚨 Crucial Step: If the box seal is broken, or the device appears to have been opened, do not use it and contact Ledger support immediately.

2 Power On and Check Device Integrity

Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the supplied USB cable. The device will power on and display a welcome message (e.g., "Welcome" or "Welcome to Ledger Nano S/X").

  • Use the buttons on the device to navigate the on-screen instructions.
  • Press both buttons simultaneously to confirm a selection.

Phase 2: Creating Your Wallet (The Secure Heart of the Setup)

In this phase, you will create a new wallet and generate your unique Recovery Phrase.

3 Choose "Set up as new device"

On your Ledger screen, navigate and select the option to **"Set up as new device."**

4 Define Your PIN Code

A PIN is used to lock your device locally. You will be asked to choose a **4 to 8 digit PIN**.

  • Use the left/right buttons to change the digit.
  • Press both buttons to confirm a digit.
  • Confirm the entire PIN a second time.
Warning: Never use simple or sequential numbers (e.g., 1234 or 0000). Your PIN protects your device from local, physical access.

5 Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

This is the **most critical step**. Your device will now display a sequence of **24 English words** (your Recovery Phrase).

  1. Take one of the blank Recovery Sheets provided.
  2. Carefully write down each word, one by one, ensuring correct spelling and sequence.
  3. The order matters! Word 1, Word 2, Word 3... up to Word 24.
  4. NEVER take a photo, store it digitally, or type it on any computer. This phrase is the master key to your funds.

6 Confirm Your Recovery Phrase

After writing them down, the device will ask you to confirm a few random words (e.g., "Confirm word 10").

  • Navigate through the list of words on the device until you find the correct one you wrote down.
  • Press both buttons to select and confirm.

Once successfully confirmed, the device will display **"Processing"** followed by **"Your device is ready"**.

Phase 3: Installing Ledger Live and Management

Ledger Live is the official application for managing your Ledger device and accounts.

7 Download and Install Ledger Live

Go to the official Ledger website to download the **Ledger Live** application for your desktop or mobile device. Do not download Ledger Live from third-party app stores or untrusted links.

8 Initialize Ledger Live

Open Ledger Live and select **"Initialize a new Ledger device."** Follow the on-screen prompts, which will walk you through security checks to ensure you have correctly set up your device and stored your Recovery Phrase.

9 Install Crypto Applications

With your device unlocked and connected, navigate to the **Manager** section in Ledger Live.

  • Install the applications (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) for the cryptocurrencies you plan to hold.
  • You must install an app on the Ledger device before you can create an account for that coin in Ledger Live.

🔒 Security Summary: Remember These Golden Rules

Your funds are protected by your actions. Adhere to these principles: