As cryptocurrency adoption continues to grow, securing your digital assets has never been more critical. Ledger, a leading name in hardware wallet solutions, offers robust, offline security to protect your crypto from hacks, theft, and online vulnerabilities. If you've just purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X, your journey begins at ledger.com/start — the official setup portal.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, from unboxing your device to securing your assets and making your first transaction.
Ledger is a French-based company known for its highly secure hardware wallets. These devices allow users to store their cryptocurrency private keys offline, in what is known as "cold storage." Unlike software wallets or exchange wallets, Ledger devices keep your keys disconnected from the internet, drastically reducing the risk of cyberattacks.
There are two main Ledger models:
Ledger Nano S Plus – Compact, affordable, and supports over 100 apps simultaneously.
Ledger Nano X – Offers Bluetooth connectivity, a larger screen, and more memory.
Both devices are compatible with Ledger Live, a companion application that acts as your user interface for managing your assets.
Start by navigating to ledger.com/start. This is the official and safest way to begin the setup process. The site guides you based on the device you’ve purchased and the operating system you're using (Windows, Mac, Linux, or mobile for Nano X).
From here, you can:
Download the Ledger Live app
Watch official tutorial videos
Verify your device's authenticity
Follow step-by-step instructions for setup
Ledger Live is the all-in-one app for managing your crypto portfolio. It allows you to install apps for each cryptocurrency, send and receive tokens, and track your holdings in real time.
To install:
Choose your OS and download Ledger Live from the official site.
Install and open the app.
Select “Get Started” and choose your device model.
During setup, the app will also help you verify the integrity of your device to make sure it’s genuine and not tampered with.
Once your Ledger Live app is ready, it's time to set up your hardware wallet.
Steps to initialize:
Power on the device by connecting it to your computer or charging it.
Choose “Set up as new device.”
Create a PIN code. This PIN protects your wallet and is required each time you connect it. Don’t forget it — entering the wrong PIN three times will wipe the device.
Write down your recovery phrase. The device will show you 24 random words — this is your recovery seed. It’s the only way to recover your wallet if your device is lost, damaged, or stolen.
⚠️ Never take a photo of your recovery phrase, store it digitally, or share it online. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet and store it securely offline.
After writing down the seed phrase, Ledger will ask you to confirm it by selecting the correct words in order. This step ensures you've backed it up properly.
Once confirmed, your Ledger is ready to use. Even if someone finds your device, they can’t access your funds without the correct PIN or seed phrase.
Ledger supports thousands of coins and tokens, but you need to install specific apps on the device for each one (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
To install apps:
Open Ledger Live
Navigate to the “My Ledger” tab
Connect your device and unlock it with your PIN
Select and install the coins you plan to use
Each app is small, but the number you can install depends on your device model. The Nano S Plus and Nano X can hold more apps simultaneously than the older Nano S.
Now that you have installed apps, it’s time to create accounts for each asset.
Go to “Accounts” in Ledger Live
Click “Add account”
Select the crypto asset
Follow prompts to connect and confirm on your device
Once accounts are added, you can:
Receive crypto: Generate a receiving address and verify it on your Ledger screen.
Send crypto: Enter the recipient's address, amount, and confirm the transaction on your Ledger device.
Track your portfolio: Ledger Live displays real-time prices and balances.
For experienced users, Ledger offers extra layers of security:
Passphrases: You can add a passphrase to your 24-word seed to create a hidden wallet.
Multiple accounts: Ledger Live supports multiple accounts for the same crypto.
Custom derivation paths: Useful for compatibility with advanced software wallets.
Additionally, Ledger devices are compatible with DeFi apps, staking platforms, and NFTs when connected with MetaMask, WalletConnect, or third-party services like MyEtherWallet and Keplr.
Ledger.com/start also links to the official Help Center. If you're experiencing problems, like:
Device not recognized
PIN forgotten
Syncing issues with Ledger Live
You’ll find tutorials, FAQs, and support ticket options. Always avoid third-party “support” — scammers often impersonate Ledger support staff to steal recovery phrases.
Ledger frequently updates firmware and apps to improve security and add features. Keep your device and Ledger Live up-to-date by following the official update prompts. These updates are signed and verified directly by Ledger.
Setting up your Ledger wallet via ledger.com/start is a straightforward process, but it's vital that you follow each step carefully. Your 24-word recovery phrase is your lifeline — it’s the only way to recover your funds if anything happens to the physical device.
By storing your crypto on a Ledger device, you gain full control over your digital assets, minimizing the risk of online theft, exchange hacks, or phishing scams. Whether you’re holding Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, or altcoins, Ledger offers a secure, user-friendly solution to protect your financial future.
Remember: not your keys, not your crypto. With Ledger, your keys — and your freedom — stay in your hands.
